Catch Columbus locals on ESPN2 competing in World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships
Forget gold medals and Olympic rings, only for one moment—this fall, the real competition is all about speed and strategy with a side of cardboard. In a world where hobbies can be as fleeting as a TikTok trend, jigsaw puzzling is proving it’s here to stay, especially when it involves piecing together a 1,000 tiny fragments. For three Columbus locals, what began as a leisurely pastime during lockdown has catapulted them onto the global stage at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships in Spain. That’s right—speed puzzling is not only a thing, it’s taking the world by storm!
Next week, Colleen Dunne, Hannah Wagner, and Jessica Henderson will represent Columbus, Ohio at the international competition in Valladolid, Spain. More than 1,200 puzzlers from 74 countries will compete from September 17-22, with events ranging from solo 500-piece challenges to team efforts tackling 1,000-piece puzzles. With Dunne ranked 20th in the country, Columbus is poised for a serious shot at victory. And the best part? You can catch all the action live-streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and ESPN2.
“There’s something exhilarating about finding the right piece faster than you thought possible. It’s almost like a mental sprint,” Henderson told 614Now. “We’re excited to show the world what Ohio puzzlers can do!”
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If the competition inspires you to break out the puzzle pieces, you don’t have to wait for Spain to join the fun. Jigsaw puzzling has exploded since the pandemic, with puzzle companies selling out during lockdown. But while many trends faded, puzzling only grew stronger. Speed puzzling has become so popular that the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association (USAJPA) was founded in 2020 and now boasts over 2,000 members.
And Ohio isn’t missing out on the action. The newly launched Ohio Jigsaw Puzzle Association offers a place for both speed and casual puzzlers to connect, compete, and swap tips.
“It’s incredible to see how many people, from all different walks of life, have found a community through puzzling,” Henderson shared. “Whether you’re training for the next big competition or just want to gather with or meet new friends over coffee and a puzzle, we’ve got something for everyone.”
Local breweries, libraries, and game shops have hopped on the puzzle craze too, hosting puzzle races, swaps, and fundraisers. As we head into the cozier fall months, jigsaw puzzles are a perfect way to bond with family and friends without a screen in sight. Plus, they’re great for your brain! Studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information show that puzzling taps into multiple cognitive abilities and could even help protect against cognitive aging.
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