HKSPA Mind Sports Challenge 2026

HKSPA Mind Sports Challenge 2026

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Jointly organized by: Hong Kong Scrabble Players Association, Asian Mindsports Association, Hong Kong China Chess Federation

Endorsed by: World English-Language Scrabble Players Association

Supported by: Scrabble Association, Singapore

Details

Date and Time (in Hong Kong Time, GMT +8):
17 June 2026 (Wednesday) - 18:30 - 23:00 (1st session)
18 June 2026 (Thursday) - 18:30 - 23:00 (2nd session)
19 June 2026 (Friday - Public Holiday) - 09:00 - 12:00 (3rd session)

Venue: Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, 18 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai

Eligibility: A player may sign up for the Championship if (s)he fulfils any of the following criteria:

  • Have played at least 30 HKSPA-rated games and have a HKSPA rating of 800 or above
  • Have a WESPA rating and have played in at least one WESPA-rated tournament outside Hong Kong

Hong Kong residents signing up for the Championship must be HKSPA individual members.

Ineligible players may still sign up. However, they must state their experiences in Scrabble and demonstrate their competence in playing intensive, competitive Scrabble on the "Remarks" field of the application form. They may also provide the contact information of a referee (optional). Entries will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Rules and Dictionary: The latest edition of Collins Official Scrabble Words and WESPA rules are applicable. Gibsonisation rules apply where appropriate.

Ratings: WESPA and HKSPA-rated.

Entry Fee: Free

Format

The following format is subject to change at the discretion of the organiser.

Main Event

Players will be playing on all the three sessions. Each player has 20 minutes to play each round. 5 points unsubstantiated challenge penalty.

15 games, 4-6 games per day

  • Game 1-5: Pre-arranged Init FontesPre-dealt round robin.
  • Game 6 to 12: Australian Swiss Draw (sometimes lagged). There will be a reset in a number of repeats in Round 9.
  • Game 13 to 15: King-of-the-Hill (KOTH)

Side Event A (17-18 June)

Side Event A participants will play in the first and the second sessions. Each player has 25 minutes to play each round. 5 points unsubstantiated challenge penalty.

9 games, 4-5 games per day

  • Game 1-3: Pre-dealt round robin.
  • Game 4 to 7: Australian Swiss Draw (sometimes lagged).
  • Game 8 to 9: King-of-the-Hill (KOTH)

Side Event B (19 June)

Side Event B participants will play in the third session only. Each player has 25 minutes to play each round. Free challenge.

3 games

  • Game 1-2: Australian Swiss Draw.
  • Game 3: King-of-the-Hill (KOTH).

Prizes

Main Event
Champion – Trophy/ plaque
1st Runner-up – Medal
2nd Runner-up – Medal
3rd Runner-up – Medal

Side Event A and B
Winner – Trophy/ plaque
1st Runner-up – Medal
2nd Runner-up – Medal
3rd Runner-up – Medal

Individual Youth Awards (for each side event)
Best Under-18 Player (born on or after 1/1/2008) – medal
Best Under-16 Player (born on or after 1/1/2010) – medal
Best Under-14 Player (born on or after 1/1/2012) – medal
Best Under-12 Player (born on or after 1/1/2014) – medal
(Players may receive more than one award, e.g. the Best Under-16 Player might as well be the Best Under-18 Player. The award will only be set up if there are more than one eligible player from the age group)

Enrollment

Players may fill the entry form here. Entries are normally accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. The deadline of enrollment is 2 June 2026. The organiser reserves the right to refuse entry.

Applications after the deadline will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. A late charge of HKD80/ USD10 should apply in addition to the original entry fee. Please contact the Association if this situation occurs.

Recommended accommodation for overseas players:
Hotel rooms are reserved along with the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Champion 2026 participants; if overseas players have accommodation requests, AMSA can assist in reserving the contracted hotel. However, the expenses need to be paid in advance. Please provide us with the following information: name, check-in date, check-out date, and whether only breakfast or three meals are required.

Details for the recommended hotels:

  1. South Pacific Hotel
    23 Morrison Hill Road, Wan Chai
    Single Room HKD1200 /night
    Double Room HKD1700 (inclusive 3 meals daily)
  2. Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
    387-397 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
    Single Room HKD800 /night
    Double Room HKD900 /night (inclusive of breakfast only)

Visa assistance for overseas players:
If players need assistance with obtaining a Hong Kong entry visa, please send us the detailed information of the participants. We will pass them to AMSA for help.

Enquiry: Please direct all queries to info@hkscrabble.org.

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