As interest in competitive jigsaw puzzling continues to grow across the world, Kasia Nickells from Stroud has scooped the top spot in the Pairs division in this weekend’s Cardiff Speed Puzzling Championship.
Her partner in puzzling, Andrea Peng had travelled all the way from San Francisco to join her for the competition. Completing a 500-piece puzzle provided by event sponsor Ravensburger, the duo achieved a winning time of 29 minutes and 53 seconds.
Photography by John Day Photography
The event was organised by the United Kingdom Jigsaw Puzzle Association and brought together over 300 avid speed puzzlers for the first major event of its kind in Wales. Solo, Pairs and Teams categories took place, with the top three finishers in each one receiving a coveted award as well as a cash prize.
Kasia had met her Pairs partner Andrea, who is from San Francisco, at an international event several years ago. Despite the many miles between them, the duo have remained firm friends and reunited for this championship – demonstrating the global connections being forged in the speed puzzle community. On completing the 500-piece Ravensburger puzzle titled Disney Family in the fastest time, Kasia said: “Andrea and I met three years ago at the World Speed Puzzle Championship in Spain, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. It’s an absolute dream to finally compete alongside each other, and even better to mark the occasion with a win!”
While it has traditionally been thought of as a slower pastime, many thousands of people across the world are picking up the pace to join in puzzle races, as Anneka Thompson of the UKJPA explains;
“ While jigsaws have often been regarded as largely individual activity, the interest in speed puzzling is continuing to grow. This was our first event in Wales and we hope that we’ve introduced some new puzzlers to this new way to enjoy puzzles. There’s no doubt that our winners achieved some fantastic times, but the spirit of fun and friendship shone through above all.”
