Word Cup Final: Wellington Jighere is your champion!

When you enter the final day of a major tournament like this in first place, you're usually in control of your own destiny, as the cliché goes. As long as you keep winning, you've got a very good chance to close the deal and take home the championship.

And today, in the final three rounds of Word Cup 2025, that's exactly what Wellington Jighere did.

Destiny, controlled. Championship, secured.

After beginning the final day with a one-game lead, Wellington took care of business in round 29, winning decisively in his game against fellow top expert Austin Shin. Then, in round 30, he squeaked by Josh Castellano, putting him two games up with just one to play.

Gibsonized. Mission accomplished.

Wellington was able to sit out the final round with a well-earned bye as the dust settled in round 31. On the featured table, Enoch Nwali defeated Josh Castellano to seal second place; meanwhile Eta Karo downed Josh Sokol for third.

Here is your final Word Cup leaderboard:

1. Wellington Jighere (22-9, +1425)

2. Enoch Nwali (20-11, +470)

3. Eta Karo (19-12, +711)

4. Joshua Castellano (19-12, +462)

5. Josh Sokol (19-12, +27)

6. Dave Wiegand (18-13, +1297)

7. Alec Sjöholm (18-13, +721)

8. David Whitley (18-13, +304)

9. Waseem Khatri (17.5-13.5, +123)

10. Austin Shin (17-14, +1062)

For the second year in a row, it's a Nigerian takeover of the top spots. At last year's Word Cup, it was Eta in first place and Wellington second; this time around, it's Enoch joining them in the top three. Impressive work all around.

Congrats to everyone who performed well at this year's Word Cup. We will have plenty more to say about this tournament in the days ahead... but for now, you'll have to settle for perusing the results from St. Louis. Enjoy.