MGI International Classics UK, 2026.
The MGI International Scrabble Classics is open to all scrabble players from all over the world.
- Early Bird Event
- Thursday, April 30th 2026
- Main Event
- May 1st - May 4th, 2026
- Venue
- Leonardo Hotel, Milton Keynes, UK.
- Prize Pool
- Over £12,000
Welcome to the MGI International Scrabble Classics 2026!
The third edition of the MGI International Scrabble Classics will take place at the Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn) in Milton Keynes, England. This 4-day tournament, running from Friday, May 1st, to Monday, May 4th, 2026, will bring together Scrabble players from across the globe, competing for a total prize pool of approximately £12,000. The main event will be preceded by an Early Bird tournament on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your skills on the global stage!.
Tournament Officials
- Chief Tournament Director
- Wayne Kelly
- Asst. Tournament Director
- Peter Thorpe
- Livestream Director
- Will Anderson
Games
32 rounds for the main event, 7 rounds for the Early Bird tournament.
Divisions
Three divisions, with players eligible to play up if qualified.
Pairing System
Lagged Swiss and King-of-the-Hill (KOTH).
Lexicon
The tournament will use the CSW24 Collins Word List.
Challenge
5 points per word for all divisions.
Software
TSH.
Time Control
25 mins per player.
Ratings
Ratings from WESPA and ABSP.
Ratings cut-offs ➢
As of March 31, 2026
Ratings cut-offs
As of March 31, 2026
⮇
Division A
ABSP: ≥155, WESPA ≥1700
Division B
ABSP: 135 – 154, WESPA 1500- 1699
Division C
ABSP: <135 WESPA: <1500
| Time | Early Bird | Main Event | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 30th | Friday, May 1st. | Saturday, May 2nd. | Sunday, May 3rd. | Monday, May 4th. | |
| 9:00 | Check-In | Round 9 | Round 18 | Round 27 | |
| 9:30 | Check-In | ||||
| 10:00 | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 10 | Round 19 | Round 28 |
| 10:45 | Tea/Coffee Break | ||||
| 11:00 | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 11 | Round 20 | Round 29 |
| 12:00 | Round 3 | Round 3 | Round 12 | Round 21 | Round 30 |
| 13:00 | Lunch Break | Round 4 | Lunch Break | ||
| 14:00 | Round 4 | Lunch Break | Round 13 | Round 22 | Round 31 |
| 15:00 | Round 5 | Round 5 | Round 14 | Round 23 | Round 32 |
| 16:00 | Round 6 | Round 6 | Round 15 | Round 24 | |
| 16:45 | Tea/Coffee Break | Prize Giving Ceremony | |||
| 17:00 | Round 7 | Round 7 | Round 16 | Round 25 | |
| 18:00 | Round 8 | Round 17 | Round 26 | ||
Compete for & More
Discover the rewards on offer for the tournament’s top performers, with cash prizes and special recognition for the best.
Lots of Cash and Spot to be Won
Discover the rewards on offer for the tournament’s top performers, with cash prizes and special recognition for the best.
| Tournament Prize Table | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Division A (£) | Division B (£) | Division C (£) |
| Champion | 2500 + Elie Dangoor Trophy | 1250 + Trophy | 750 + Trophy |
| 2nd | 1250 | 750 | 450 |
| 3rd | 750 | 500 | 300 |
| 4th | 500 | 300 | 200 |
| 5th | 350 | 250 | 175 |
| 6th | 300 | 200 | 125 |
| 7th | MGI branded merch | MGI branded merch | MGI branded merch |
| 8th | MGI branded merch | MGI branded merch | MGI branded merch |
| Class B1 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
| Class B2 | 100 | 75 | 75 |
| Class C1 | 100 | 75 | 75 |
| Class C2 | 75 | 50 | 50 |
Cherish the
Experience the highlights and key moments from past editions of the MGI International Scrabble Classics.
Registration & Fees Made
Secure your spot by completing your registration early and take advantage of special discounts and perks.
New tournament entrants and U-12 players receive a 20% discount on the registration fee. The registration fee covers;
- Tournament entry levy
- Tea/coffee breaks & Lunch
- Customized event shirt
- Raffle ticket for free registration and 3-night accommodation for the 2027 edition (non-transferable)
| Event | On or before Dec 31 | Jan 1 – March 31 | April 1 – 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EARLY BIRD | £50 | £55 | £60 |
| MAIN EVENT | £185 | £195 | £205 |
| Non ABSP Members | Additional £5 |
Important
Discover essential details and answers to common questions to help you prepare and personalize your tournament experience.
Visa & Travel Assistance
Interested international players who need visa to visit the United Kingdom should register at the earliest possible time so that the organizers can help with visa invitation letter.
Only paid participants will be issued invitation letter.
For travel directions to the event venue, all players are advised to visit Leonardo Hotels.
Accommodation & Rates
Players can book their accommodation directly with the Leonardo Hotels. The playing room is located on the first floor, with lifts and wheelchair accessibility available.
Please note that the hotel does not have parking facilities, but paid parking is available nearby at 50p per hour during the day and free from 6pm to 7am.
Cancellation Policy
There will be full refund minus 10% admin charges for cancellation notice received by April 19, 2026. Registration fee shall be non-refundable for any cancellation notice received after April 19, 2026.
For room cancellations after booking at the Leonardo Hotel, please refer to the hotel’s cancellation policy.
Hall of Fame
Confirmed Players: The Contenders for 2026.
| S/N | Name | Country | Tournament | Division | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Breda O'Brien | Ireland | Both Events | B | |
| 5 | Aliu Abdulqudus Olawale | Nigeria | Main Event | A | |
| 6 | Richard Kennedy | United Kingdom (UK) | Main Event | A | |
| 7 | collins okafor | United Kingdom (UK) | Both Events | B | |
| 8 | Jason Carney | United Kingdom (UK) | Main Event | A | Confirmed |
| 10 | Emmanuel EGBELE | Nigeria | Main Event | B | |
| 11 | Esther Perrins | Australia | Main Event | A | Confirmed |
| 12 | John Matthews | United Kingdom (UK) | Main Event | A | Confirmed |
Past champions: Leading the Legacy.
Edward Martin
2024 Champion
Harshan Lamabadusuriya
2025 Champion
Registration for MGI Classics UK 2026, is now Opened. Stay updated on the action as it unfolds live!
Powered through
Meet the sponsors and partners who make the MGI International Scrabble Classics possible.
