The inaugural Ultimate Scrabble Showdown (USS) is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from July 19-21, 2024, showcasing a high-stakes duel between the best players in the continent.
This groundbreaking tournament slated Lekki, Lagos, promises to be an exciting spectacle for word game enthusiasts.
The event will feature current African champion Enoch Nwali facing off against West African champion Timilehin Doko.
Both players, who are undergraduates at the University of Lagos, are ranked as the top two Nigerian players by the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA).
The showdown will consist of 21 rounds of intense gameplay, hosted at a serviced apartment in Lekki, Lagos. This venue has been chosen to reflect the prestigious nature of the event.
Olatunde Oduwole, the initiator of the USS, expressed his excitement about the tournament, describing it as “creamy, dreamy, and delightful.” He emphasized the high caliber of play expected from the contestants, stating, “They are going to bring delightfulness… They have to give their best.”
A unique feature of the USS will be live commentary and analysis of the games. Commentators will provide insights into the players’ strategies, rack management, and endgame techniques, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the game’s intricacies.
Oduwole highlighted the educational aspect of the event, explaining that the USS aims to encourage students at all levels to study and gain more knowledge about Scrabble. “The main reason behind Ultimate Scrabble Showdown is to create a frenzy for studying the books of Scrabble and play optimally,” he said.
The tournament has already garnered support from stakeholders in the Scrabble community, who see it as a valuable initiative for popularizing the game. With its innovative format and focus on top-tier play, the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown is poised to become a significant event in the African Scrabble calendar.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating this clash of Africa’s Scrabble titans, which promises to elevate the game’s profile and inspire a new generation of word enthusiasts.
