Competitive Jigsaw Puzzling Emerges as Surprise Hobby Sensation

The USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals draws hundreds of speed puzzling enthusiasts from around the world to compete for cash prizes.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:05pm

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Once considered a fusty, old-fashioned pastime, jigsaw puzzling has quietly transformed into a fiercely competitive sport with a global following. The USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals, America's first major competitive puzzling tournament, will welcome hundreds of puzzlers from around the world to race against the clock and each other in individual, pairs, and team events.

Why it matters

The rapid rise of competitive speed puzzling highlights how traditional hobbies can evolve into thriving communities and even professional sports. The growing popularity of events like the Nationals also showcases how puzzling can provide a source of joy, connection, and personal growth for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The details

The inaugural USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals was held in 2022, with Los Angeles-based TV and film camera operator Yvonne Feucht becoming the first champion. This year's edition, taking place in Atlanta from March 27-29, will feature hundreds of puzzlers competing in three events: individuals, pairs, and teams of four. Contestants race to complete unreleased 500-piece and 1,000-piece puzzles, with strategy, memory, and an instinctive feel for color giving the best competitors an advantage.

  • The first USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals was held in 2022.
  • The 2026 USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals will take place in Atlanta from March 27-29.

The players

Yvonne Feucht

A 42-year-old TV and film camera operator from Los Angeles who won the inaugural USA Jigsaw Puzzle Nationals in 2022.

Karen Kavett

A 35-year-old from New Jersey who is a popular speed puzzling content creator on YouTube and Instagram, known as "Karen Puzzles".

Jen Ferris

A 36-year-old third-grade teacher in South Florida who discovered speed puzzling through Karen Kavett's videos and has found the hobby to be a source of healing and purpose.

Valerie Coit

A founding member of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association (USAJPA), the organization that hosts the national championships.

Emma Landgraf

A 36-year-old data strategist from Chicago who discovered puzzling during a period of intense stress and is eager to compete and volunteer at this year's Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“I think a lot of people never considered [speed puzzling] as an option. Even if they enjoy puzzling, they didn't know events like this existed.”

— Karen Kavett, Creator behind "Karen Puzzles"

“I do feel like I was able to lean on this hobby and go back to [something] I used to love. That, honestly, I forgot that I loved. It was kind of like finding myself [and] learning to love myself again. It helped me heal, but it also helped me find my purpose again in life and find my people.”

— Jen Ferris, Third-grade teacher

“I couldn't believe it. I had to double-check that I'd actually won.”

— Yvonne Feucht

“It's very exciting to see speed puzzling grow so that more people can discover it. We've heard many stories from USAJPA members that they've 'found their people' and that getting involved in the community has changed their lives for the better.”

— Valerie Coit, USAJPA founding member

“This is a very passionate group that wants to make sure they take part in making it happen. And you really want to be a part of that.”

— Emma Landgraf, Data strategist

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

What was once a solitary pastime has quietly transformed into a global phenomenon, with competitive speed puzzling providing a shared challenge, a source of joy, and a growing community coming together, one piece at a time.