In-Person Contests
For the most up-to-date information about events hosted by us, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedpuzzling/events.
For the most up-to-date information about other local events in the USA, please join your state-specific FB group. Direct links are below.
2024 Interactive Google Map
(better for desktop than mobile)
(better for desktop than mobile)
Click on the map to be redirected to an interactive version that contains links to event sign-ups.
We LOVE hosting speed puzzling races on Zoom. We had even more fun hosting 7 in-person state and regional championships in the USA in 2023, and 12 in 2024.
We plan to host 14 championships in 2025; the first one was held in Texas. Please scroll down and complete the Google form to help us bring a contest to you!
We plan to host 14 championships in 2025; the first one was held in Texas. Please scroll down and complete the Google form to help us bring a contest to you!
Region |
States in the Region |
2025 Contests |
2024 Contests |
2023 Contests |
USA West |
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming |
- California State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - Colorado State Championship (Apr 26). Click here to register! - Utah State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - Washington State Championship. Stay tuned for details. |
- California State Championship (Nov 16) in San Mateo. Click here for results. - Colorado State Championship (Apr 20) in Colorado Springs. Click here for results. - Pacific Northwest: USA Northeast Regional Championship (Jul 13) in Seattle. Click here for results. - Utah State Championship (Sep 7) in Lindon. Click here for results. |
|
USA Southwest |
Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
- Arizona State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - Texas State Championship (Feb 1). Click here for results. |
||
USA Midwest |
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
- Minnesota State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - Ohio State Championship. Click here for details! |
||
USA Southeast |
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
|||
USA Northeast |
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont |
- Connecticut State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - Massachusetts State Championship. Stay tuned for details. - New York State Championship. Click here to register! |
Championship FAQ's:
- How does a championship work? For each contest, each person/pair/team will receive the same puzzle in an opaque drawstring bag. Rules will be given, and then we will count down "3, 2, 1, GO!" Everyone will open the bag, open the puzzle box, and begin puzzling. Rankings will be determined by finish time. The contest puzzles are yours to keep.
- How do I register? On the championship page, scroll down to the section that lists the various divisions. Add the desired event(s) to your cart, and complete the checkout process. To provide information about teammates or preferred T-shirt sizes and colors, enter a note during the checkout process.
- Does the Pair (or Team) registration fee cover both (or all 4) of us, or do we each have to pay? During 2024, A single registration fee covered both, or all 4, members of the pair or team. We spent too many hours trying to track down teammate information. So for 2025, we divided the ticket prices by 2 or 4, and each ticket provides entry to 1 person on the pair or team. We ask that each team member register separately so we can communicate directly with each participant.
- How many people can be on a Team? A team consists of 3 or 4 people, but all teams compete in the same division.
- What if I want to participate, but I don't live in the State featured in the Championship? Priority is given to residents of the specified state, but if there is space, anyone from anywhere may participate. Non-resident individuals are not eligible for prizes. Starting in 2025, any pair or team with a non-resident individual IS eligible for prizes.
- How do you choose where to host championship events? We target the areas with the most known speed puzzlers. In 2023, we held state championships in our 4 most populated speed puzzling states: California, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. We held regional championships for other key states. In 2024, we added 5 championships where we had large populations of known speed puzzlers. For 2025, we added New York because they had the most participants in our Zoom State championships. And we added North Carolina because they hosted the largest Mini Tourney.
- How can we get you to host a championship in our area? Contact me at [email protected] if you know of a good venue for a contest. The venue must be in a safe location, have great lighting, 4000+ square feet, plenty of 6-foot rectangular tables, plenty of chairs, a sound system, and preferably a projector & screen available. It also must be available all day on a Saturday (from at least 8am - 6pm) at an affordable cost.
- What types of divisions (puzzles and piece counts) do you have? We hold contests for adults (ages 16-59), juniors (under 16), and seniors (60 or over). The divisions are Solo (200-300p for Juniors and Seniors, 500p for Adults), Pair (300p for Youth, 500-550p for Adults), and Team (500p for Youth, 1000p for Adults).
- Do you recommend any specific hotels for reduced rates? We have made multiple attempts to provide discounted pricing at area hotels, but each one has required that we guarantee a certain number of rooms. We don't have the resources to ensure enough people reserve rooms at any given hotel.
- What time do we need to arrive? Check-in times are from 9 - 9:15 for Solo, from 11:30 - 11:45 for Pairs Relay, 1 - 1:15 for Pairs, and from 3:15 - 3:30 for Team. Just one person from each Pair or Team needs to check in. Early check-in is not allowed, and you will need to check in for each event if participating in more than one. Brief instructions and rules will be given immediately following the check-in window, and the contest will begin immediately afterward.
- What size is our puzzling space? We do our best to use 6-foot rectangular tables, but occasionally only 8-foot tables are available. We divide each table in half for Solo and Pairs, but Teams get to use a whole table.
- Where do we need to sit? Starting in mid-2024, we have begun to use assigned seating for all in-person championships. We place our fastest known puzzlers in the first few rows. Those who have never puzzled with us typically will sit in the back of the room.
- What do we do for snacks or drinks? The rules vary by venue. We will try to provide catering options whenever possible. If the venue allows it, you may bring in your own food or drinks.
- How does the puzzle swap work? Every registered participant may participate in the swap at no cost. Friends/guests may also purchase a swap ticket to participate. You can bring 1 or many puzzles that are complete (have no missing pieces). For each puzzle you bring, you may take home one puzzle of similar piece count and quality. Dollar store brands like Puzzlebug may not be brought to the puzzle swap.
Championship Rules:
- What tools can we use in your championships? You may use box top holders and sorting trays (limited in size and quantity based on USA Jigsaw Nationals rules here). You may also use earbuds to listen to music. You may not bring magnifying tools (including a camera to enlarge the image), puzzle scoops/spatulas, risers to lift the table, or personal lighting.
- Can we bring a blade or blunt tool to open the puzzle box? No--but we always slice through the cellophane or stickers so you may easily open the box.
- What is the time limit for each contest? Currently, the time limit is 2 hours for Solo, 90 minutes for Pair, and 2 hours for Team. This may be adjusted for 2024.
- What if we have one or more youth and one or more adult? Juniors and Seniors may participate with an adult in the Adult division for Pairs or Team, but adults 16-59 may not compete in a Junior or Senior division.