One hundred years ago, Hungary witnessed the birth of its first crossword puzzle on 22 January 1925 in the weekly magazine Ma Este. To honor this historic moment, the National Association of Puzzle Solvers (ROE) has organized a grand competition in Budapest, paying homage to a century-long tradition of puzzle-solving ingenuity.
The brainchild of journalist Károly Kristóf, the debut Hungarian crossword featured a 10×10 grid with 17 black squares and clues for 25 horizontal and 18 vertical answers. Unlike contemporary crosswords, only the numbered rows contained meaningful words. The puzzle’s allure was undeniable, with the reward for solving it being a fashionable mahjong game. The puzzle’s success led to Hungary’s first puzzle-solving contest in 1925, clinched by teacher Irén Kerényi.
Over the ensuing decades, Hungary emerged as a global puzzle powerhouse, distinguished by its diverse puzzle offerings. While many nations focus on Sudoku or traditional crosswords, Hungary boasts a plethora of puzzle magazines showcasing unique formats. Since 1992, the Hungarian team has clinched the bronze five times in the World Puzzle Championships, with Pál Madarassy achieving individual world champion status in 2007.
To commemorate this milestone, the ROE is hosting a grand individual competition at Budapest’s ELTE Gömbaula. Participants will engage with 100 puzzles of varying difficulty, ranging from simple challenges to intricate masterpieces tailored for experts. Contestants have a three-hour window to tackle as many puzzles as possible unaided. Scores will reflect the puzzles’ complexity, determining the winners. The event has attracted over 300 contestants, marking the ROE’s largest annual gathering.
Besides the competition, attendees can immerse themselves in an exhibition chronicling Hungary’s crossword history. Notable exhibits include the longest Hungarian crossword, stretching over 44 meters and crafted within 24 hours during an international event. The ‘Golden Pencil Award’, previously bestowed upon the nation’s top puzzle creators, also takes center stage.
As part of the centennial celebrations, the ROE plans to host ten additional puzzle-solving competitions throughout the year. Hungary will host the World Sudoku and Puzzle Championships for the fourth time in September, following a decision by the World Puzzle Federation. Eger will be the competition’s venue, with national selection rounds slated for spring.
This event not only commemorates a century of puzzle-solving heritage but also underscores Hungary’s enduring commitment to fostering a vibrant puzzle culture. As the nation continues to excel on the global puzzle stage, this milestone serves as a testament to Hungary’s unwavering passion for and prowess in the realm of puzzles.
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