If you're a puzzler, you'll fit right in at the Macomb Park District's annual Puzzle Wars Saturday, Feb. 21 at Washington Street Gym in Macomb.
And this year, the event will get a bit more challenging as the number of team entries increases from 20 to 30.
The expansion of teams marks the first growth in the event's history, reflecting surging interest in the competitive puzzle competition. According to Market Research Future, the jigsaw puzzle market size was estimated at nearly $2 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to nearly $2.7 billion by 2025. The North American market remains the largest market for traditional cardboard puzzles. The most common puzzles are 1,000-2,000 pieces.
Participants ages 10 and up — with youth under 16 accompanied by an adult — will race against the clock beginning at 6 p.m. Teams of two-to-four people will have two hours to complete the same 500-piece puzzle. The fastest team will win the Puzzle War championship. If no team completes the masterpiece in the allotted two hours, the team with the fewest pieces left wins the Puzzle Wars Champion medal.
The $40/team fee includes the team puzzle, which each team gets to keep. Participants are welcome to bring snacks to keep them energized during the puzzle battle. To register by the Feb. 14 deadline, visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister, call (309) 833-4562 or stop by the Park District Office, 1406 N. Randolph St.
