Event Schedule

Special Programming

While the students are playing Scrabble: parents, coaches and other guests are welcome to attend these events.

Saturday, 11 a.m. (start of Round 2) | Friedman Family Auditorium

"Among the Word Freaks": A special presentation by Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players

Stefan is also the author of A Few Seconds of Panic: A Sportswriter Plays in the NFL, in which he kicked for the Denver Broncos, and Wild and Outside, about a baseball minor league. A former Wall Street Journal reporter and NPR commentator, he cohosts Slate’s weekly sports podcast, “Hang Up and Listen.”

Word Freak will be available for purchase in the Planet Word gift shop. Stefan will happily sign copies.

Saturday 3 p.m. (start of Round 4) | Friedman Family Auditorium

A special presentation by Peter Sokolowski, Editor at Large, Merriam-Webster Inc.

What makes a person look up a word? When do you use a dictionary? Looking up a word in the dictionary is an intimate act for each of us as individuals, but the words looked up by millions of users tell us a surprising story about the English language.

Peter has written definitions for many of Merriam-Webster’s dictionaries, is active as a blogger, podcaster, and speaker on language, and has served as pronouncer for spelling bees worldwide.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. (during round 7) | (Classroom A, second floor)

"How to Play Scrabble Like a Pro" with top experts Scott Appel and Eric Goldstein

Think you’re good at Scrabble because you scored 300 points and beat grandma at Thanksgiving? Think again. The classic board game is as strategic as chess and as complex as poker. Get an over-the-board crash course in improving your Scrabble game from two of North America's top players.

Event Format

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the 2024 North American School Scrabble Championship?

Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24, 2024.

Where will the tournament take place?

The tournament will be held at Planet Word in Washington, D.C. The museum is located at 925 13th Street NW. Please plan to enter through the courtyard entrance located on K Street between 12th and 13th Streets NW. Please refer to the online map if you are not familiar with the area.

How do I register to play in the tournament?

Click here to register. Please also fill out the media release form and send to info@letsplayscrabble.com

Where can I find the latest schedule?

Please check the schedule above for timing and updates. Please keep the start and end times in mind when making your travel plans.

Do I need to register in order to participate?

Yes, registration is required for all tournament players.

Who is eligible to participate?

The tournament is open to students in grades 3 through 12 competing in two divisions.

• Elementary/Middle School Division (grades 3-8): Players will compete in teams of two. All teams will play eight games. The top two finishers will play a one-game championship final.

• High School Division (grades 9-12): One-on-one play. All competitors will play eight games. The top two finishers will play a one-game championship final.

Is there an entry fee to participate in the tournament?

Yes, there is an entry fee of $100 per team for the Elementary/Middle Division and $50 per player for the High School Division. You can make your payment here. 

Is there a limit on the number of participants?

Due to space limitations, the event will be limited to around 100 participants. Therefore, early registration is encouraged.

What is the word source for the tournament?

The lexicon for the event is The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary Seventh Edition (2023) published by Merriam Webster Inc. 

Will my travel expenses be covered?

All players and families are responsible for their own travel-related costs.

Is there a specific hotel affiliated with the tournament?

No, there is no hotel block for the event. However, there are multiple hotel options within walking distance of Planet Word. Please see the Hotel and Area Information section of this website for a list of hotel options.

Do I need a ticket to visit the Planet Word exhibits during the tournament?

Yes. Visitors need a timed pass to tour the exhibits. You can reserve a pass in advance. Also, the museum will provide walkup passes for parents and other tournament guests after check-in on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Players will receive passes to visit the exhibits during lunch on Saturday.

Will the tournament be available to watch online?

Yes. One game per round will be livestreamed. Some of the livestreamed games will be shown in the Friedman Family Auditorium for family and friends of the competitors. Scoreboard, standings, pairings, and other information will be updated during the event.

Are spectators permitted in the playing room?

No. The tournament will be held in the Mansard Room on the fourth floor. The playing room will be open to competitors and staff only. Parents, coaches, and other guests are welcome to gather in the Friedman Family Auditorium on the first floor to watch the livestream. There also will be a welcome area with Scrabble boards and tournament information in Classroom A on the second floor.

During the short breaks between games, players can meet with friends and family in the auditorium or on the rooftop terrace adjacent to the Mansard Room. We do ask that anyone on the terrace or entering and exiting the fourth-floor elevators please be respectful of games in progress and keep their voices down.

Who do I contact with additional questions?

Please email questions to info@letsplayscrabble.com or call/text: 315-481-8541

Hasbro, Scrabble, the associated logo, the design of the associated Scrabble brand game board, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the US and Canada. © 2024 Hasbro. TM & ® denote U.S. Trademarks.