Scrabblers have something to look forward to this coming February. Once again, it’s time for our
annual international event, the Israeli Open. Ever since 2008, the Tel Aviv Scrabble Club has hosted
our flagship tournament all over Israel, from the Crusader Fortress of Akko up north, to Israel’s
capital, the phenomenal 3000 year old city of Jerusalem.
This year, the 12 th Israeli Open will be taking place in what is probably one of the most vibrant cities
in the world, Tel Aviv. A quarter of an hour by train from the major international airport in Israel
(Ben Gurion), Tel Aviv is very central, with direct public transport (trains or busses) to almost every
city in Israel. Regardless of which touristy places you’d like to visit during your stay (and there are
plenty), everything is very accessible from Tel Aviv.
Situated in the middle of Meir Park, the playing hall itself is in the heart of Tel Aviv, only moments
away from everything. The venue is surrounded by Airbnbs, and there are dozens of hotels – cheap
hostels, medium range hotels, boutique hotels or five star hotels – all within walking distance. The
beach, mind you, is about a 10 minute walk from the venue (though the temperatures will probably
be in the high teens this time of the year). And just in case you get peckish, there are dozens of
restaurants in all directions, many of which are open until after midnight, some of which are open
24/7 (quite normal in Tel Aviv…). There is even a restaurant on the ground floor of the building we’re
playing in!
Scrabble play in Israel
Israeli Open in previous years
Our events are three days long, during which we play 22 games. The 12 th Israeli Open is no different.
We start play at 9:30/10:00 (depending on the day) and our evenings are always free. And you’re in
Tel Aviv. Trust me, you’ll want free evenings! The full schedule can be found on the tournament
website (see link below). All tournament information and registration options can be found on the
tournament website too.
The past Israeli Opens have taken place all over Israel and participants have come from 19 different
countries, with winners from 5 different countries (Israel, England, Canada, Singapore, USA). Evan
Cohen and Elie Dangoor have been the only repeat winners. Will this year add a new name to
this short list?
ISRAELI OPEN HONOUR BOARD
2008 Evan Cohen Champion
2009 Adam LoganChampion
2010 Sam KantimathiChampion
2012 Mikki NicholsonChampion
2013 Elie DangoorChampion
2014 Toh Weibin Champion
2015 Graham Haigh Champion
2016 Evan Cohen2 time Champion
2017 David Webb Champion
2018 Evan Cohen 3 time Champion
2019 Elie Dangoor 2 time Champion
2020 Could it be you?
If you want to learn more about this event, you can click on this website. There is also a Facebook event set up for those on social media.
For further information on Israeli Scrabble, you can check out the WESPA landing page for Israel - two years ago, WESPA published this profile piece which also contains a brief history of Israeli Scrabble.
The 12th Israeli Open 
