Don't miss the 2025 North American School Scrabble Championship Live Stream

Montreal Scrabblefest

✅ $5000 CAD WGPO Donation to Prize Pool

✅ Full Live Stream on YouTube

Early Bird 1: WOW & CSW

7 Games | May 22, 2025 | $40 CDN ($30 USD)

Early Bird 2: WOW & CSW

5 Games | May 23, 2025 | $40 CDN ($30 USD)

Main Event: WOW & CSW

15 Games | May 23-25, 2025 | $150 CDN ($115 USD)

Late Bird: WOW & CSW

5 Games | May 26, 2024 | $40 CDN ($30 USD)

(scroll down for full schedule)

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This year’s Montreal Scrabblefest (May 23–25, 2025) will be more than just a celebration of competition and culture—it will be a heartfelt tribute to one of our community’s most remarkable members: Bernard Gotlieb.

Bernard Gotlieb left an indelible mark on Montreal’s Scrabble community and beyond. As the founder of the Montreal Scrabble Club, he mentored generations of players and inspired all who knew him with his courage, humor, and unshakable optimism—even in the face of immense health challenges. We lost Bernard this past March, and Scrabblefest wouldn’t feel complete without honoring his extraordinary life and legacy.

Here’s how we’ll be remembering Bernard at Scrabblefest:

🥂 Toasting Bernard: On Saturday evening before our group dinner at Escondite / Cerveceria de Barrio, we’ll gather for a casual Celebration of Life to share remembrances and raise a glass in Bernard’s honour. All are welcome—whether or not you’re playing the tournament or joining us for dinner.
🎟️ 50/50 Draw: Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the Montreal Scrabble Club, a living part of Bernard’s legacy.
🏆 Trophies in his Honour: Winners of the CSW and WOW divisions will receive trophies named for Bernard.
💬 Words for Bernard: Sign up to play descriptive words that capture Bernard’s spirit—prizes will be awarded.
🎉 Traditions Continue: Bagel and gas money prizes will go to the top finisher outside of the main prize pool—just as Bernard always did.
♠️ Sunday Night Poker: We’ll close out the weekend with a poker game, Bernard-style.

As always, Montreal Scrabblefest is about more than tiles on a board. It's about community. We hope you’ll join us in remembering Bernard in a way he would have loved—surrounded by friends, fun, and fierce competition.

new style event

Montreal Scrabblefest is an exciting new style tournament that immerses players in the vibrant culture of Montreal while offering them a 15 game main event, 2 early birds (8, 6 games) and an 5 game late bird in a downtown hotel.

Outside the playing room, players will enjoy social events like a group dinner, montreal-style bagel breakfast, and tour of Montreal's famous landmarks.

Don't miss the chance to compete and explore the beautiful city of Montreal!

Hotel europa

Best Western Plus Downtown Montreal

1240 Rue Drummond, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1V7

Located at the intersection of Drummond and St-Catherine, in the heart of downtown Montreal

Hotel rates:

Deadline to book is Apr 30, 2025. Bookings after this date will be at market rates.
You must book directly with Hotel Europa to avoid the commuter fee (no 3rd party booking sites) by calling 514-866-6492
Single Queen $185 CDN + tax (approx $133 USD + tax)
King + Sofa Bed $210 CDN + tax (approx $151 USD + tax)
Two Doubles $210 CDN + tax (approx $151 USD + tax)
Two Queens $220 CDN + tax (approx $158 USD + tax)
Commuter fee per person (if not staying at the tournament hotel and within the room block for main event), to help offset playing room costs: $20 CDN ($15 USD)

Booking your Hotel Room:

Book by Phone: 514-866-6492
Mention 'Scrabble'
Deadline to book April 30, 2025
Cancellation is free of charge the day before arrival

Hotel Amenities:

Free WiFi in guest and playing rooms

Accessibility:

The hotel is not completely accessible - before booking, please contact the hotel or directors

Parking:

Stop at the front desk FIRST to get a voucher for a partner parking lot. Rate is $19/day+tax
Both parking lots are 5 min walk from hotel
- Stationnement Jimmy, 1175 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z2
- AutoParc Stanley, 1200 Stanley St, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2S8

Tournament Information

NOTE: This tournament will use WOW24 and CSW24. WGPO sanctioned.
Please bring a board, clock and tiles to the tournament
Commuter fee of $20 CDN ($15 USD)
Swiss/COP pairings. NWL / CSW Division structure: TBD.
One game from WOW or CSW will be streamed online each round, at Directors' discretion. Players rated 1600 or above should expect to be streamed.
In addition to place prizes, performance-based prizes will be given in all divisions
Prizes paid in $CDN. Prize payouts $100 CDN and over will be paid electronically or by cheque
Directors may alter tournament structure in best interest of the event, including spread Gibsonization
Check our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for other info
To register or pay your entry fee, go to the "contact and registration page"

Schedule

Thursday May 22

11:30 AM - 3:15 PM Early Bird 1 Rounds 1-4, then 30 min snack break

3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Early Bird 1 Rounds 5-8

Friday May 23

11:30 AM - 4:15 PM Early Bird 2 Rounds 1-5

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Main Event Rounds 1-3

Saturday May 24

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 4-7

2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 8-11

7:30 PM Group Dinner (opt-in)

Sunday May 25

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 12-15
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Main Event Awards

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Montreal Tour

Monday May 26

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Late Bird Rounds 1-5

SOCIAL EVENTS

Montreal Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Montreal. Immerse yourself in its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse culture as you explore this remarkable destination. This tour provides a unique opportunity to discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the lively atmosphere that makes Montreal unforgettable. From fascinating stories to breathtaking sights, your guide will share insights that bring the city’s past and present to life. Elevate your Scrabble tournament experience with an enriching exploration of Montreal’s many wonders.

Sign-Up Group Dinner: A Culinary Journey in Montreal

Elevate your Scrabble tournament experience by joining our Sign-Up Group Dinner! Instead of navigating dinner plans on your own, immerse yourself in the diverse culinary landscape of Montreal with fellow Scrabblers. Choose from a variety of small and large parties, each featuring different cuisines that showcase the city's gastronomic delights. Simply sign up, and we'll handle the reservations, ensuring you have a delightful evening exploring Montreal's culinary gems. Strengthen connections, share stories, and indulge in exceptional food, making every dinner a memorable part of your Scrabble adventure.

Montreal-Style Bagel Breakfasts

Start your Scrabble tournament mornings (Saturday and Sunday) on a delicious note with a complimentary Montreal-style bagel breakfast! Savor the warmth and flavor of fresh bagels sourced directly from Montreal's renowned bagel shops. Immerse yourself in the authentic taste of these local treats, offering a delightful and energizing beginning to the day. Indulge in the unique and inviting essence of Montreal's culinary heritage, enhancing your Scrabble experience with a touch of local charm.

WhatsApp Group for Social Coordination

Stay connected and enhance your Scrabble tournament experience by joining our optional WhatsApp group! If you're exploring Montreal and looking to coordinate social plans with fellow players, this is the perfect platform. Opt-in to receive real-time updates on where other Scrabble enthusiasts are gathering, allowing you to seamlessly join in on impromptu social events. Share recommendations, make plans, and foster a vibrant Scrabble community beyond the game board. Embrace the flexibility and spontaneity that this WhatsApp group brings to your Montreal adventure.

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