Governor Diri Doubles Masters Prize as ₦20m Scrabble Classic Returns to Bayelsa

Posted : 27 July 2026

The sixth edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic will offer its richest prize purse yet, with nearly ₦20 million to be won when the tournament holds in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Aug. 1 and 2.

The increased prize money follows Governor Douye Diri's approval of a substantial boost to the tournament's rewards after the success of the 2025 edition, according to Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA), Daniel Alabrah.

Alabrah said the Masters category recorded the biggest increase, with this year's champion set to receive ₦2 million—double the amount awarded to last year's winner.

He noted that the governor's sustained support has transformed Bayelsa into one of Nigeria's leading centres for competitive scrabble while encouraging more young people to embrace the sport.

Alabrah also commended Diri for extending government support beyond mainstream sports such as football, wrestling, swimming, and boxing, adding that scrabble has enjoyed remarkable growth under the current administration.

The championship, sanctioned by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) and the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), remains one of the marquee events on the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) calendar.

The opening rounds will take place at Matho Crystal Hotel on Imiringi Road, while the finals and closing ceremony are scheduled for the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall at the Bayelsa State Government House, where Governor Diri is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Bright Idahosa, described the Governor Diri Classic as the country's premier scrabble competition, attracting elite players from Nigeria and across the diaspora each year.

"We remain grateful to Governor Douye Diri for his consistent commitment to this championship. It has become the competition every serious scrabble player wants to be part of because of its quality, organisation, and prestige," Idahosa said.

He added that Bayelsa's peaceful environment and warm hospitality continue to make the tournament a favourite among competitors.

More than 300 players from Nigeria and other West African countries are expected to participate in this year's edition, promising another fiercely contested championship in one of Africa's leading scrabble events.

With increased prize money and a growing international profile, this year's Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic is set to reinforce Bayelsa's status as a major destination for competitive scrabble in Africa.

Governor Diri Doubles Masters Prize as ₦20m Scrabble Classic Returns to Bayelsa

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics