- Over 90 players from Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda competing for ₦5 million in prize money
- New “Final Four” knockout format introduced in the Elite Division
- International players like Charles Tachie-Menson and Dorothy Marion add global flair to the tournament
Scrabble enthusiasts and champions from across Africa have gathered in Lagos for the 5th edition of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST), which kicked off this weekend at the prestigious Eko Hotel.
Ekohotblog reports that the tournament, tagged ‘Quinta Essentia’, is set to host over 90 elite and emerging players from Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda, with more than ₦5 million in prize money up for grabs.
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Among the international stars gracing the boards is Charles Tachie-Menson of Ghana, who is no stranger to Nigerian tournaments, having clinched the title at the Lekki Scrabble Classic last year.
“I’m always thrilled to compete in Nigeria. The standard here is exceptional, and it pushes me to raise my game,” said Tachie-Menson. “I’m here to win again, and I know the competition will be fierce.”
Joining him is compatriot Segun Mudi, who will be battling it out in the Challenger Division, a category for rising players seeking to make their mark.
“This is my first time playing at EEAST, and I’m here to learn, compete, and hopefully surprise a few people,” Mudi shared confidently.
Also in attendance is Uganda’s Dorothy Marion, who has been preparing extensively for her Nigerian debut. A keen student of West African Scrabble, she is excited to finally test her skills in one of the continent’s most competitive scenes.
“Nigerian players are renowned for their aggressive yet strategic style. I’ve studied many of their games, and now I get to apply what I’ve learned on the board,” said Marion.
This year’s tournament introduces an exciting twist in the Elite Division: after 12 rounds of intense play on Day 1, the top four players will proceed to a ‘Final Four’ knockout stage.
The 1st-ranked player will face off against the 3rd, while the 2nd plays the 4th in a Best-of-Three showdown to determine the finalists.
“We’re constantly evolving the format to make it more competitive and thrilling for both players and fans,” explained Emmanuel Egbele, tournament sponsor and convener.
“The Final Four concept mirrors high-stakes playoff systems and brings a new level of excitement to the game.”
In the Challenger Division, players will battle it out using the Lagged Swiss and King-Of-The-Hill (KOTH) formats, guided by the Collins Scrabble Word (CSW 24) dictionary.
The division is expected to be fiercely contested, with many players hoping to earn promotions into the elite ranks.
Now in its fifth year, EEAST has grown from a domestic event into one of Africa’s premier international scrabble tournaments. It not only showcases talent but also fosters cross-border friendships and strategic exchanges among players.
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“The level of organization, hospitality, and competition at EEAST is top-tier. This event is now a cornerstone of African Scrabble,” noted Prince Anthony Ikolo, a veteran Nigerian player.
The tournament spans two days: 12 preliminary rounds on Day 1, followed by the knockout and final stages on Day 2.
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