Record Prize Money Set for 2026 Africa Scrabble Championship

Organisers of the upcoming Africa Scrabble Championship have unveiled an enhanced prize fund for the 2026 tournament, with total awards set to reach $35,000, the highest in the history of the event.

The 16th edition of the tournament is scheduled for October 21–25, 2026, in Monrovia, Liberia, marking the first time the West African nation will host the major continental scrabble showdown.

Under the new payout plan, the champion will take home $10,000, double the previous top prize. Runners-up and other leading finishers will also see increased rewards, with organisers expanding cash prizes to the top 20 players — a departure from past editions that paid only a handful of competitors.

In addition to the larger prize pool, bespoke trophies will be presented to the top three players, adding prestige to podium placements. Despite the boost in rewards, entry fees for qualified participants have been kept at the same level as the last championship to encourage wider participation.

Officials said planning efforts are focusing on travel, accommodation, and other logistics, with national Scrabble associations expected to share complete event details with prospective players in the coming months.