Title: The 2023 K. Fokam International Scrabble Tournament: A historic victory for the Congolese Ibn Ngumba
Introduction :
From July 2 to 8, the K. Fokam 2023 international scrabble tournament was held in Kribi, Cameroon. This major event, organized by the Ligue Professionnelle de Scrabble Francophone, brought together players from 8 African countries. Among them, the Congolese Ibn Ngumba brilliantly won the competition, thus becoming the African scrabble champion. This victory is all the more remarkable when one considers the difficult conditions in which Ibn Ngumba and his compatriot traveled to the tournament, crossing more than 2,500 kilometers by bus to represent their country. A look back at this exceptional performance that made the Democratic Republic of Congo proud.
An impressive journey:
From the group stages, Ibn Ngumba distinguished himself by qualifying for the 16th finals. His journey then led him to face the reigning African champion, a duel of champions that marked the spirits. In the round of 16, he eliminated a formidable opponent, the Gabonese Ilagou Schelick, vice-world champion twice. In the quarters and semi-finals, the Congolese continued his momentum by beating two other Gabonese players, Beyeme and Kakou Toyo. Finally, it was in the final that he triumphed over Chadian champion Iram Rilengar Maxime, thus winning the competition’s highest honor.
Sacrifices to represent the DRC:
Although the victory is there, it is important to underline the difficult conditions in which Ibn Ngumba and his compatriot participated in this tournament. Lacking financial means, they had to make a grueling journey crossing the Congo River and then taking a bus that took them to the Cameroonian border. From there, they had to find another means of transport to reach Kribi, a town they only knew by name. These sacrifices testify to their determination and pride in representing their country on the international stage.
The K. Fokam Millionaires Tournament:
This event, baptized “the K. Fokam millionaires tournament”, is above all the initiative of Daniel Essomba, a talented scrabble player and member of the STC Club of Yaoundé. Aware of the challenges facing scrabble in Africa, he took up the challenge of creating a tournament that highlights the professionalization of this sport of the mind. Its objective is to take Scrabble out of precariousness and allow players to live fully from their art. The tournament is named after its main patron, Dr. Paul Kammogne Fokam, and marks a new era for scrabble in Africa.
Conclusion :
Ibn Ngumba’s victory at the K. Fokam 2023 international scrabble tournament is a source of pride for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and testifies to the passion and talent of Congolese players. Despite the difficulties encountered, they were able to overcome the obstacles to shine on the international scene. This tournament, placed under the sign of the professionalization of scrabble, opens new perspectives for this sport of the spirit in Africa. Ibn Ngumba will forever go down in African Scrabble history and inspire many players to pursue their passion with determination and perseverance.