League of Legends Veteran PapaSmithy Joins FlyQuest as President and CGO
In a significant move, veteran League of Legends professional and former caster Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith has taken on the role of President and Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) at FlyQuest, an esports organization known for its dedication to showcasing greatness. As the new president and CGO, PapaSmithy will lead FlyQuest’s esports teams and work towards expanding the organization’s mission.
PapaSmithy’s move to FlyQuest marks a natural progression in his career, following his time as a pro player, caster, and general manager. He expressed admiration for FlyQuest’s work and saw an opportunity to contribute to their vision. The organization understands the importance of strong processes and individuals in achieving greatness, which resonated with PapaSmithy.
As CGO, PapaSmithy will focus on the League of Legends and Super Smash Bros. teams, bringing his expertise and business-driven perspective to the table. Simultaneously, as the president of FlyQuest, he will serve as the figurehead, representing the organization in conversations and utilizing its past and present to shape its future.
PapaSmithy’s Reputation and Role at FlyQuest
PapaSmithy’s reputation in the gaming, esports, and League of Legends communities is well-established. Michael Viola, the owner of FlyQuest, expressed excitement about his addition to the organization and highlighted his role in team and player development. PapaSmithy’s focus will extend beyond competition, as he aims to engage with FlyQuest fans and the LCS community in unique ways.
Prior to his role at FlyQuest, PapaSmithy spent almost four years as the general manager of 100 Thieves’ LCS team. He led the team to their first LCS Championship in 2021 and guided them to three consecutive playoff finals. Despite internal disagreements about the team’s future, PapaSmithy’s experience in constructing and leading rosters contributed to his natural evolution into his new roles at FlyQuest.
Working alongside general manager Nick Phan, PapaSmithy aims to expand FlyQuest beyond competition and focus on growing fandom. He believes many organizations have overlooked the importance of cultivating a strong fan base, and he wants to change that by ensuring fans feel rewarded and connected to the organization’s goals.
FlyQuest’s Unique Initiatives and PapaSmithy’s Vision
Since its founding in 2017, FlyQuest has distinguished itself internationally by advocating for various causes through initiatives like “TreeQuest,” “BeeQuest,” and “SeaQuest.” Joining FlyQuest, PapaSmithy was inspired by their wholehearted approach and transparency with fans. Although the scope of these initiatives is still being explored, PapaSmithy is excited to immerse himself in them and maintain a fan-focused approach in 2023.
Regarding FlyQuest’s plans for the upcoming LCS offseason, details are currently unclear. However, PapaSmithy intends to maintain his focus on the North American amateur scene, an area he deeply cares about. He was instrumental in the formation of 100 Thieves Next, an amateur team, and aims to leverage his experience to support talent development within FlyQuest.
While his direct involvement in professional League of Legends may change, PapaSmithy remains committed to his esports journey. With the support of FlyQuest’s leadership, he is determined to make FlyQuest the fan-favorite organization.
Looking ahead, PapaSmithy is eager to utilize the tools at his disposal to continue telling the stories of League of Legends players and contribute to FlyQuest’s success on multiple levels. He believes it will be an exciting ride and is enthusiastic about what the future holds for him and the organization.