About 200 people gathered in Bradford for the UK’s first federation-approved puzzling championships, turning jigsaw puzzles into a competitive sport. The event, hosted by the UK Jigsaw Puzzle Association, featured solo and pairs competitions where participants raced to complete 500-piece puzzles in record time.

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Emma Quirke from Ireland emerged victorious in the solo round, finishing a puzzle in an impressive 41 minutes and 55 seconds. She expressed her surprise at winning and described the intense focus required during the competition, where she lost track of time and surroundings, fully immersed in the puzzle-solving process.

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Anneka Thompson, the founder of the UK Jigsaw Puzzle Association, highlighted the event’s significance as the first championship in line with world federation rules. She noted the growing popularity of speed puzzling, with participants from various countries showcasing their skills and competitive spirit.

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Speed puzzling gained momentum during the lockdown, with enthusiasts like Thompson discovering their knack for quick puzzle-solving. Thompson’s transition from a competitive puzzler to an organizer reflected the evolving landscape of puzzling as a sport, attracting a diverse range of participants driven by the thrill of competition.

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While the solo competition showcased individual prowess, the pairs race added a collaborative element to the event. Champion puzzlers Sarah Mills and Claire Heyes claimed victory in the pairs event, demonstrating the synergy and teamwork required for efficient puzzle completion.

Among the participants were mother-daughter duo Janae and Abigail Hills, who embarked on a journey from the Isle of Wight to test their puzzling skills. Abigail, inspired by YouTube videos, found solace and relaxation in puzzling, using it as a coping mechanism for anxiety and stress.

The intricate designs of the competition puzzles, crafted by talented artists like Georgia Breeze-Frost and Stuart Matthews, added an artistic flair to the competitive atmosphere. The puzzles, sponsored by Ravensburger, featured creative themes that challenged participants while showcasing the artists’ talents.

The relentless pursuit of faster puzzle-solving times mirrored the competitive drive seen in sports like the 100m sprint at the Olympics. Participants pushed their limits, aiming to outdo themselves and set new records, underscoring the evolving nature of puzzling as a competitive and engaging activity.

As the puzzling community continues to expand and innovate, events like the UK puzzling championships provide a platform for enthusiasts to showcase their skills, forge connections, and celebrate the art of jigsaw puzzles in a spirited and competitive environment.