The fifth edition of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament will serve as a vital preparation for the World English-Language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Accra, Ghana.
This was disclosed by Chief convener Emmanuel Egbele who highlighted some of the critical roles the ‘Quinta Essentia’ edition of the EEAST will play ahead of the world championship scheduled for November this year in the West African country.
The South-west coordinator said the Nigeria Scrabble Federation will be on the lookout for players who could represent the country at the forthcoming global championship.
“Like we know, EEAST is always open to everybody, from players across the country to international players as well. The tournament is open to all players including top players who have represented the country internationally. This year’s edition holds a huge significance. As you know, the WESPAC will be coming to Africa for the second time and it’s going to be in Accra, Ghana, after Kenya hosted it in 2007. So this makes the EEAST very significant as the Nigeria Scrabble Federation will be looking intensely at as a means of getting some of the top players who will represent the country at the global stage.”
Despite the expected presence of heavyweights like 2022 winner and former African champion Enoch Nwali and the current African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko as well as other top contenders, Egbele assured that new players would also have a their own circle of competition despite sharing the same playing arena with the experienced jammers.
Players from rating 1299 and below will meet in the Challengers category while those with 1300 and above will compete in the Elites zone.
As part of the innovation for this edition, a Sages category for the veterans has been introduced for older players.
A total cash prize pool of 5 million naira has been placed on the table including the star-prize money of 700,000 naira.
Organisers have also promised to give spot prizes and gifts to deserving players.
The EEAST is scheduled to take place at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites from July 5 to 6 this year.
