Image Source: The Morung Express
In a landmark moment for Indian mind sports, 14-year-old Madhav Gopal Kamath from Delhi has etched his name into history by winning the 2025 World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Competing against 218 under-18 players from 18 countries, Kamath emerged victorious with an impressive tally of 21 wins out of 24 rounds, becoming the first Indian ever to claim the prestigious global title.
The win not only marks a personal triumph for Kamath but also signals India’s growing presence in the international Scrabble arena, traditionally dominated by players from Southeast Asia and the West.
A Game Of Letters And Legacy
Kamath’s journey to the top has been anything but ordinary. Introduced to Scrabble at the age of five by his father and uncle, he began playing competitively by age six. His disciplined routine includes daily practice sessions, strategic word study, and a deep love for reading—habits that have shaped him into one of the world’s top-ranked youth players.
Key highlights from the championship include:
- Kamath clinched the title in the penultimate round, securing his lead with consistent high-scoring games
- His final move was the Gen Z word ‘bae’, a five-point play that sealed his victory
- He is currently ranked 8th globally across all age groups
- Earlier this year, he became the youngest-ever national champion at the 25th National Scrabble Championship in Mumbai
India’s Rising Scrabble Stars
India sent a strong contingent of 12 youth players to WYSC 2025, supported by the Essar Foundation and mentored by Mumbai-based coach Neeta Bhatia. Among them, 15-year-old Suyash Manchali from Bengaluru, last year’s runner-up, secured fifth place with 17 wins.
The team’s performance reflects the growing popularity and competitiveness of Scrabble in India, with grassroots tournaments and youth circuits gaining momentum.
Mind Sport Meets Strategy
Kamath describes Scrabble as a fast-paced mind sport that blends English vocabulary with mathematical precision. His approach to the game goes beyond memorizing dictionaries:
- He uses apps and websites to study rare and high-value words
- He views words through a strategic lens, identifying which ones carry scoring potential
- His reading habit, developed before his Scrabble journey, continues to enrich his vocabulary and pattern recognition
Kamath’s ability to stay composed under pressure and adapt his strategy mid-game was evident throughout the tournament, where he faced top-ranked players from countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Nigeria.
Support Systems And Mentorship
Behind Kamath’s success lies a robust support network. The Scrabble Association of India, led by Harvinderjit Bhatia, has been instrumental in nurturing young talent. The Essar Foundation’s sponsorship enabled the Indian team to compete internationally, providing resources and mentorship that are often lacking in niche sports.
Coach Neeta Bhatia emphasized the importance of structured training and psychological readiness, noting that Kamath’s calm demeanor and analytical mindset set him apart.
A New Chapter For Indian Scrabble
Kamath’s victory is more than a personal milestone—it’s a cultural shift. It challenges conventional academic norms and highlights alternative arenas where young minds can thrive. His win is expected to inspire a new generation of players and encourage schools and parents to support intellectual sports.
The Scrabble Association of India plans to expand its outreach programs, introduce more youth tournaments, and collaborate with educational institutions to integrate Scrabble into learning modules.
Conclusion: A Word Champion With A Vision
Madhav Gopal Kamath’s triumph at WYSC 2025 is a testament to dedication, intellect, and the power of passion. As India celebrates its first global Scrabble champion, the spotlight turns to the untapped potential of mind sports in shaping confident, strategic, and creative thinkers.
Sources: India Today, Times Now, The Logical Indian, MSN India, India CSR
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