Gibson Spells V-I-C-T-O-R-Y across the Board at 2016 North American Scrabble Championship

Spartanburg, S.C. Resident Becomes Two-Time North American SCRABBLE
Champion, Wins $10,000 Prize

FORT WAYNE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Hasbro–Five days of racking tiles and 31 rounds of competitive wordplay
resulted in a major W-I-N for David Gibson of Spartanburg, S.C., who was
crowned the 2016 North American SCRABBLE Champion today by the North
American SCRABBLE Players Association. Gibson outscored more than 400 of
the best SCRABBLE players, including former champions Matthew
Tunnicliffe and Joel Sherman, to win the coveted Championship trophy and
a cash prize of $10,000. This was the second time Gibson has won the
title; he previously won in 1994.

The top SCRABBLE competitors from North America gathered at the Grand
Wayne Convention Center to go head-to-head in an intense battle of words
and wits. Players moved through the spelling ranks based on their
win-loss record and total points scored against opponents. During the
final Championship round, excited friends, families and online streaming
audience cheered as Gibson defeated Dr. Ian Weinstein of Coral Springs,
Fla., by more than 26 points with a final score of 397-371. Among the
words that Gibson used to clinch his victory were DREARIES, SERRANO,
ORCINOLS and SPELTER.

“We are thrilled to see such a diverse group of talented SCRABBLE
players showing their continued dedication and passion for the SCRABBLE
game at this year’s Championship,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, senior vice
president of marketing, Hasbro Gaming. “We want to thank all the
extraordinary players for leaving their best moves on the table and
congratulate David Gibson on his great accomplishment!”

The beloved SCRABBLE brand has been a cultural icon since the 1930s and
remains popular among casual and competitive players. Several physical
and digital versions of the SCRABBLE game are available for all types of
players including SCRABBLE games for iPad, iPhone and Android from Electronic
Arts. Young word enthusiasts who are interested in competitive
SCRABBLE game play can also participate in the annual North American
School SCRABBLE Championship. This year’s tournament, held in April in
Foxborough, Mass., invited more than 160 top School SCRABBLE players
from grades 4 through 8 for two exciting days of competition at Gillette
Stadium. Student SCRABBLE players Jem Burch and Cooper Komatsu from Los
Angeles, C.A. received the honorary title of 2016 School SCRABBLE
Champions, the prestigious Championship trophy, and a $10,000 grand
prize. Players can find more information on the North American School
SCRABBLE Championship at schoolscrabble.us
and Hasbro.com/SCRABBLE.

The 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship (NASC) is organized by the
North American SCRABBLE Players Association (NASPA), the nonprofit
organization licensed by Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) to administer competitive play in the United
States and Canada. For additional information about the NASC, visit the
NASPA website at scrabbleplayers.org.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ:
HAS) is a global company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play
Experiences by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET
SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and
TRANSFORMERS, and premier partner brands. From toys and games,
television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and consumer
product licensing, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and
connection with children and families around the world. The Company’s
Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, create
entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including
television, film, digital and more. Through the company’s commitment to
corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is
helping to build a safe and sustainable world and to positively impact
the lives of millions of children and families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com,
and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews)
and Instagram (@Hasbro).

SCRABBLE, the associated logo, the design of the distinctive SCRABBLE
brand game board, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks
of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. © 2016 Hasbro. All Rights
Reserved.

HASGP

Contacts

Hasbro Global Communications
Jen DeAngelis, 401-727-6833
Jen.DeAngelis@hasbro.com
or
Litzky
Public Relations
Kelly Nguyen, 201-222-9118
knguyen@litzkypr.com