Nso has extended its remarkable run at the top of Cameroon English Scrabble, retaining the national crown for a third consecutive year after a demanding final organised by the Cameroon Scrabble Federation.
The latest triumph continues a pattern that has made Nso a major force in the competition. In 2025, the first three positions were all taken by players from Nso. The 2026 results again placed Nso players prominently among the leading contenders, underlining the depth of Scrabble talent from the area.
The competition brought together 12 players divided into three groups of four. Each player faced the other three in the group before the two best players from each group and the two strongest third-placed players advanced to the quarter-finals.
The knockout stage produced several closely fought encounters. Christian Shofola progressed after overcoming his quarter-final opponent in two games, while other contenders also had to negotiate two-leg ties before the semi-finals.
In one of the semi-finals, Christian Shofola and his opponent shared a win each, but he secured the place in the final on aggregate, scoring 726 points against 674. The other semi-final produced the second finalist after another hard-fought contest.
The championship then came down to a single final game. Shofola, the defending champion, held his nerve to retain the trophy and complete two successive national titles. His latest victory gives Nso a third consecutive championship success.
The final also saw Leinyuy Saber Emelienne, the 2024 national champion, finish second. Yaya Emelienne, who is also Executive Director of Cameroon Women in Action Society (CAWAS), said her attachment to Scrabble began with a love of words and strategy rather than a desire for titles.
“I did not start Scrabble to be a champion. I started because I was curious about how letters can become power.”
She said the game had improved her English, patience and concentration. Her first national championship appearance in 2024 ended with her taking the title. She then finished second in 2025 and again in 2026.
For Yaya Emelienne, the latest runner-up finish was evidence that she could remain among the country leading players.
“For some, second is just second, but for me, it is proof that I belong at the top,” she told Hilltopvoices.
She said her journey started with games involving family members, friends and schoolmates, including her late uncle who introduced her to Scrabble. Preparation later became more serious, with long hours spent learning new words and studying strategy.
The 2026 result has also added another layer to the growing Nso association with the competition. The community has produced several high-level players in recent editions, creating a reputation around a place whose distinctive speech patterns are often noticed in everyday conversation.
On the Scrabble board, however, pronunciation is not what determines the winner. Players must recognise words, spell them correctly, calculate scores and choose the right move under pressure.
Yaya Emelienne wants more people to see the game beyond its traditional image.
“Scrabble is not just a game for old people or for highly educated people. It is for everyone. It is fun, it is educational, and it can take you far.”
She urged parents to encourage children to play the game, saying it can strengthen vocabulary, spelling and confidence. She also called on the government and private sponsors to invest in mind games and provide more opportunities for young players.
The 2026 championship also included a school competition involving secondary school students. The young players went through four rounds before the final rankings and awards were determined, giving the federation an opportunity to expose a new generation to competitive Scrabble.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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