A sold-out competition is putting puzzle skills to the test this weekend, as Manitoba’s fastest puzzlers race against the clock.
The Manitoba Regional Speed Puzzling Competition is bringing together some of the top puzzle enthusiasts from across Canada for a day of timed challenges.
“This is a really big deal because previously regionals were only held in some of the bigger provinces like Quebec, Ontario, B.C., Alberta,” said Rebecca Waddell, founder of Manitoba Speed Puzzlers and lead organizer for the event. “This is the first time Manitoba’s been on the map, so to speak, for a regional competition. But in large part, it’s due to all the efforts that myself and the other volunteers at Manitoba Speed Puzzlers have put together in creating a community in Manitoba for this.”
Racing to complete mystery puzzles
The sold-out event features individual, pairs and team events with competitors assembling puzzles as quickly as possible without knowing the image beforehand. Individual and pairs competitors will complete 500-piece puzzles, while teams tackle 1,000-piece challenges.
Waddell says each competitor receives a sealed bag containing a mystery puzzle, and when the countdown ends, it’s a race to complete it as quickly as possible.
“The best part is when they’re flipping all those pieces,” said Waddell. “It almost sounds like rain on the roof. It’s very neat to come in person and experience that.”
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Spectators welcome to watch the action
Although competitor registration has sold out, spectators are invited to attend throughout the day.
Pairs competition begins at 10 a.m., followed by the individual event around noon and the team competition at 3:15 p.m. at Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre.
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Spectators are asked to remain quiet while competitors are puzzling, especially during the individual event when participants are intensely focused.
Waddell says things become a little livelier during the pairs and team competitions.
“It does get a little louder during pairs and teams when everyone’s communicating, and there’s a little trash talking too,” said Waddell.
Anyone interested in learning more about the hobby can join the Manitoba Speed Puzzlers Facebook group, where upcoming competitions, puzzle parties, beginner classes and other events will be posted.