BREAKING: A West Midlands maths teacher has just claimed the title of the UK’s top female Scrabble player after an astonishing performance at the UK Open Competition in Reading on January 9, 2023. Natalie Zolty, 61, dominated the competition, winning 12 out of 15 games and outsmarting Scrabble grandmaster Gary Oliver with her impressive play of the word zendiks, which scored a remarkable 108 points.
Zolty’s victory is particularly striking as she admits to not knowing the meanings of many of her winning words. “I don’t know what many of the words mean, it is useful to know, but you don’t need to know,” she stated, highlighting a unique aspect of expert Scrabble play. With a career that began on Facebook 17 years ago, Zolty has climbed to rank among the top 20 players in the UK, fueled by her passion for the game and a rigorous training routine.
Now a full-time competitor, Zolty practices over 500 anagrams daily while watching TV, dedicating an hour to honing her skills. “There’s a lot of word learning and studying,” she explained. “You learn basically the entire dictionary, but you learn it in what is most valuable in a game.”
Despite her success, Zolty is keenly aware of the gender disparity in competitive Scrabble. Noting that out of the top 100 competitors in a Thai tournament, only four or five were women, she expressed her hope for more female players to engage in the sport. “It’s great for your brain and keeping you thinking,” she urged, emphasizing the intellectual benefits of Scrabble.
Scrabble has a massive following in countries like Thailand, Pakistan, and Nigeria, where it often attracts more players than in the UK. Zolty is active in the competitive scene, participating in at least one tournament a month, with a significant event scheduled in Bangkok this coming May.
James Burley, director of the UK Open tournament, praised Zolty’s impressive skills and potential for future growth. “She has improved over time, and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Natalie is going to consider further titles,” he stated.
As Zolty continues to make waves in the Scrabble community, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring players, particularly women, to take up the game. “I had no idea that there was a massive community out there,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey.
Zolty’s triumph is not just a personal victory; it represents a turning point for women in the world of Scrabble, challenging stereotypes and encouraging inclusivity in a sport that may seem dominated by men. Her determination and success highlight the potential for anyone, regardless of background, to excel in competitive Scrabble.
Stay tuned for more updates on Zolty’s journey and the upcoming tournaments that promise to showcase the best in Scrabble talent!
