GM (Grand Master) Matthew Tunnicliffe Becomes the First WESPA Scrabble Grandmaster

The global Scrabble community has reached a historic milestone as Matthew Tunnicliffe of Canada has been officially recognized as a Scrabble Grandmaster (GM) by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA).

Tunnicliffe is the first player to achieve the Grandmaster title since WESPA launched its official Titles System, making this achievement both pioneering and symbolic for international Scrabble.

This recognition places Matthew Tunnicliffe at the very summit of competitive Scrabble and underscores his consistency, excellence, and long-term impact on the game at the highest level.

The WESPA Titles System was designed to formally recognize sustained elite performance across rated international competitions. Becoming a Grandmaster is not based on a single tournament win but on long-term dominance, rating strength, and competitive depth.

Being the first recipient of this title sets Matthew Tunnicliffe apart as a benchmark for future generations of elite players worldwide.

A little more about Matthew Tunnicliffe

Name: Matthew Tunnicliffe

Country: Canada

Status: Scrabble Grandmaster (WESPA) 

First player ever to earn the GM title under WESPA’s Titles System. Happened in January 2026.

This milestone is not just a personal triumph for Matthew Tunnicliffe, but also a defining moment for international Scrabble, as WESPA’s Titles System begins to shape a new era of formal global recognition.

Scrabblebiz congratulates GM Matthew Tunnicliffe on this outstanding achievement and celebrates the continued growth and professionalism of the global Scrabble community.

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