The Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics (GAISC) began in 2007 when Governor Godswill Akpabio an ardent Scrabble player hosted veteran Scrabble players to a mini tournament in Uyo. The following year participation was extended to all other cadre of players in Nigeria and beyond with a mouth-watering prize tag of over 5million won in the Master's category alone. That year several international professional players like Terry Kirk (former ABSP Chairman) and over 150 Nigeria-based Scrabble players participated in the tournament. There has been a massive increase in participation year after year for the past 7 years. The tourney has gained worldwide reputation as the most prestigious Scrabble tournament. The event is categorized into four (4): Masters, Intermediate, Open and Veteran categories.
This year we hope to see over 300 players including World Champion Nigel Richards of New Zealand, former World Champion and 6th GAISC winner Parkorn Nemitrmansuk of Thailand and 7th GAISC winner and the only player yet to win the tourney twice, Nigeria's Samson Okosagah leading the battle for the USD 20000 start prize in the Master's category.
