Nigel Richards from New Zealand has become the 17th world Scrabble champion after competing in 47 rounds. 

After competing against some of the most accomplished and enthusiastic Scrabble players from over 15 countries and across 47 intense rounds of the Mattel World Championships, Nigel Richards who now lives in Malaysia, has claimed the ultimate title as this year’s World Scrabble Champion for the second year in a row.

Nigel Richards was declared the winner after the final on Sunday, where he beat runner-up David Eldar in the best of five final, of which only four games were played with Nigel winning 3-1. As champion, he will also be taking home the prize fund of $8,000.

The crucial word that sealed this year’s championship was Ghostier, which scored 140 points. Other high score words played throughout the final included pugarees, scoring 65 points and upgazed, scoring 106 points.

Nigel has been playing Scrabble for over 20 years and is currently ranked number two in the world. Runner up David is ranked at number three and will take home $3,500.

The World Scrabble Championship final took place at Torquay Riviera Centre, Torquay, UK in association with Mattel.