2023 K. Fokam International Scrabble Tournament: Congolese Ngumba Ibn wins
From July 2 to 8, the K. Fokam 2023 international tournament took place in Kribi, Cameroon, organized by the Professional Francophone Scrabble League. This unmissable event brought together players from eight African countries, including Cameroon, Benin, Ivory Coast, Niger, DRC, Chad, Gabon and Togo. And it was finally the Congolese Ngumba Ibn who won the competition, becoming African scrabble champion.
This tournament, dubbed “the K Fokam millionaires tournament”, attracted the attention of forty-nine players, including two Congolese. After the group stages where each player was grouped in one of the eight groups of six participants, the DRC fought its way to the final, where Ngumba Ibn brilliantly triumphed against the Chadian Iram Rilengar Maxime.
Ngumba Ibn’s victory holds a special significance as he had to face many obstacles to participate in the tournament. The Congolese player had to make a long journey by bus, crossing the Congo River and traveling all over Congo Brazzaville to the Cameroonian border. Despite these difficult conditions, Ngumba Ibn wanted to proudly represent his country and hoist the colors of the DRC high on the podium.
Daniel ESSOMBA, the man behind the K Fokam millionaires tournament
This exceptional scrabble tournament, bearing the name “Millionaires K Fokam Tournament”, is the initiative of Daniel ESSOMBA, nicknamed “Gypsy Master”. Accomplished scrabble player and member of the STC Club of Yaoundé, Daniel ESSOMBA undertook this revolutionary project with the aim of changing the image of scrabble in Cameroon.
His vision was greeted with skepticism at first, but a few people believed in his project. He was thus able to form a dynamic Organizing Committee which worked tirelessly to make this dream come true. Obtaining the sponsorship of the famous footballer Géremi Njitap, former player of the Cameroon national team, was a highlight of this adventure.
The main objective of Daniel ESSOMBA is to take Scrabble out of precariousness and allow players to live fully from their art. The K Fokam Millionaires Tournament thus marks a turning point for scrabble in Cameroon, laying the foundations for professional scrabble in Africa and around the world.
In conclusion, the 2023 K. Fokam International Scrabble Tournament was a real success, bringing together players from eight African countries who are passionate about this word game. Ngumba Ibn’s victory, despite the difficulties encountered, testifies to the commitment and determination of the Congolese players. Thanks to initiatives such as the K Fokam Millionaire Tournament, scrabble in Africa and around the world finds new vitality and offers great prospects for the future.