UK Open (Scrabble)
The UK OPEN Scrabble Tournament is a British Scrabble tournament that was first organised in 2008. It is one of five major flagship tournaments overseen by the Association of British Scrabble Players (ABSP).
History
The five-day tournament has been held every year since 2008. The prize pool was £13,000 in 2011 and has become the largest Scrabble tournament in Europe.[1] Players from as far away as Australia, Nigeria, and the United States have participated with each player required to play 48 games. The tournament has revolutionized UK Scrabble.
Founder and organiser Len Moir said:
"There are people from around the globe. It’s one week, a great prize fund and 48 games – Coventry was chosen because it’s the centre of England and it has great air links. With Birmingham Airport nearby"[1]
The number one Scrabble player in the world, Nigel Richards from New Zealand, attended the 2012 tournament held at the Quality Hotel in Allesley. The tournament had previously been held at The Aston Court Hotel on Holyhead Road. Richards is the most successful player at the tournaments, having won it seven times.
On 16th November 2016, Moir announced on the Facebook group Scrabble Snippetz that he will be retiring from organising Scrabble tournaments. The UK Open will be organised for the final time on 4th - 8th of January 2017.
Previous Winners
Grand prize winners of the UK Open Scrabble Tournament
| Tournament Date | Location | Prize Fund | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (7) |
| 2015 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Paul Allan |
| 2014 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (6) |
| 2013 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (5) |
| 2012 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (4) |
| 2011 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (3) |
| 2010 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (2) |
| 5–9 January 2009 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Helen Gipson[2] |
| 7–11 January 2008 | Coventry | >£8,000 | Nigel Richards (1)[3] |
References
- 1 2 "Wordsmiths from all over the world in Allesley for UK Open Scrabble Tournament". Coventry Telegraph.net. Trinity Mirror Midlands Limited. 7 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ↑ CentreStar. "2009 UK Open Website". Retrieved 2011-05-06.
- ↑ CentreStar. "2008 UK Open Website". Retrieved 2011-05-06.
External links
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