SCRABBLE is more than just a board game, it's a way of life for the 60 people who competed in the Interstate Scrabble Championships in Wagga. At the weekend, Scrabble buffs from the ACT, NSW and Victoria took to the William Farrer Hotel for the annual event. All that could be heard was the clicking of timers and clinking of tiles as players maintained their focus on their boards. Victoria's Naween Fernando, a top-three Scrabble World Champion, was named the clear winner before the second day was out after managing to beat every single opponent he faced. Not one person was disappointed to lose to Mr Fernando, instead walking away in amazement of the ability of the current national champion. Tournament organiser Carol Johnsen said participation numbers were down this year, but she put it down to the upcoming 2011 Australian Scrabble Championship to be held in Canberra during the Easter long weekend. "Their lives really revolve around Scrabble, a lot of the players travel overseas to play like America. I am headed to Malaysia for one soon," Ms Johnsen said.