27th Annual 4th of July Scrabble Tournament
Featuring the Bob Linn Superstars Division!
Sponsored by Bob Linn and WGPO
WOW Lexicon
32 games, July 3-6
7 game early bird, July 2
Entry fee Main Event $150 US ($225 CDN)
Early Bird Entry Fee $30 ($45 CDN)
WGPO donation to WOW prize pool: $3,700
CSW Lexicon
32 games, July 3-6
7 game early bird, July 2
Entry fee $150 US ($225 CDN), CSW Lite Main Event (0-1599)
Entry fee $250 US ($375 CDN), Bob Linn Superstars Main Event (1600+)
Early Bird Entry Fee $30 ($45 CDN)
Largest CSW prize pool in North American history
See below for more detail on prizes and incentives provided by Bob Linn.
Bob Linn Superstars Prize Table
1600+ [qualification notes below]
CSW Lite Prize Table
0-1599 [qualification notes below]
New-to-CSW Sign Up and Prize Incentives
[qualification notes below]
New-to-CSW Sign Up Incentives will be applied against your hotel reservation. If you have questions, please ask.
New-to-CSW Prize Incentives are awarded per rating band to those who qualify as New-to-CSW. Prizes shown are based on a minimum of 3 players in the rating band (otherwise prizes will be adjusted). These are 'non-exclusive' prizes which mean they can be won in addition to any place or class prize. These prizes can be won in either the Bob Linn Superstars division or the CSW Lite division.
Tournament Venue: Albany Marriott
189 Wolf Rd, Albany NY 12205 USA
Hotel Information
Room rate $115/night + taxes USD.
NOTE: to be considered "in the room block" and avoid the commuter fee, you must book directly through the hotel via the link below or by calling. Any bookings through third party websites or by loyalty points are considered outside the room block.
Book by phone: 800-443-8952, mention "Noreaster Scrabble" or use this booking link.
Commuter fee per person (if not staying at the tournament hotel and within the room block) for main event: $40 US ($60 CDN)
Deadline to book is Thursday June 19, 2025. After that date, book the room at whatever rate is available and contact Kieran with confirmation number to get rate adjusted to Scrabble rate.
Hotel Amenities
Parking is no cost for players
Free WiFi in guest rooms, lobby and playing room
All rooms have mini-fridge, coffee maker. Lobby microwaves.
In-hotel restaurant/bar.
Grab and go lunch available to players at a discounted price.
You may cancel your room booking, with no penalty, up until 4PM, two days before the first night of your reservation.
Tournament Information
Commuter fee per person (if not staying at the tournament hotel and within the room block) for main event: $40 US ($60 CDN)
Bob Linn Superstars (CSW 1600+, unlimited play ups).
CSW Lite (0-1599) - Divisions: TBD
NWL - Divisions: TBD
CSW will be streamed each round. Players rated 1600 or above should expect to be streamed.
In addition to place prizes, performance-based prizes will be given in all divisions
Prizes paid in $USD. Prize payouts $100 USD and over will be paid electronically or by check
Directors may alter tournament structure in best interest of the event, including spread Gibsonization
Reduced price "Grab & Go" lunch menu available.
Check our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for other info
To register or pay your entry fee, go to the "contact and registration page."
Qualification Notes for CSW Divisions
Thank you to Bob Linn for providing generous support to CSW players (minimum of $50,000 if there are 50 registrants in Bob Linn Superstars division, plus 50 registrants in CSW Lite).
US and Canadian passport holders who win place prizes are eligible for additional prize amounts (see NA Bonus in prize tables).
"New to CSW" players
There are prizes and incentives for "New to CSW players." You are eligible if you have played in five or fewer CSW tournaments between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2025, regardless of the number of tournaments you have played before or after. Also, any players who qualified as "New to CSW" at Albany New Years and New Orleans will remain qualified.
New-to-CSW Sign Up and Prize Incentives detailed above
CSW Lite Division
Players rated up to 1599.
With a minimum of 50 players, the prize pool will be approximately $15,000 which includes $10,000 donated by Bob Linn.
Prize table assumes 50 players. Prizes may be adjusted up or down depending on registrants.
Bob Linn Superstars Division
1600+ rated. Unlimited play ups are allowed.
Must have played minimum of 15 CSW games since December 28, 2024.
With a minimum of 50 players, the prize pool will be approximately $50,000 which includes $34,000 donated by Bob Linn.
Prize table assumes 50 players. Prizes may be adjusted up or down depending on registrants.
Tournament Schedule
Wednesday July 2
11:30 AM - 3:15 PM Early Bird Rounds 1-4, then 30 minute snack break
3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Early Bird Rounds 5-7
Thursday July 3
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 1-4
2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 5-8
Friday July 4
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 9-12
2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 13-16
Saturday July 5
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 17-20
2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 21-24
Sunday July 6
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 25-28
2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 29-32