Smith started taking part in bigger tournaments held in different cities as his rummy skills improved. He took on the nickname "Rummy Nabob" as his professional cash withdrawal appname after consistently placing well in these competitions. Smith invested the money he won from the tournament in a number of businesses, such as a chain of rummy clubs and a line of rummy-related goods. Through his quick ascent to fame, he became a well-known figure in the rummy world and attracted a devoted fan base.