Ghana is preparing to welcome the world’s elite Scrabble players as it hosts the World English-language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC 2025) from 10 to 16 November in the capital, Accra.
With just a day to go before the tournament begins, competitors from several countries have already started arriving in Accra, with the Palms by Eagles Airport City buzzing with anticipation ahead of Sunday’s opening event.
The prestigious tournament will see competitors from approximately 48 countries descend on the Palms by Eagles Airport City (formerly Holiday Inn), located just one kilometre from Kotoka International Airport, to compete for a share of the $34,000 prize pool.
The week-long championship begins with the Akwaaba Challenge on 10 November, a 10-game early bird tournament whose name means “welcome” in the Akan language. The following day features a Last Chance Qualifier, offering players who have not yet secured their spots an opportunity to join the main event by finishing in the top 20% of the field.
The centrepiece Main Event runs from 12 to 15 November, with 32 games determining which players will advance to the best-of-seven final on 16 November. Entry to the main championship costs $300, which includes refreshments and buffet lunch throughout the tournament.
Organisers have infused Ghanaian cultural elements throughout the event schedule. Side tournaments bear names steeped in local tradition: the Sika Challenge, named after the Akan word for gold, runs concurrently with the main event; whilst the Sankofa Challenge on 15 November takes its name from an Adinkra symbol representing learning from the past. The week concludes with the Adinkra Challenge before the championship final and awards ceremony.
The tournament is organised by WESPA, the World English-language Scrabble Players Association, which allocates qualification spots to member associations worldwide. The United States has been allotted 19 spots, whilst Canada receives 12. Players qualified based on peak ratings achieved during a period running from 31 December 2023 to 19 May 2025, with a minimum requirement of 31 rated games.
Ghana’s hosting of the championship marks a significant moment for competitive Scrabble in West Africa, bringing together the international English-speaking Scrabble community for what promises to be an exciting week of wordplay and cultural exchange.
The country’s selection as host comes on the back of its successful staging of Scrabble at the 13th African Games in March 2024, where the mind sport made its maiden appearance in African Games history as a demonstration sport. The tournament, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, featured competitors from eight English-speaking countries and showcased Ghana’s capability to organise major international sporting events.
Following the success of the African Games, expectations are high for WESPAC 2025. Organisers have promised what they believe will be “the best EVER Scrabble Tournament”, with the week-long championship expected to build on the momentum generated by Ghana’s successful introduction of Scrabble to the continental games last year.
Registration for the event closed on 30 September, with competitors now finalising their travel arrangements to Accra for next week’s tournament.
