sports
‘They’re gonna make me cry’: I competed at a speed puzzling championship
You might think of puzzling as leisurely, but it’s now a sport. I entered a national competition and discovered a passionate community
TL;DR
- The USA Jigsaw Nationals have seen a significant increase in participation, with over 1,600 attendees this year.
- The sport of speed puzzling gained traction during the Covid-19 lockdown and has been further popularized through online events and social media.
- Competitors train extensively, with strategies focused on efficiency and speed, and describe the community as 'friendly' and 'kind'.
- The competition includes individual, pairs, and team events, with varying puzzle sizes and strict time limits.
- Younger competitors are increasingly making their mark, with aspirations for broader recognition, including an Olympic sport division.