Buzz As Kenya Hosts 2nd PANASA President's Cup 'Triumvirate Showdown' In August

Buzz As Kenya Hosts 2nd PANASA President's Cup 'Triumvirate Showdown' In August

Our Reporter

The second edition of the Pan African Scrabble Association-sanctioned President's Cup, titled 'Triumvirate Showdown,' is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, from August 14 to 17 this year. Preparations for the championship are already underway, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

This edition introduces an exciting format where players will form teams of three, referred to as 'triumvirates,' with a maximum of two players from each of the three categories: Pool A, B, and C.

According to the organizers, this concept is designed to create a competitive landscape where teams can face off with nearly equal strength within their respective divisions.

A total of 36 slots are available for teams at the four-day tournament, which will be held at the classic Trademark Hotel in Nairobi.

PANASA President Adekoyejo Adegbesan revealed the tournament details to the media and emphasized the significant impact the President's Cup will have across the continent, as players are already competing for team selection across nationalities.

"The 2025 President's Cup is going to be a scrabble tournament with a difference," he declared.

"There will be 36 teams divided into six groups of six. Players have the option to register as a single-country team, meaning all players can come from the same country or as a multi-country team."

"Registering as a single-country team comes with a slightly higher fee than registering as a multi-country team. This approach will encourage interaction and bonding, as well as provide opportunities for knowledge-sharing among players."

"Africa has produced only one world champion, Wellington Jighere, a Nigerian, in 2015, right? We believe that holding the President's Cup in August, just three months before the World English Language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana, will better prepare our players for a strong showing at the global tournament," stated Adegbesan.

The announcement has generated significant excitement, prompting players to form teams and connect across borders through shared interests and friendship.

A total cash prize pool of $25,000 will be distributed among 16 successful teams, with the winner of Division A expected to receive $6,000 and flight tickets to the 2025 WESPAC in Ghana.

Games will be conducted in a two-round-robin format, allowing players to engage in 30 rounds of matches. Some of the registered teams include: D' Warriors, Ace, Skywalkers, Wazito, Mavericks, Wunderkinds, Shrunken, Blitzkrieg, Lexiworld, and Pioneer, among others.

It is worth noting that Victor Godwin, a Nigerian, won the 2023 edition of the tournament held in Lagos.