Division 1 Winner: David Wiegand

David Shows the Poise of a True Champion

by Jan Dixon

The last day of the first NASPA National SCRABBLE Championship essentially came down to a best-out-of-three finals. Reigning champion Nigel Richards was holding onto a one-game lead over 2005 national champion David Wiegand, and they were neck and neck on point spread. Nigel won the first game. David now had the improbable task of winning the final two games against the man he described as “the best in the world.”

Nigel Richards and Dave Wiegand shaking hands after the final game.

Brian Pepper and Dave Wiegand

David won those two games, taking four out of five against Nigel during the course of the tournament.

David got off to a slow 1-2 start, but then won 11 games in a row to move into first place. He quickly relinquished that spot to Nigel, however, who moved into first and held onto it from Round 15 through Round 30. David stayed within striking distance, however, holding the second spot from Round 16 through Round 30. Round 31 then told the story, with David coming out victorious!

Fleshment. Gaspereaux. Decagonal. These words were being touted as the plays of the tournament. David’s personal best play during the tournament was his find through T space G, playing CURETTAGE.

It seems that victories were in the cards for the Wiegands. David’s lovely wife, Chris, took first place honors at her bridge tournament in Dayton. David is also a bridge player, so I asked him how bridge compares to SCRABBLE. His response was simply that “SCRABBLE is just on a whole other level.”

Tableau by Dan Stock

So, where were their beautiful little girls? Samantha and Melanie spent the week in Colorado with David’s parents. David’s victory will be celebrated by joining his family in Colorado and relaxing and hiking at Estes Park.

What’s next for David? After taking a week of no SCRABBLE whatsoever, he will then begin studying CSW (Collins SCRABBLE Tournament & Club Word List) in preparation for competing at the Worlds in Malaysia in November.

We wish him luck… and we know he has the skill!!!!

Jan Dixon has been playing tournament SCRABBLE for 28 years and has been a member of the Rules Committee since its inception. She divides her time between New York City with her fiancé, Aldo Cardia, and Delaware, where her children and grandchildren all reside.