Spartanburg, S.C. Resident Becomes Two-Time North American SCRABBLE Champion, Wins $10,000 Prize

FORT WAYNE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Five days of racking tiles and 31 rounds of competitive wordplay resulted in a major W-I-N for David Gibson of Spartanburg, S.C., who was crowned the 2016 North American SCRABBLE Champion today by the North American SCRABBLE Players Association. Gibson outscored more than 400 of the best SCRABBLE players, including former champions Matthew Tunnicliffe and Joel Sherman, to win the coveted Championship trophy and a cash prize of $10,000. This was the second time Gibson has won the title; he previously won in 1994.

The top SCRABBLE competitors from North America gathered at the Grand Wayne Convention Center to go head-to-head in an intense battle of words and wits. Players moved through the spelling ranks based on their win-loss record and total points scored against opponents. During the final Championship round, excited friends, families and online streaming audience cheered as Gibson defeated Dr. Ian Weinstein of Coral Springs, Fla., by more than 26 points with a final score of 397-371. Among the words that Gibson used to clinch his victory were DREARIES, SERRANO, ORCINOLS and SPELTER.

“We are thrilled to see such a diverse group of talented SCRABBLE players showing their continued dedication and passion for the SCRABBLE game at this year’s Championship,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, senior vice president of marketing, Hasbro Gaming. “We want to thank all the extraordinary players for leaving their best moves on the table and congratulate David Gibson on his great accomplishment!”

The beloved SCRABBLE brand has been a cultural icon since the 1930s and remains popular among casual and competitive players. Several physical and digital versions of the SCRABBLE game are available for all types of players including SCRABBLE games for iPad, iPhone and Android from Electronic Arts. Young word enthusiasts who are interested in competitive SCRABBLE game play can also participate in the annual North American School SCRABBLE Championship. This year’s tournament, held in April in Foxborough, Mass., invited more than 160 top School SCRABBLE players from grades 4 through 8 for two exciting days of competition at Gillette Stadium. Student SCRABBLE players Jem Burch and Cooper Komatsu from Los Angeles, C.A. received the honorary title of 2016 School SCRABBLE Champions, the prestigious Championship trophy, and a $10,000 grand prize. Players can find more information on the North American School SCRABBLE Championship at schoolscrabble.us and Hasbro.com/SCRABBLE.

The 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship (NASC) is organized by the North American SCRABBLE Players Association (NASPA), the nonprofit organization licensed by Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) to administer competitive play in the United States and Canada. For additional information about the NASC, visit the NASPA website at scrabbleplayers.org.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, and premier partner brands. From toys and games, television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and consumer product licensing, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection with children and families around the world. The Company’s Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, create entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film, digital and more. Through the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

SCRABBLE, the associated logo, the design of the distinctive SCRABBLE brand game board, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. © 2016 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

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