On April 15, 2023, Cape Town, South Africa, hosted the world’s first in-person Scrabble Blitz Tournament. Sixteen players took part in the event, playing eight games of blitz Scrabble. While a typical tournament allows 25 minutes per player for each game, the Blitz format only allows 10 minutes, with an additional two minutes of overtime with point penalties. Exceeding the extra two minutes results in automatic forfeiture of the game, regardless of the player’s position.

The event was won by Harry Wiggins, the 2018 National Champion and the current Western Province Masters Champion. Neil Horne, a former Western Province Masters winner, came in second, an impressive feat having also completed the Two Oceans Marathon earlier in the day. Jarrod Page, the 2022 National and Masters Champion, rounded out the podium in third place.

This was an exciting event for Scrabble enthusiasts, as the Blitz format added a level of intensity to the game. The tournament also showcased the skill and dedication of the players, who had to think quickly and strategically to succeed within the tight time limits.

Cape Town’s next tournament is scheduled for April 30, 2023, as a warm-up event ahead of the National Collins Cup, taking place on May 13 and 14, 2023. The Collins Cup is a major event that attracts players from around South Africa and the rest of the African continent