Scrabble: A Congolese wins the K. Fokam 2023 international tournament
The world of Scrabble is in turmoil following the resounding victory of the Congolese Ngumba Ibn at the international tournament K. Fokam 2023, which was held from July 02 to 08 in Kribi, Cameroon. Organized by the Ligue Professionnelle de Scrabble Francophone, this event brought together players from eight African countries, including Cameroon, Benin, Ivory Coast, Niger, DRC, Chad, Gabon and Togo.
For Ngumba Ibn, winning this tournament was a real feat. He managed to stand out against formidable opponents from major Scrabble nations. After a group stage, where he qualified for the elimination stages, he brilliantly won the final against the Chadian Iram Rilengar Maxime, thus becoming the African champion of this prestigious competition.
Ngumba Ibn’s victory is all the more remarkable as his journey to the tournament was strewn with pitfalls. Due to lack of financial resources, he and his companion had to undertake a long journey by bus from the DRC, crossing the Congo River and traveling more than 2,500 kilometers in two days to reach Kribi, Cameroon.
The participation of Ngumba Ibn and other Congolese players in the tournament was limited due to passport issues. Only two Congolese players were able to make the trip, but they were able to proudly represent their country by reaching the final stages of the tournament.
This tournament, called “the K Fokam millionaires tournament”, is the initiative of Daniel Essomba, Scrabble player and member of the STC Club of Yaoundé. Its objective is to promote Scrabble as a professional sport in Cameroon and to allow players to live fully from their art. With the support of partners and a dedicated organizing committee, Daniel Essomba has managed to turn his dream into reality by organizing a high-level tournament that is attracting the interest of Scrabble enthusiasts in Africa.
Ngumba Ibn’s victory at the 2023 K. Fokam International Tournament is a historic moment for Congolese Scrabble and an inspiring example for all players passionate about this word game. It demonstrates that perseverance and talent can triumph even in the face of difficulties and formidable adversaries.
Scrabble continues to grow in popularity in Africa and this major event helps boost the credibility and appeal of this intellectual game. Congratulations to Ngumba Ibn and all the other participants for their commitment and passion for Scrabble. May this victory serve as an inspiration to all Scrabble enthusiasts across the continent, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and push their limits in this captivating game of words.