The World's Premier Crossword Competition
Presented by Guinness World Records Puzzle Master Timothy E. Parker
4
Divisions
3
Days
TBD
Prize Pool
2026
Inaugural Year
Presented by Guinness World Records Puzzle Master Timothy E. Parker
Where the world's sharpest minds converge to compete at the highest level of crossword puzzle solving.
The World Crossword Tournament (WCT) is the definitive international crossword puzzle competition, bringing together solvers of all skill levels to compete in a professionally organized, multi-day event.
Created and directed by Timothy E. Parker — the Guinness World Records holder for the most published crossword puzzle creator in history — the WCT represents the gold standard in competitive crossword solving.
Parker's puzzles have appeared in more than 5,000 publications worldwide, and his expertise in puzzle construction and competitive standards ensures a tournament experience unlike any other.
Most published crossword puzzle creator in history
Puzzles syndicated across newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms
Decades of professional puzzle creation and competition design
A rigorous, fair, and exciting competition format designed to crown the true crossword champion.
Multiple timed crossword puzzles of increasing difficulty. Solvers compete against the clock and each other across several rounds to establish rankings.
Top qualifiers from each division advance to head-to-head elimination rounds. Puzzles are custom-crafted by Timothy Parker exclusively for the tournament.
The top competitors from each division face a final championship puzzle in front of a live audience. Speed, accuracy, and composure determine the champion.
Points awarded for accuracy (correct letters) and speed (time to completion). Penalty deductions for incorrect entries. Tiebreakers determined by fastest solve time.
Each puzzle has a strict time limit appropriate to its difficulty level. Unfinished puzzles are scored based on completed correct entries at the time limit.
In the event of tied scores, tiebreakers are resolved by: (1) fastest completion time, (2) accuracy percentage, (3) a sudden-death speed puzzle.
Four skill-based divisions ensure every solver competes against peers at their level.
For casual solvers and first-time competitors
For experienced recreational solvers
For seasoned competitive solvers
For elite-level competitive solvers
Additional categories include Youth (Under 18), Senior (60+), and Pairs/Team divisions. Details to be announced.
A three-day weekend of world-class crossword competition.
Competitor check-in, welcome reception, orientation, and the first preliminary rounds across all divisions. Date TBD
Remaining preliminary rounds in the morning. Afternoon features championship-round qualifying and head-to-head elimination matches. Evening social event.
Division grand finals in front of a live audience. Awards ceremony, champion crowning, and closing celebration.
Substantial prizes and prestigious recognition for top performers in every division.
Cash prize, trophy, and the title of World Crossword Champion
Cash prize and division championship trophy
Cash prize and division championship trophy
Cash prize and division championship trophy
Additional awards include Fastest Solve, Most Accurate Solver, Best Newcomer, and Team/Pairs champions. Full prize structure to be announced.
The first-ever World Crossword Tournament is coming soon. Champions will be immortalized here after the inaugural event.
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