Veteran scrabbler Ishmael Sesay has been crowned the 2026 Sierra Leone National Scrabble Champion after an impressive performance at the association’s two-day National Championship.

Sesay dominated the championship, winning 18 of his 20 games with an outstanding spread of +1,383 to secure the prestigious title for the second time. His previous national championship triumph came in 2019.

The championship forms part of Sierra Leone’s preparations for the Africa Scrabble Championship, scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, in late October.

Reigning qualifier champion Foday Fofanah finished second after recording 17 wins and three losses, with a spread of +1,083.

Gazalie Kanu secured third place, while Kenneth Clarke finished fourth.

Sesay’s victory marks a return to the top of Sierra Leone’s national Scrabble scene and provides a major boost as the country prepares for the continental championship in Liberia.