The second edition of the Heroes Scrabble Tournament unfolded on Sunday at Nature Kigali, bringing together adult and junior players in a competition that organisers say reflects the steady growth of the game as a competitive mind sport in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Scrabble: Rwanda prepares for first local tournament Held over two days from January 31 to February 1, the tournament attracted players from different clubs and schools. In the adult category, Eustace Makhoka emerged winner, followed by Sang Stephen in second place and Titus Mugisha. In the junior category, Harmoni Wangeci took first place, with Pyther Banza and Warren Ajisafe finishing second and third respectively. Speaking after receiving his award, Makhoka thanked the organisers and fellow players. “I want to thank the organisers and the competitors. It was a good show, and most of all I thank our heroes, because it is through them that we have the freedom we enjoy today,” he said. The tournament was organised by the Rwanda Scrabble Association, which was formed in 2024 following increased interest in competitive Scrabble in the country. According to Anaclet Ruzindana, president of the association and one of its founding members, the idea of formalising Scrabble as a sport gained momentum after an African Scrabble tournament was hosted in Rwanda. “Scrabble was known mainly as a recreational game,” Ruzindana said. “But that tournament helped people see it as a competitive, internationally recognised sport. After that, we began organising ourselves as an association.” He said the association started with a small committee of five members in October 2024 and has since expanded to form three active clubs in Nyarutarama, Kanombe and Kimironko. Membership has grown to more than 100 players across the clubs. The association has also introduced Scrabble in schools, working with the Ministry of Education to pilot the programme. Ruzindana said Scrabble is now played in at least 19 schools, including public and private institutions. “Scrabble helps students develop vocabulary, mathematics skills, concentration and strategic thinking,” he said. “In one game, a student can learn dozens of new words.” Teachers who brought students to the tournament echoed the same view. Samuel Nalumenya, a teacher at Excella School, said Scrabble has helped learners build confidence and improve both language and numeracy skills. “In the first tournament, I brought only three students. This year, I managed to bring nine, and interest keeps growing,” he said.
