World No. 3 Hubert Wee Secures 20th Indian Open Scrabble Crown in Bengaluru
The vibrant city of Bengaluru recently played host to a thrilling display of lexical prowess as the 20th Indian Open International Scrabble Championship concluded with Singapore's Hubert Wee, ranked third globally, emerging victorious. This prestigious event, organized by the Karnataka State Scrabble Association, unfolded over four intense days at the Whitefield premises of sponsor Mu Sigma, drawing participants from around the world.
A Tournament of Strategy and Skill Across Divisions
The competition featured 165 players meticulously divided into four divisions based on experience, from the elite A Division to the novice D Division. At the highest levels, Scrabble transcends mere vocabulary, demanding complex strategies and probability analysis. Hubert Wee's triumph in Division A earned him a prize of Rs 1.35 lakh, marking his second consecutive win at this event.
In other divisions, Kenya's Millie Kikechi claimed the Division B trophy, while India's Pranav Ramkumar dominated Division C with an impressive unbeaten 15-game streak. The tournament was livestreamed on the Let's Play Scrabble YouTube Channel, with commentary from players including Indian youth champion Madhav Kamath, adding to the event's accessibility and excitement.
Growing Global Appeal and Organizational Excellence
Event organizer Radhika Mahalingaiah highlighted the tournament's expansion, noting nearly 40 first-time participants and about 30 foreigners from 13 countries. She emphasized that sponsorships are crucial in elevating Scrabble's profile as a mental sport comparable to chess, a direction in which the game is steadily progressing.
The event attracted both veteran international players and newcomers, such as three participants from Mauritius. Among the distinguished attendees was Lukeman Owolabi, President of the World English Scrabble Players Association, who praised the tournament's innovations like livestreaming and paperless scoring for enhancing media exposure. He also commended the hosts' organizational skills and hospitality, while expressing intentions to promote the game among youth in Ireland.
Scrabble's Rising Profile in India and Beyond
This tournament follows a successful 2025 for Indian Scrabble, highlighted by 14-year-old Madhav Kamath's World Youth Scrabble Championship win. The Scrabble Association of India has launched a national title system, mirroring chess classifications, with India now boasting seven national grandmasters, 12 national masters, and 17 national experts. This structured approach aims to foster talent and recognition, further solidifying Scrabble's status as a competitive mental sport.
As Scrabble continues to gain momentum globally, events like the Indian Open in Bengaluru showcase its strategic depth and community spirit, promising a bright future for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
