Competition pits puzzlers against the clock

Puzzle enthusiasts from around Minnesota and beyond gathered at the DECC on Saturday for the annual Duluth Jigsaw Puzzle Contest.

Held for the first time at the DECC, participants battle against the clock to complete 500-piece puzzles in either individual, or team contests. Also for this year included a 1000-piece competition.

The Minnesota Jigsaw Puzzle Association’s President Stacey DeRoche, says the event has grown – with 2025 being their biggest event since starting back in 2024. This year there were 250 entrants, including both teams and individuals, though DeRoche explained that figure included people who may have signed up for both.

But while many think of putting together a jigsaw puzzle as a lazy-afternoon sort of activity, what makes these competitors want to race against the clock?

“People like to win prizes. They like to win competitions,” DeRoche explained with a laugh, “It’s a great community though, so it’s a great community to be a part of. But nobody can turn down a temptation to win a prize or to win a competition.”

The Duluth Jigsaw Puzzle Contest is held once a year, but DeRoche says smaller events happen all around the state, and are often listed on the association’s Facebook page.