Home » Mercer County Residents Compete in Scrabble Invitational Tournament

Mercer County Residents Compete in Scrabble Invitational Tournament

by Mary Galioto

Sixteen of the best Scrabble players in the region will meet this Sunday, January 25th, at Classics Books in Trenton New Jersey for the 15th Classics Scrabble Invitational to decide who will be the reigning Scrabble champion.[quote_box_right]”This year, we get to play ‘bromance’ and ‘frenemy!'” said Classics Books owner, Eric Maywar, of the official Scrabble dictionary updates.[/quote_box_right]

Seven players of the sixteen players are from Mercer County, including student Evan Halliday from Trenton, artist Roger Long from Bordentown, photographer Jon Naar, bookstore owner Eric Maywar, Michael Sampson, former president of the Brown University Scrabble Club, designer Dan Robinson of Pennington (four time invitational Grand Champion) and researcher Sarah Ohls of Pennington (two time invitational Grand Champion).

“I think what Eric Maywar has done with his community-building through games is wonderful. His weekly Scrabble night and annual tournament gives me the opportunity to hang out with some old friends, make new ones, and get to participate in a few fun games of Scrabble. Sarah [Dan’s wife] and I have been attending for over thirteen years, back when Eric’s bookstore was in a tiny basement in New Hope. He’s moved locations a few times, but the core Scrabble enthusiasts have moved with him, proving that community extends beyond your zip code,” said competitor Dan Robinson.

Their biggest competition comes from Temple student Megan Iurilli (formerly from Trenton) who is the top ranked player, according to her record from the 2014 season, is a two time former Grand Champion and the reigning 2014 Grand Champion. Other former Grand Champions in attendance include artist Barbara Keogh, president of Gross Machines Bruce Gross and actress Alice Weber.

National anthem to be sung by Trentonian Cherry Oakley at 12 noon to kick off the contest.

UPDATE: Final results – Barbara Keogh #1. Arthur Iurilli #2. Tim Walker #3. Marion Brien #4. Congrats!

(Photo credit: Bruce Bentzmann)

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