"The competitive aspect of jigsaw puzzling dates back to the 1980s in the US, when Hallmark ran a national competition for several years. In 2022, the volunteer-run USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association partnered with Ravensburger to bring back a national championship."
"The jigsaw puzzle community blossomed during the Covid-19 lockdown. We didn't have enough [puzzles], the demand was infinite, says Thomas Kaeppler, the president of Ravensburger North America."
"With in-person events at a halt, online puzzle competitions began to gain traction through virtual events held at speedpuzzling.com, created in 2020 by Jonathan Cluff. Social media helped it spread."
"Suddenly this audience that had no idea that speed puzzling was a thing sees that it's a thing, and they tag all their friends and they're like, Oh my gosh, you would be so good at this,' Kavett says."
Speed jigsaw puzzling has transformed from a leisurely activity into a competitive sport, with roots dating back to the 1980s. The USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association revived national championships in partnership with Ravensburger, leading to significant growth in participation. The community expanded during the Covid-19 lockdown, with online competitions gaining popularity. Social media played a crucial role in spreading awareness, as viral videos introduced many to the competitive side of puzzling. The latest championship in Atlanta saw over 1,600 attendees, showcasing the sport's increasing appeal.
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Read at www.theguardian.com
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