Cicely Bruce Of Whangārei Is NZ’s Inaugural Women’s Scrabble Champion

Cicely Bruce of Whangārei has become New Zealand’s first Women’s Scrabble Champion.  The inaugural tournament, held in Auckland this past weekend drew a field of Grand Masters and experienced players from New Zealand and Australia. 

Cicely won 15 of her 16 games, ahead of Anderina McLean of Whanganui on 13 games and Joanne Craig, a New Zealander living in Sydney, also on 13 games.

The nail-biting final day 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.  

Winning the 2026 national women’s title is a great start to the year for Scrabble Grand Master Cicely.  She was also a member of the winning NZ team last year which won the Trans-Tasman Championship from Australia for the first time in 14 years. Cicely is an experienced international player and played in several overseas tournaments last year including the World Seniors Championship in Berlin;  the Continental Championship in Budapest; the Queensland Championship and the Australian Women’s Championship in Townsville.

Reflecting on her win, Cicely says,

“I had no expectation of winning when up against top players from New Zealand and Australia. Particularly when also competing was Joanne Craig, a very highly rated player and the current Australian Women’s Champion. However, the stars aligned and the tile gods were kind and I was thrilled to come out on top. 

I am also very pleased that the inaugural title went to a New Zealander, and I hope to defend it next year.”

The final top ten placings at the NZ Women’s Scrabble Championships:

1. Cicely Bruce (GM)             
2. Anderina McLean (GM)    
3. Joanne Craig (GM)            
4. Jane Taylor                         
5. Carmel Dodd                      
6. Val Mills (E)
7. Liz Fagerlund (GM)  
8. Lorraine Van Veen             
9. Tara Hurley                         
10. Jeanette Grimmer

NOTE:

(GM): Grand Master

(E): Expert 

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