New Zealand Has A New Scrabble Champion

Wellingtonian Dylan Early has become New Zealand’s 45th Scrabble Champion. The premier event in NZ’s Scrabble calendar drew a large field of experienced players and grand masters to Hamilton this long weekend. Early won 17 of his 24 games just ahead of Lewis Hawkins of Christchurch on 15 games and 12-times winner Howard Warner of Wellington on 14.

This year for the first time, the tournament was livestreamed with commentary from expert international Scrabble players. Thousands of viewers tuned in from all over the world to share the excitement, including expert players and non-Scrabblers.

The 2025 national title tops off a very impressive year for Early. He also won the 2025 NZ Masters title and was a member of the winning NZ team which took out the Trans-Tasman Championship for the first time in 14 years.

Originally from South Africa, Early has a very impressive international Scrabble record. He has won the South African national championships six times and has competed in six world championships in all parts of the globe.

Reflecting on his win, he says,

“This was a very exciting tournament with a tough field and gruelling schedule. The lead alternated between several top players throughout the weekend which made it very exciting for players and spectators alike. I suffered two early losses on the final day so thought my chances were over, but then my luck turned and I managed to win the next four in a row. Each game was hard-fought and I’m elated with the result and my second national title.”

The National Championships attracted 68 players from all parts of New Zealand and of all ages including 12-year-old Maheu T-Pole and15-year-old Cooper Ashley from Auckland. Mount Albert Scrabble Club took out the team prize.

Winners by grade are as follows:

GRADE A Dylan Early (Wellington)

GRADE B Murray Rogers (Golden Bay)

GRADE C Lynn Wood (Wellington)

GRADE D Carolyn Kyle (Dunedin)

GRADE E Tei Ngatai (Australia)

GRADE F Cooper Ashley (Auckland)

The Georgie Trophy for the player at the tournament with the biggest ratings gain went to Glenys Hansen from the Martinborough Scrabble Club.

For the full results of the National Championship or to find out more about New Zealand Scrabble and where you can join a club go to: https:scrabble.org.nz

To watch the livestream use the following links:

• Day 1 stream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YAnRDtU5BE
• Day 2 stream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7xnBtzRoMM
• Day 3 stream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PdP8JcbgRU

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