Skip to content
The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships (WJPC) is a platform for puzzle pals and fans of all ages to challenge their skills. This annual extravaganza, organized by the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation (WJPF), brings together puzzle pros from across the globe, with backing from national puzzle associations like the United States Jigsaw Puzzle Association and the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association.
Let's rewind a bit. The WJPC kicked off in 2019, and ever since then, puzzle aficionados have been flocking to Valladolid, Spain, the championship's glamorous home.
Unveiling the Puzzle Championship: Events and Evolution
The agenda at this puzzle-packed event is all about solving puzzles. Three main events steal the spotlight: the team challenge, the pairs showdown, and the individual race.
Now, here's the twist. The year 2019 marked the debut of a world ranking system for puzzle competitors a new way to level up the puzzle-playing field.
In 2020 and 2021, the championship hit pause due to the pesky global pandemic. But adamant puzzlers made sure to bring the competition back to life in 2022 and haven't looked back since.
Breaking Down the Puzzle Championship Events
So, what are the events?
- Team challenge - The team event kicks things off with groups of four tackling multiple puzzles within a time limit. Las Chicas Checas of the Czech Republic took first place in 2023 at a time of just over one hour and 30 minutes.
- Pairs Showdown - Pairs join the fray, with two puzzle pros racing against the clock to complete a single puzzle. In 2023, the Spanish duo of Alejandro Clemente Leon and Gisela Aranz Toro won this category at a time of just over one hour and 32 minutes.
- Individual Race – The individual event features each participant going solo to conquer a 500-piece puzzle within the 90-minute time limit. Spain’s Clemente Leon won this category for the second year in a row with just under 38 minutes left on the clock.
So, a big shoutout to the puzzle powerhouses topping the all-time medal table. Spain leads the pack with a dazzling display of gold, followed closely by the Czech Republic, Russia, and the United States.
Evolution of the Puzzle Championship Format
Since the inaugural championships, the format has evolved. Semifinals were introduced in all events in 2022, and in 2023, another round was added due to the surge in participants. So, 2024 brings even more excitement, with a fresh round added before the pairs-event semifinals.
Puzzle Championship by the Numbers: Growth and Dominance
Now, let's talk numbers. From 2019 to 2023, the championships saw a steady rise in nations and participants, with Valladolid serving as the puzzle mecca throughout. There were less than 200 individual participants in the first year of the WJPC. That increased by almost 200 to almost 600 puzzlers in 2023.
Looking Ahead: The Bright Future of Puzzle Championships
That’s a sneak peek into the thrilling world of the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships. If you feel like you have what it takes to become a puzzle Victorian, you can join the ultimate puzzle party in Valladolid.
Mark your calendars since the 2024 showdown is set to take place from September 17th to 22nd.
Source:
World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships. Wikipedia
WorldJigsawPuzzleFederation. Youtube.