I’m not going to MGI International Scrabble Classics for fun – Curtis
As the date of one of the most exciting and thrilling scrabble events on the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) calendar, the MGI International Scrabble Classics, United Kingdom, draws closer, players who have entered for the event are talking tough.
One of such players heading to London for the three days of intense jamming session is the Technical Director of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), John Curtis.
John Curtis, believes the trip to the United Kingdom is not tourism related, but simply sports business.
“I’m not going to London to sell groundnuts or count street lights, as well as bridges. But to compete among the very best wordsmith and prove my status as a Masters Player.” Curtis told newstap.com.ng.
Over 100 players drawn from 4 continents have confirmed their participation in the three-day event at Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn), in Milton Keynes, England.
“I will be defending and showcasing the colours of Nigeria, as well as that of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), with pride and the very best of commitment that is associated with what top scrabble players can give.” he added
The three-day tournament will start on Saturday, the 4th of May and end on Monday, the 6th, 2024, it’s a 25 rounds of games competition, that is in three divisions.
9 rounds of games will be played on Saturday and Sunday, while 7 will be played on Monday the final day of the International Classics. In each category. James Burley, is the Chief Tournament Director and Khaleel Adedeji, fondly called Dynamite is the Deputy Tournament Director.
Nigeria, the world’s best scrabble playing nation, top the list of countries heading to London for the competition, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone are the other African countries attending.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, that has been very friendly with the game of words is footing the bill of John Curtis’s trip the United Kingdom.
Our correspondent understands that the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Mick Legg, will declare the tournament open. This development has received lots of praises and commendations from scrabble stakeholders across the globe.
In 2023, when Lagos State, played host to the best scrabble event outside the World Championship, the PANASA President’s Cup (PPC), and the African Scrabble Youth Championship (AYSC), the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, neither the State Sports Commission chairman, nor the current Nigeria Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, did not attend or send a representative.
Over 11,000 pounds have been set aside as prize money for the three divisions, with the winner of Division A getting 2,000 pounds, in a prize pool of 5,500 pounds. The top prize in Division B is 1,000 pounds, while 7 other players in that division will share 2,100 pounds. 2,400 pounds is the total prize money for Division C.
We understand that there will be 15 spot prizes, 5 on each day of the grueling 25 rounds of games event, with lots of souvenirs to go with it.
Ghana based security outfit, Ojeyz Security Management Company and the famous fashion designer Frontpage Couture, are backing the MGI International Scrabble Classics.
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