Here is a brief introduction to the 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship for overseas visitors considering attending.
- What is it?
- This is the 27th North American SCRABBLE Championship (previously known as the National SCRABBLE Championship). It features about 500 players and 31 rounds of NASPA- and WESPA-rated play over five days on August 6–10, in a convention centre near two host hotels in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Where is Fort Wayne?
- Fort Wayne is a city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Allen County. Located in northeastern Indiana, the city is 18 miles (29 km) west of the Ohio border and 50 miles (80 km) south of the Michigan border. With an estimated population of 258,522 in 2014, Fort Wayne is the 77th most populous city in the United States and the second largest in Indiana, after Indianapolis
- How do I get there?
- Fly to Atlanta (ATL), Philadelphia (PHL), Dallas (DFW), or Phoenix (AZA), and connect to Fort Wayne (FWA). If your country does not have a direct flight to one of these airports, or another airport served by FWA, you can connect through most major American cities.
- Do I need a visitor’s visa?
- It depends on where you are travelling from. We can tell you whether or not you do, but it is your responsibility to obtain the visa yourself.
- Don’t you play with the American dictionary?
- Many of us do, but we get about 60 players each year in our Collins division.
- How can I see who is registered this year?
- An entrants list will be posted, once registration opens.
- What do I need to do to register?
- If you are not already a NASPA member, you need to have an active membership to register. Then you may complete the registration form once registration opens, and remit payment either by credit card or postal money order as instructed. You may also pay John Chew in cash, in person at an international event.
- How do I become a member?
- If you live in a country with which we have a reciprocal agreement (including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, SDev (German speaking) countries, India, Nigeria and Malaysia) and are a member of your local official Scrabble association, just email us at info@scrabbleplayers.org for your complimentary membership. If not, ask us if we can negotiate an agreement with your organization. If not, first-time trial membership costs US$15 for six-months; past members may purchase a one-week membership for US$19.
- How much does the NASC itself cost?
- USD$160, plus a USD$100 commuter fee if you do not stay at one of the event hotels. Prices increase by $50 on May 31.
- What was the top prize in the Collins division in 2015?
- $2,500.
- How can I find out more about the event?
- Visit the 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship webpage, or email us at info@scrabbleplayers.org