The world of speed puzzling has gained popularity, with enthusiasts pushing their limits in competitions. Kirsty Williams, a participant, experienced a challenging day at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship in September last year. With temperatures soaring above 30°C in Valladolid, Spain, the air conditioning failed, making focus difficult amid the intense heat. Williams, who had trained extensively and had specific time goals, struggled to maintain concentration during the event, ultimately finishing the puzzle despite physical discomfort.
In a much more favorable environment, Williams triumphed at the Manitoba regionals competition in Winnipeg last month, securing wins in the individual, pairs, and teams competitions. At 38, Williams, who relocated from the United Kingdom to Brandon, Manitoba, is now focused on training for the upcoming world championship set for next month in Spain. Her practice regime includes completing two puzzles daily and honing her skills during lunch breaks at her workplace, where she utilizes a designated area for training.
The surge in interest for puzzles has been significant since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals like Williams have sought social engagement through competitive puzzling. The Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Association, established in 2022, hosted its first national competition in 2023, attracting about 200 participants in its inaugural year. By May of this year, attendance surged to nearly 1,000, showcasing a wide range of ages from an 11-year-old boy to individuals in their 70s. This growth signifies a community eager for connections through shared interests in puzzling.
Last year's world championship featured approximately 3,800 competitors, a considerable jump from under 1,000 participants in 2022. This increasing enthusiasm has also given rise to new Canadian puzzle companies, such as Elewhite Inc., founded in Calgary in 2021, and Villager Puzzles established in Comox, British Columbia, in 2023. These companies cater to the growing market of puzzle enthusiasts, offering innovative products to enhance the puzzling experience.
For those looking to elevate their skills, various boot camps have emerged, including programs organized by Rebecca Waddell, who also played a key role in the Manitoba regionals. Participants are taught techniques to improve their time, such as the "flip" method, where all pieces are flipped face-up and sorted quickly. Waddell herself has significantly reduced her timing, accomplishing the flip in just four minutes.
Aspiring speed puzzlers are also encouraged to train their memory by studying the puzzle image for 30 seconds before attempting to sketch it from memory. While practice begins with lighter, more social puzzles, participants reportedly become increasingly focused as competitions progress. By the end of training sessions, an intense atmosphere often envelops the room as participants race against the clock to solve their puzzles.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Waddell noted that forming friendships through puzzling is one of the most rewarding components of participation. She shared her experience of teaming up with a much younger engineering graduate, emphasizing the camaraderie that develops despite age differences. Team events introduce additional strategies, necessitating clear communication among teammates, particularly when someone encounters difficulty with their assigned section.
Despite the competitive urgency, ensuring a supportive environment remains paramount. Williams, reflecting on her experiences, described moments of intense distraction, admitting to slapping her teammate's hand while apprehensively reaching for an incorrect piece. However, the overall spirit among competitors is one of encouragement and shared passion for puzzles, reinforcing that speed isn't the only measure of success. Both Williams and Waddell affirm that participation is open to all, regardless of skill level, emphasizing the primary requirement: a love for puzzles.
