American Crossword Puzzle Tournament

American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. Founded in 1978 by The New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz, it is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the United States. The tournament gathers hundreds of solvers annually to compete for the title of national champion across a series of original puzzles. Its structure and cultural prominence have significantly influenced the competitive puzzling community and popularized crossword solving as a competitive mind sport.

History

The inaugural event was held at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, conceived by Will Shortz shortly after he became puzzle editor for *Games* magazine. Inspired by the National Scrabble Championship, Shortz sought to create a formal competition for crossword enthusiasts. Early tournaments were covered by media outlets like The New York Times and CBS News, helping to establish its reputation. A major milestone was the 2006 documentary *Wordplay*, which featured the tournament and several of its top solvers, bringing it widespread public attention. The event was held for many years in Stamford, Connecticut, before relocating briefly to Brooklyn and then returning to Stamford.

Format and competition

Competitors solve seven original puzzles over the first day and a half, with puzzles increasing in difficulty. Puzzles are created by noted constructors like Merl Reagle, Patrick Berry, and Elizabeth C. Gorski. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed, with points deducted for errors. The top three finishers after the preliminary rounds advance to a final, televised round held on a giant whiteboard grid. This dramatic finale, often solved in under ten minutes, determines the champion. Divisions exist for different skill levels, including a separate division for solvers under age 25, and competition is fierce among top contenders like Tyler Hinman and Dan Feyer.

Notable champions and participants

The tournament's most decorated champion is Dan Feyer, a former concert pianist who won seven titles between 2010 and 2018. Other multiple-time winners include Jon Delfin, a seven-time champion in earlier decades, and Tyler Hinman, who won five consecutive titles starting in 2005. Notable participants have ranged from celebrities like Jon Stewart and Bill Clinton to puzzle world luminaries such as constructor Will Shortz and former The New York Times editor Eugene T. Maleska. The tournament has also crowned champions in other categories, such as Ellen Ripstein, who won the overall title in 2001.

Cultural impact

The tournament has been instrumental in fostering a national community of crossword solvers and legitimizing puzzling as a competitive activity. The documentary *Wordplay* significantly boosted its profile, akin to the effect *Spellbound* had for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It has been featured on programs like *The Today Show* and in publications including The Wall Street Journal. The event inspired similar competitions, such as the Lollapuzzoola tournament, and has influenced puzzle design and solving strategies nationwide. Its integration of speed-solving with traditional crossword logic has shaped modern competitive puzzling culture.

Organization and location

The event is organized by Will Shortz and has been historically managed in conjunction with The New York Times Crossword. For decades, it was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa in Stamford, Connecticut, creating a consistent annual gathering place. After a period at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, it returned to its traditional Stamford venue. The tournament is run with assistance from a staff of volunteers and officials, including noted constructors like Mike Shenk and Amy Reynaldo. Sponsorship and support have come from entities like The New York Times and American Airlines.

Category:Crossword puzzles Category:Recurring events established in 1978 Category:Competitions in the United States