Tachie-Menson conquers Nigeria to claim Lekki Scrabble Classics title

Ghanaian scrabble ace, Charles Tachie-Menson, recorded a sensational victory over rival John Ayedun to win the third Lekki Scrabble Classics in Lagos, Nigeria, last week to claim the one million Naira prize money and the trophy.

It was a significant victory for the Ghanaian as he not only claimed victory on foreign soil against the pre-tournament favourite but also achieved a measure of revenge against his Nigerian foe on Nigeria’s Independence Day —adding an extra layer of significance to his achievement.

The competition, which featured a star-studded line-up of Africa’s top Scrabble players, saw Tachie-Menson emerge as the standout performer. He bested some of the continent’s elite players, including reigning African champion, Enoch Nwali, Emmanuel Umujose, Samuel Adebola Samuel and West African champion Timilehin Doko.

The Ghanaian ace claimed 14 wins out of 18 games, ending with an impressive cumulative score of +977 points.

Passion and pride

For a player who reached a career-high eighth position at the 2023 World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) Championship in Las Vegas, this victory holds a special place in Tachie-Menson’s illustrious career. His trophy cabinet already boasts six National Championship titles and four Grand Master titles. Reflecting on his performance, he told the Daily Graphic that the way he conquered his Nigerian rivals, widely regarded as the best in Africa, evoked a unique sense of pride and satisfaction.

“It's been long coming. This one, though, was unexpected,” admitted Tachie-Menson.

“Nigerians are by far the best Scrabble players in Africa; in African Championship history, Nigerians have won 12 out of 14 tournaments and they disrespect us Ghanaians because of their achievements. So, I took it personally.”

Tachie-Menson dominated from Day One, leading on cumulative points after recording nine wins out of 11 rounds in Division A, while keeping three of his closest rivals at bay.

His emphatic 506-390 victory over defending champion Nwali in Round 9 propelled him to the top of the standings by the end of the opening day. The Ghanaian star was on fire on the second day, maintaining his stronghold to secure the championship, with Ayedun having to settle for second place and Umujose and Nwali finishing in third and fourth positions, respectively.

Reflecting on the tournament, Tachie-Menson admitted that his growing rivalry with Umujose served as a driving force throughout the event, adding that overcoming the home favourite en route to winning the competition filled him with immense pride and fulfilment.

“We have a personal rivalry. He has beaten me several times before and when I finally beat him on three occasions, it became a matter of pride for me to always come out on top. In this tournament, he defeated me in Round 7 after I had gone six games unbeaten, but we met again in Round 14 and I got my revenge,” he explained about the rivalry that fuelled his determination.

Continental championship

Looking ahead, Tachie-Menson is setting his sights on extending his dominance at this year’s African Championship in Kigali later this month, building on the momentum gained from the success he achieved at the 2023 WESPA Championship in Las Vegas.

Although moving from an eighth-place finish at last year’s global competition to the very top will be no small feat, the Ghanaian remains confident about his chances of claiming the continental title, especially with Ghana set to host the 2025 World Team Scrabble Championship and the 2025 WESPA Championship (qualifiers and main event).

“Personally, it would be another rung on the ladder,” Tachie-Menson remarked. “It’s like winning the nationals and going to Nigeria to beat them—these are two major milestones I have accomplished. Now, winning the African Championship is the next big step. And then, finally, capturing the World Championship title.”

“Fortunately for me, the next World Championships are right in Ghana. For Ghana as a whole, I am sure it will inspire a lot of players, upcoming players.”

With his recent victory in Lagos, Tachie-Menson has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in African Scrabble and he is poised to make even greater strides on the global stage.