Scrabble players nationwide are eagerly anticipating the 5th Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Championship (JAMSC), a prestigious event in Nigeria’s competitive Scrabble calendar, set to be held in Gbagada, Lagos, from November 16 to 18.
This annual tournament, introduced by former Lekki Scrabble Club President Ebikeme Adowei, was created to honor his late mother, Janet Adowei, and to foster a deeper love and skill for the game within the Nigerian Scrabble community.
Over the years, JAMSC has become an essential platform for nurturing emerging Scrabble talent while offering seasoned players a chance to sharpen their skills.
“This tournament is more than just a competition,” says Adowei, “it’s about building a strong community and pushing Scrabble to new heights in Nigeria.”
The tournament provides valuable rating points and a supportive environment that encourages strategic thinking and mental agility, both of which are vital for players gearing up for the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The two-day championship promises to be both intense and rewarding, featuring a grand prize of 750,000 naira for the top performer.
Organizers have also ensured that spot prizes will add an extra layer of excitement, with past editions rewarding players for milestones achieved during play.
Registration is open online at scrabblejamclassic.com until November 13, with players across the country finalizing their entries.
Last year’s tournament witnessed a thrilling performance by Ryan Jacob, who stunned audiences by winning nine consecutive matches on the second day, clinching the title with an impressive record of 14 wins out of 16 games.
The JAMSC Hall of Fame includes names such as Olumide Oyejide, who won the inaugural edition in 2020, and George Ezinore, who triumphed in 2022 and currently ranks second in the African Scrabble Championship standings.
The 5th JAMSC promises yet another memorable event, with top players, notable figures like Chief Superintendent Femi Okunowo of Nigeria Police Scrabble, and over 100 participants expected to join for a weekend of contest, camaraderie, and community-building.