Schedule

Saturday April 26

• 8:30 am  Players Check-in (Lobby, 1st flr)

• 9:00 am  Opening Remarks (Auditorium, 1st flr)

• 9:30 am  Players Arrive (4th flr)

• 9:45 am  Players Play 3 Rounds (ends approximately 1pm)

• 1:00 pm  Lunch (on your own)

• 2:15 pm  Players Arrive (4th flr)

• 2:20 pm  Players Play 2 Rounds (ends approximately 5pm)

• 4:30 pm  High School Only: Play 1 Extra Round

Sunday April 27

• 8:30 am  Planet Word opens

• 8:45 am  Players Arrive (4th flr)

• 8:50 am  Players Play 3 Rounds (ends approximately 12pm)

• 12:00 pm  Lunch (on your own)

• 12:00 pm  High School Only: Play 1 Extra Round, then lunch on your own

• 1:15 pm  Elementary/Middle Final (Watch in Auditorium, 1st flr)

• 2:30 pm  High School Final (Watch in Auditorium, 1st flr)

• 3:30 pm  Awards Ceremony (Auditorium, 1st flr)

Event Format

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the 2025 North American School Scrabble Championship?

April 26-27, 2025.

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?

Please fill out the appropriate registration form:  Elementary/Middle Registration Form  or, High School Registration Form  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. See above for registration forms.

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. The top two finishers will play a one-game championship final.

• High School Division (grades 9-12): One-on-one play. 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 on our payment website.

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?

No, all players and families are responsible for their own travel-related costs.

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. © 2025 Hasbro. TM & ® denote U.S. Trademarks.