‘Absolutely stoked’: Quiet hobby gets dose of adrenalin as speed puzzling grows
The most gruelling day of competition left Kirsty Williams sweating and collapsed on the floor, clutching a can of Coke as she tried not to pass out. She still finished the puzzle. Williams is one of the many who have gone deep into the world of speed puzzling, adding a boost of adrenalin to an […]
Kirsty Williams, a 38-year-old woman from Brandon, Manitoba, discovered the thrill of speed puzzling after a grueling day at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship in Valladolid, Spain. The extreme heat and lack of focus led to a collapsed Williams, exhausted but determined to finish the puzzle. Now, Williams is back in training, averaging two puzzles a day to prepare for the next championship in Spain.
She attributes her success to the rise in popularity of speed puzzling, which has gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Association was formed in 2022, and its first national competition in 2023 saw nearly 1,000 participants. New puzzle companies like Elewhite Inc. in Calgary and Villager Puzzles in Comox have also emerged, catering to the growing demand.
Speed puzzling events are held at various locations, including libraries, bookstores, and community centers, attracting people of all ages. Recruiters like Rebecca Waddell teach aspiring speed puzzlers the importance of communication and teamwork, emphasizing that the community welcomes both fast and slow puzzlers who simply love the challenge.
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- ‘Absolutely stoked’: Quiet hobby gets dose of adrenalin as speed puzzling grows winnipegfreepress.com
