For some, doing a puzzle is a relaxing but sometimes frustrating activity to do at home, but for others, they like to complete them in a competitive setting.

The ACT will play host to its first state jigsaw puzzle competition at Exhibition Park in Canberra on 19 October.

State and territory competitions are run as part of the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association (AJPA), culminating in a national tournament.

The day will include individuals, who must complete the puzzle in three hours or less, and pairs, with a time limit of two hours.

All competitors are given the same 500-piece puzzle to complete in the fastest time possible.

AJPA ACT representative Tammy Hayes said spectators were welcome to watch on as competitors put the pieces together.

Ms Hayes said anyone interested in competing on the day could do a variety of things to train for the event.

“Obviously, tip out a 500-piece puzzle and do it as fast you can at home, and with pairs, it’s the same thing,” she said.

Ms Hayes said another way was to watch speed puzzling videos on YouTube.

“This competition is 100 per cent for anyone who is a novice – our 2022 national champion in Melbourne had never done it before,” she said.

“It’s the best way to find out how good you are.

“Not everyone will finish, and that’s okay. It’s a really great community, and even if you’re not at the top of the leaderboard, everyone is welcome.”

Ms Hayes said her fondest memory of the tournaments took place at a competition in Sydney in 2023.

“One of our Canberra people, she didn’t finish the puzzle in the three hours, but she kept puzzling when everyone else packed up,” she said.

“When she did finish, everyone in the room kept chanting.

“It’s just an incredible atmosphere. It’s a great community. We encourage novices to give it a go.

“If you don’t finish, the remaining pieces will be counted up and you still get a ranking.”

Ms Hayes started the Canberra arm of AJPA in September 2021 just months after stumbling upon the association.

There are two groups in the ACT dedicated to puzzling: Canberra and Surrounds Jigsaw Puzzle Group, which has more than 450 members, and Canberra jigsaw puzzle swap, who meet regularly.

AJPA ACT vice representative Melissa Jones said while she wasn’t the fastest person at putting a puzzle together, she had competed several times.

“I go into it thinking if I complete a couple of pieces, I’m happy,” Ms Jones said.

“Generally, my time is under three hours but I’m there to enjoy the atmosphere, to cheer on others, and help out when I’m not competing myself, and be around others who enjoy jigsaw puzzling.”

For more details and to book tickets, visit eventbrite.com.au and search for ACT State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition 2024.

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