Freetown, November 14, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s top-ranked Scrabble player and All-Africa Games gold medalist, Emmanuel King Esq, is making waves at the ongoing World Scrabble Championship, delivering a standout performance that has placed him among the tournament’s most formidable contenders.
King, who currently holds the national number one spot, secured 10 wins out of 16 games, with an impressive spread of +358 and a winning percentage of 62.5%. His performance has not only reaffirmed his dominance on the board but also brought pride to Sierra Leone’s growing Scrabble community.
Joining him in the spotlight is Foday Fofanah, the country’s number two player, who overcame a rocky start after missing seven games on Day One due to travel delays. Despite the setback, Fofanah bounced back with six wins and two losses on Day Two. With four forfeited games factored in, his current standing is 6 wins, 6 losses, with a spread of –4 and a 50% win rate.
“I’m proud of how we’ve represented Sierra Leone so far,” King said in a brief statement. “We’re not just here to compete—we’re here to show that Sierra Leone belongs on the global Scrabble stage.”
Meanwhile, Ishmael Sesay, another member of the national team, has faced a challenging start, recording 4 wins and 10 losses, with a spread of –157 and a 37.5% win rate. Despite the early hurdles, Sesay remains optimistic. “It’s been tough, but I’m staying focused. A few better tile draws and I’ll be back in the game,” he said.
The World Scrabble Championship continues, with players from across the globe battling for top honors. For Sierra Leone, the tournament is not just about individual accolades, it’s a statement of resilience, talent, and the country’s rising profile in the world of competitive mind sports.
