Scrabble enthusiasts and top-tier players from across Africa have gathered in Lagos for the 5th Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST).
EpeInsights reports that the prestigious event, held at the iconic Eko Hotel, has brought together more than 90 elite and emerging players from Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda, all competing for a share of the ₦5 million prize pool.
This year’s tournament, themed ‘Quinta Essentia,’ features several high-profile international players, including Charles Tachie-Menson from Ghana, who is well known for his success in Nigerian tournaments.
Tachie-Menson, the winner of the 2024 Lekki Scrabble Classic, expressed his excitement ahead of the competition.
“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 Segun Mudi, another Ghanaian player competing in the Challenger Division, which features rising players eager to make their mark in the Scrabble world.
Mudi shared his enthusiasm for his first participation in the EEAST, confident that he could surprise some of the established stars.
“This is my first time playing at EEAST, and I’m here to learn, compete, and hopefully surprise a few people,” Mudi remarked.
The tournament also features Dorothy Marion from Uganda, who has been intensively preparing for her debut in Nigeria. A fan of West African Scrabble, Marion is eager to test her skills against the competitive Nigerian players.
“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.
A key highlight of this year’s tournament is the introduction of a ‘Final Four’ knockout stage in the Elite Division.
After 12 rounds of play on Day 1, the top four players will compete in a Best-of-Three format: the 1st-ranked player faces the 3rd, while the 2nd plays the 4th. This exciting twist will determine the finalists, adding an extra layer of drama and anticipation to the event.
“We’re constantly evolving the format to make it more competitive and thrilling for both players and fans,” explained Emmanuel Egbele, the tournament’s sponsor and convener.
“The Final Four concept mirrors high-stakes playoff systems and brings a new level of excitement to the game.”
Meanwhile, the Challenger Division will feature formats like Lagged Swiss and King-Of-The-Hill (KOTH), with players competing under the Collins Scrabble Word (CSW 24) dictionary. This division will be fiercely contested as many players look to rise through the ranks and earn promotions to the Elite Division.
Now in its fifth year, EEAST has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious Scrabble tournaments.
It not only offers a platform for showcasing exceptional Scrabble talent but also fosters international friendships and strategic exchanges between players from different countries.
“The level of organization, hospitality, and competition at EEAST is top-tier. This event is now a cornerstone of African Scrabble,” commented Prince Anthony Ikolo, a veteran Nigerian player.
The tournament will span two days. Day 1 consists of 12 preliminary rounds, while Day 2 features the knockout and final stages. With a mix of experienced international players and hungry up-and-comers, this year’s event promises to be a truly competitive affair.
