A Canadian mathematician receives prize money for reaching the top of a competitive wordplay.
A Canadian mathematician has once again reached the top of competitive wordplay. Adam Logan of Ottawa captured the Scrabble world championship for the second time, calling the moment deeply rewarding. His latest triumph came after defeating Nigel Richards, widely regarded as the greatest Scrabble player in history.
Logan secured the title at the World Scrabble Championships held in Ghana in November. The victory marked a major milestone in an already remarkable career.
A win that felt truly special
Logan first won the Scrabble world championship in 2005. Two decades later, winning again carried extra meaning.
He described the feeling as unforgettable. Beating Richards, even once, feels significant for any player. Defeating him in a best-of-seven series made the achievement even greater.
Richards, often called the Tiger Woods of Scrabble, has dominated the game for years. He became world champion in 2007 and reclaimed the title multiple times afterward. His victories span 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2019.
A rival unlike any other
Richards is known for his extraordinary memory and language skills. He stunned the Scrabble community by winning world championships in French and Spanish. Remarkably, he does not speak either language fluently.
His dominance forced Logan to focus inward rather than search for flaws. Logan admitted it is nearly impossible to find weaknesses in Richards’ game.
Mastering the dictionary
Preparation played a crucial role in Logan’s Scrabble world championship success. He focused on learning the dictionary as thoroughly as possible.
Logan trained using a computer program that scrambles letters alphabetically. His task was to instantly identify and spell the correct word. This method sharpened both speed and accuracy.
He also played practice games against elite opponents. These matches were carefully reviewed with fellow players and computer analysis.
A rare place in Scrabble history
With his 2025 win, Logan joined an exclusive group. Only three players have won the Scrabble world championship twice.
His journey began early. Logan entered his first competitive Scrabble tournament at just 10 years old. Over the years, his tournament earnings have reached an estimated $110,000.
Beyond Scrabble, Logan built an impressive academic career. He studied mathematics at Princeton University and earned his PhD from Harvard in 1999.
Advice for aspiring Scrabble players
Logan believes anyone can improve with consistent practice. Learning alongside stronger players helps sharpen strategy and decision-making.
He emphasized starting with the basics. Choosing one dictionary and mastering two-letter words is essential. These small words help players navigate crowded boards and create new opportunities.
Favourite words and memorable plays
Among two-letter words, Logan’s favourite is “qi.” The word represents life force in Chinese philosophy. It is short, powerful, and highly flexible in play.
His highest-scoring word remains unforgettable. Years ago, he played “antiques” for an impressive 275 points.
For Logan, the Scrabble world championship is not just about words. It reflects discipline, patience, and a lifelong love for the game.
