This Friday, while the excitement of Final Four celebrations filled the streets of San Antonio, a quieter yet equally passionate gathering unfolded at the Coates Chapel. Thirty dedicated Scrabble enthusiasts convened for the opening day of the Texas State Scrabble Championship.

Hosted at the University of Texas at San Antonio Southwest Campus, this three-day event showcases nearly 60 players from across Texas, competing for cash prizes in five divisions. Notably, the championship marks the return of a beloved competition that was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-organizer Matt Canik expressed the community’s enthusiasm for the event’s return. “The shutdown was disheartening for us, especially since Texas is one of the few states that hold a Scrabble championship,” he stated. Canik took initiative by reaching out to former organizers Mike Willis and Brian Pepper, who readily supported his efforts to bring the championship back, eager to participate themselves.

The event commenced with a five-game early bird tournament, enabling players to demonstrate their skills in a more relaxed environment compared to a traditional competition. Patricia Barrett, a seasoned competitor, noted the differences in playing environments, stating, “At home or in a Scrabble club, you can talk. Here, you can’t talk. It’s just good Scrabble manners.”

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, Alex Rivard, another co-organizer, highlighted the growing popularity of Scrabble tournaments in San Antonio, emphasizing their commitment to making the game accessible to a broader audience. “It’s really important to both of us to help make the game more accessible to people in San Antonio, around Texas, and beyond,” he remarked.

Players like Canik, Rivard, and their peers appreciate the blend of strategy and luck inherent in Scrabble. The game, which requires players to form words using letter tiles on a 15×15 board, demands not only vocabulary skills but also tactical thinking.

The excitement around Scrabble extends beyond the competition itself. Matt DeWaelsche, a player with four decades of experience, stated, “Any Scrabble player who’s any good is very smart.” He emphasized the community aspect, highlighting the intriguing conversations that arise among players.

Canik shared his childhood experience with Scrabble, recalling how his older brother consistently outperformed him. This led him to explore online Scrabble, allowing him to improve his skills at his own pace. “Once I realized I could play Scrabble without having to lose to my big brother every time, it became fun,” he stated.

Additionally, player Orry Swift credited his participation in spelling bees for his Scrabble success and mentioned how his strategy has evolved over time. “Studying these words, knowing they already exist, is not enough. It’s kind of like learning a new language,” he explained.

As the tournament progresses, organizers are hopeful that events like the Texas State Scrabble Championship will rekindle public interest in the game and propel a resurgence of Scrabble tournaments. Canik expressed his excitement: “We’re bringing this competition back, and we’re thrilled about it.”