I went to a puzzle competition. It was way harder than I thought.

[@KarenPuzzles]

The video about the Pairs/Individual competition is up now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZW8gZSNncaMfZY

[@knifeincident3491]

I love when hobbies that are meant to be relaxing and peaceful are made unnecessarily intense and stressful in the name of competition.

[@bendy2421]

Same with cubing

[@sierradurand1454]

Perfectly well said.

[@gynandroidhead]

Unnecessarily? That's asinine.

[@pokkemuur6539]

@@gynandroidheadits true

[@mackberg1792]

Is there such a thing as competitive reading? Lol

[@orchdork775]

I love that team no snacks used a baking pan to hold pieces 😂

[@jmason1770]

I use a cookie sheet too!😅

[@hollyfirefly1]

I always use my cookie sheets😊

[@dustercat21]

Its actually kinda smart because pieces cant just slide off of it bc it has little boarders

[@ashleysworldincolor2195]

I spray paint mine white, but I do the same thing.

[@jmason1770]

@@ashleysworldincolor2195 I just put a sheet of white paper in mine. If I'm doing a puzzle with a lot of white pieces I put a sheet of color paper from some junk mail/flyers.

[@maddytcam6660]

I agree Karen, puzzling with new people was definitely a challenge. Our team met via zoom ahead of the event to strategize a little. And then we practiced on a difficult 1000 piece on Friday night which resulted in tweaking some of our strategy. But our jaws dropped to the floor when we saw the Mermaids puzzle🤣🤣🤣

[@YouTube]

the jig-squad is hardcore 😎 so happy to see you living the dream, karen ❤

[@KarenPuzzles]

Wow, thank you to whoever's running the official KZbin account these days!

[@draculena]

@@KarenPuzzles so cool!! :D

[@carlab4868]

youtube literary commented on your video 🤩🤩🤩

[@worldsfunniestvideosandbes3684]

😱 KZbin official comment!

[@TrunksWD]

That final MERMAIDS puzzle is insane. I don't think I could finish that puzzle by itself in the allotted time. Let alone doing 2 other puzzles before it.

[@hopegold883]

Idk. There was the purple, and then the blue with the texture. I think if they’d done those first, they could have finished.

[@beelzemobabbity]

@@hopegold883 i think its also that as the final puzzle, youre no doubt tired and the simmilar pieces are even worse

[@anniedonnell6925]

Finishing 13th is honestly so impressive. That’s 13th in THE WHOLE COUNTRY! So wild! The *mermaids* puzzle looks so hard. Cant wait for the next video!

[@KarenPuzzles]

Well, 13th out of the ~130 people who came to compete. That's a little different 😆

[@jimmyh2137]

@Latest Obssesion 130 people not 130 teams

[@jimmyh2137]

@Latest Obssesion that's a completely different thing. Team 13 out of 130 people means there are 12*4=48 people placed before. 49-52th place.

[@jimmyh2137]

@Latest Obssesion your point was "they did extremely well for a first time with that team". No, they didn't. I'd say it was good. As expected tbh.

[@Shyress]

@@jimmyh2137 But...they did well for a team who never did a competition?

[@em4659]

I love that feeling when you feel like you found your people

[@leahswan3178]

You guys did extremely well, especially considering that you've never puzzled together before!

[@ChrisArborLife]

0:32, that moment when you realize that Karen's last name is not Puzzles

[@maaritlarinen9056]

You know, I'm glad you didn't do too good on your first attempt. It only goes to show that speed puzzling is legit in a way, not just anyone can do it and expect immediate results. Just like any sport you have to put in time and dedication to achieve your goals - which I am also sure you will do next time you're in a team event ;)

[@elephantsradorable7689]

I love how you said you found your people. It's so nice to talk to people who have the same interests as you. I got my bachelor's degree in geology. I love geology and rocks. Most people find rocks boring but when I find some one who loves them, it just makes my heart so happy.

[@heyitz_rj]

This is why I love KZbin. It opens you to a world of interest you never thought you would be into. I’ve done puzzles on again off again throughout my life but definitely not to the level as you Karen 😂 lol. It’s really awesome to see amazing communities like this! It really brightens you up when the world can feel so cold. You’ve just got yourself a new subscriber!

[@annieonpaper]

Right! I wish I'll love something as much as they love puzzles one day lol

[@neinnein4851]

Honestly, with Taylor Swift in your head all day, getting 13th place was just the only possible outcome 😂

[@hannahfrancois3020]

Or 22nd 😉

[@gabo262]

Omg that’s true!!!!

[@ihkeseteeietos5722]

Or 1st of she had 'the 1' in her head

[@KarenPuzzles]

Would you compete in a jigsaw puzzle competition? Do you think you would have finished that last puzzle? 😬 Thank you to Ravensburger for sponsoring me to go to the event, and make sure to check out the descriptions for links to everything I talked about!

[@JS...]

No, solving puzzles is a relaxation activity for me. Competitions add way too much stress.

[@benjisaac]

I have very little practice in trying to be fast because I only realized last year that I’m like really good at puzzles, but as soon as I heard this was a thing I wanted to do it someday

[@jayehoelke1798]

Q

[@SheLovesVampires]

I really want to go to the one next year in Spain so I can meet other people and have fun with a team even tho I think I wont be great at speed puzzling, I just love puzzles and want to be around "my kind of people" and meet you!!!

[@Ummmmmmmmtoast]

I’m hoping to compete next year! I just need to get used to the pure chaos of competing 😂

[@LinauLee]

Karen, When you said you found your people, you can feel the glee coming through. So glad you got to share your new Ravensburger puzzle there. Perfect timing. So happy for you. hUgz, Lee

[@julypatchouli9719]

Yes, we all want to win. But I think the first time you enter any competition it's okay to just gain experience and learn for your next time. You don't have to be ashamed. You guys did great!!!

[@jraviator64]

I can’t be the only one who cried happy sweet tears at 1:53. There’s something about finding people who geek out at the same things you do that’s just so pure. :)

[@aartadventure]

Let's all take a moment to celebrate the majesty that is the intro to team Jig-Squad at 3:40 (It's doesn't quite surpass the intro of "Murder, she puzzled", but it is damn close!)

[@feat.Lilyli]

46 minutes flew by, your storytelling and the video overall is so good 😄And now I can’t wait for your video of Day 2. I would not have finished the mermaid puzzle haha, but I’m actually surprised I love it so much, I tend to stay away from underwater themes or lots of one color puzzles, but this one, I actually will need to buy it, it’s so pretty.

[@lethiapage4767]

When you talk about communication with new teammates I think that's pretty important. It always strikes me how much of the language of puzzles is in our heads so working with other people and finding a way to understand each other must certainly take time.

[@faville]

The description of the feelings of hearing other teams finishing puzzles before yours is reminiscent of exams-hearing all the other students moving on to the next pages while I still bite my nails over whatever essay or problem is in front of me. Stressful feeling, but I suspect a bit less so in a puzzling match (unless you’re at the bottom).

[@keleidoscope3564]

Please do a haul of the puzzles you got there. I loved the team mate bios.

[@KarenPuzzles]

They've been in a pile on my desk for weeks just waiting for the haul video 😅

[@PokhrajRoy.]

So nice to hear you’ve competed in a Jigsaw Tournament. 5 hours of Puzzling sounds fun in theory lmao

[@spicystrugglesoup]

I love that more introverted activities are getting events like this! It makes me so excited to find people interested in the same things as me!

[@ranaawwad7677]

Finally I've been waiting for this video!! I watched your event live just to see you!! I appreciate your editing I am sure it took twice as much as the actual puzzling time

[@KarenPuzzles]

Wayyy more than twice as long 😅

[@awkward567]

I love all the fun team names! Yippie Kie Yay, Motherpuzzler is cracking me up!

[@LouCadle]

There was a lot of that sense of "I am in my tribe!" there. Jonathan's a nice guy, really enjoyed chatting with him and so many others.

[@SheLovesVampires]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh the suspense is killing me, I cant wait for part 2!!! I loved the team introductions, so fun!! Im literally so hyped rn for the second part!!

[@ijlayugan4149]

Ravensburger has gotta keep sponsoring you cause this has been incredible!

[@feuilletoniste]

What an exciting (and exhausting) day! I think your team did really well considering that you’d never had a chance to practice together, let alone build up a strong set of team strategies. (The speed and ease with which the top two teams both got into their puzzle boxes and put away their finished puzzles was really something!) And how lovely that Cravin’ for Raven was able to be there, and that they had a more than respectable final place; it just goes to show that puzzling really can be a lifelong pursuit and that experience is golden. PS I particularly appreciated your commentary on the forest and mermaid puzzles, because they both look like images I’d be drawn to, only to discover part way through what a tragic mistake I’d made. 😂🌲🌱🍄🌿🌳🌊🧜🏾‍♀️🦑🌊

[@miriam4235]

Your team introduction was hilarious. 😆 Also, the creative team names where great. Looking forward to the next video and the border mishap. 😱 (Mermaids)

[@nbourbs7689]

After having watched most of the livestream when it was happening, so fun to get a different perspective from you. No thank you for the mermaids, too tough for that many hands to be digging around in the pieces. Congrats to Andrea on Team Rasmussen-we know her family from our church! Thanks for sharing, Karen!

[@blair2378]

YAAAAAS. I am living for these competition videos! I hope the next one is even more dramatic.

[@GabdeVue]

I do not know what it is about the way you comment these events - its super personal and engaging and I loved it. I really like the art in all the puzzles, too - especially the meraids-puzzle. I would love, love, love to listen to you interview the Raven-Team and hear stories and anecdotes! Thanks and i really enjoy your content : )

[@awkward567]

I love that Katie was able to join you for this! How freakin' fun!

[@anselimnida]

It was awesome seeing you at the competition! I didn't do the teams, but it looked so grueling! Bravo to your team and all the teams for surviving 5 1/2 hours of intense puzzling. I bought the mermaid puzzle and did it with my husband later at home. It is so beautiful, but took us over 13 hours to finish. And I looked just like you at 28:12 for the entire last half. Lol. Thanks for your hard work putting together this video of your experience. Can't wait for part 2!

[@kimberlee9608]

3:50 I just found this channel and KAREN IS MY VIBE!!! Girl yes! Your energy is contagious!! I’m not even that into puzzles, I’m just really into watching people loving a “mundane” thing with so much joy, it really helps me to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things. This weekend I’m doing a puzzle!

[@BrianaLynn7]

I love how you give so much praise and credit to the other teams. You admit to being a little sad not placing higher, but you are not a sore loser in any way and embrace how hard you all worked and what you might do better next time.

[@수제비-p9h]

Different from the world commentary this video has Karen's viewpoint too so it was quite interesting too to hear her thoughts as a contestant as the competition went

[@tdawg6365]

4:20 im still howling you guys are amazing

[@5stringaustin]

I think for a first time competition and having just met as a team the night before (so no real chemistry could exist), y’all did a fabulous job!

[@JSanime]

There's no way I'd ever finish that mermaids puzzle in 5 and a half hours. 💀💀 The real question is will you be competing in the teams category again?

[@E942-h2d]

one has to mention that it is 5.5 hours for all 3 puzzles, not just that one

[@ellenakimoto1224]

I am a jigsaw puzzler from way back. I'm 70 now and I can honestly say I have never looked at it in a competitive way. I always thought it had something to do with my sense of order. It never occurred to me to be the fastest at putting one together. Who knew?

[@36993020]

I love how despite losing and being so tired you and your sister kept a smile on at the end

[@Sarahr98998]

I was way more invested in the livestream than I thought I would be, lol. Props to that poor commentator trying to think of things to say for over 5 hours

[@adelinaborden8109]

I love all these cool shots and intros of your team honestly some of the best parts! i love your passion for the game!!

[@jjacks50]

That team competition looks so hard. You did amazing though considering you had never worked with that team before. Solid effort all around for your team and for everyone who completed.

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

I think it’s so cool that you got to go meet a ton of people who share your love of puzzling

[@solevazquezmaria]

Karen! Congratulations! This was so hard and for the first competition! I would love a video of you doing the blue/ third puzzle to see how hard it really was. Can’t wait for the next video! MERMAIDS!

[@amaranta8650]

I feel like you manifested the 13th spot by having Taylor on repeat in your head. But such a good job for your first try at this!!

[@TheyLoveThemLLC]

Me with my partner tonight: "Wow we're so good at puzzles. I average attaching at least 2-5 pieces every minute! That has to be some sort of record!" Me the second I get on KZbin: "Oh? A... Puzzle competition video? Let's check this video out!" Needless to say I don't know if I'm puzzle competition good, but I really want to puzzle more because competitive puzzling looks SO fun! Also I'm just finding your channel for the first time and you have such a fun personality! Can't wait to see the next video! :)

[@TheExcalabur]

1000 pieces, four people, about an hour to complete: that's about 4 pieces/minute. Go get 'em.

[@TheyLoveThemLLC]

@@TheExcalabur I don't have 4 people to do this with but maybe someday!

[@cosygracegames]

Aah I got your puzzle in the mail today and was so excited!! It’s so beautiful, merry Christmas to me haha! Thank you Karen! 😊

[@alyson8747]

I still think you’re team did great for never having puzzled together before! If it were me I would’ve done the mermaids first, but actually I probably wouldn’t have finished the first puzzle in the time limit haha

[@KarenPuzzles]

We had to do the puzzles in the order I showed, to make it easier on the organizers keeping track of the stats!

[@leavemydogalone]

Thank you, KZbin algorithm. The enthusiasm you have for puzzles is amazing

[@JohnDoe-tx8lq]

"I have found my people!" 🤗 Love it, what life is about.

[@marysullivan2666]

I found you on tiktok so of course I had to check you your channel. I haven't done puzzles since my kids where younger. When they got overwhelmed or upset it helped to calm down their brains, or switch focus. They now recall some great chats we had. I'm now in my 60s and just did 300pc took 4 hrs but I didn't quit. My husband had thrifted a guitar shaped one. Well it's hurting my brain, the shapes are all sizes. I am half done. I'm also started a 1,000 pc it's a challenge that my brain is enjoying. Thanks for sharing I never heard of a competition.

[@filiaaut]

The team presentation starting at 3:40 vas really cool and funny ! And even if it was harder than expected, congratulations on finishing the first two puzzles and your two-thirds of the last one.

[@tootnpoot]

Congrats Karen! Thank you for sharing your experience with us💜

[@Atalinay]

Gah so exciting!!! Also omg at that ending 😱 can't wait for the next video

[@KarenPuzzles]

I love building puzzle suspense 👏🏻

[@iknownothing-49]

Another fun and wonderful video. Thanks Karen.

[@amberbydreamsart5467]

Hey, top third-ish isn't bad!! That mermaids puzzle was bruuutal, and since you all were new to puzzling together some organizational flubs are bound to happen. Still a show of your competence at puzzling!! I'm so excited to see how the next day turned out for you :D I know I could look up the livestream and find out now, probably, but.. I'll keep myself in suspense cx

[@srrfounder1]

Congrats on so MANY levels, Karen! First for 195,000 subs! Second for taking 2nd 🥈 in the individuals! And lastly for placing 8th in pairs! Wow! Wow! Wow! ☺️

[@srrfounder1]

🧜‍♀️ MERMAIDS 🧜‍♀️

[@Cristo2893]

This is a huuuuuuuuuuge spoiler. :(

[@dianegraydon1143]

I'm so glad you had posted the link to watch this live. I had never seen this before, and it was fun watching your progressive...I even looked on a few places for Canadian puzzling competitions and there is some, one near Fergus ontario.I do believe I want to try this ....anybody else have knowledge on some here in Southern Ontario, please share I would love to do one , let me know...this outstanding as great Karen...so glad you took a camera for us to watch.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘War and Piece’. That’s a VERY GOOD NAME! 👏🏽

[@jaspirita]

Considering you had never met half of your team before this day, you guys did amazingly well!

[@Botruc]

Awesome! Thanks for the coverage! That's very entertaining!

[@captainnoneatall]

I don’t find any interest in puzzling but her attitude and enthusiasm is adorable and I don’t regret watching this

[@ssconeson1189]

I don't have any involvement in puzzles but I watched the whole video - your genuine enthusiasm and how wholesome this whole thing is was so much fun to watch!

[@jessherselfable]

I’ve been so excited to see how it went for you! I can’t wait to see how you did in the individual event! I think that even despite the mermaids puzzle, y’all did really well, especially considering it was your first competition. You beat more than half the teams! Proud of you, parasocially, lol.

[@bonzwaygo]

I LOVE THE MONTAGE SO MUCH!! You guys are hilarious!!!

[@susanwhite1450]

That looked so stressful! You guys did great though and this was so fun to watch.

[@TH-dg2mm]

I remember watching an old video on your channel. The top Puzzle-solvers in the world are mind blowing. Someone who works in Psychology needs to learn how their minds work because there is absolutely something unique about the way they see the pieces.

[@alejandrodarias_puzzlestv]

Normally, a casual fan would start at a local competition, just a 2 hours competition, one morning and it's over. If you start with such a juggernaut competition (and remember you are also broadcasting, and that's extra work that could not help to focus at the competition), the experience could be very intense, and therefore some rest needed at the end. No puzzles, just let one week pass, and return to puzzling. My recommendation to all speedpuzzling aspirants is to start with a little competition. In San Diego there are the Pacific Puzzlers, that organize them. You can get used to the hurries of speedpuzzling in a more relaxed mood.

[@honestcitizen1983]

WOW So Happy For You. Must have just been great. You hold on to the memories, like a soft pillow. Keep Smiling!

[@autumnaxiom]

Hi Karen, I don't really do puzzles myself, but I want to thank you for your videos. I experience a lot of anxiety and mental distress, and your videos are great to watch when I'm not doing well, since they're simultaneously interesting and engaging, while also being lighthearted and relaxing. Thank you, and I wish you all the best with puzzling and your channel!

[@amandab6034]

We need a video of you doing the mermaid solo and timing it. Curios how long it would take you solo

[@ijlayugan4149]

Thats so nice seeing your puzzles being given out. Also the fact that you went back the next day?! I'd be so done after the first 2/5 hours of puzzle hell

[@HeyApples]

I had no idea professional puzzle competition was a real thing. I'm conflicted whether this was a sublime test of wit and endurance, or a grueling hellscape of punishment. Maybe both. Either way, intensely fascinating. Bravo.

[@maxtruty]

I love this video! I've been so obsessed with your channel since I found it, and it's really gotten me into puzzles for the first time ever! Awesome video, Karen!

[@krystalpollard1238]

That mermaid puzzle looked just as hard as a 2000 piece battle of hoth puzzle I did. Whoosh by the end of that one I assumed I was a masochist because I thought I would enjoy that suffering. You did a great job, loved your commentary and videos. Can't wait to see day 2!

[@Dociachan]

I was waiting for this video :) And still waiting for 2 day! I don't puzzle much... but I love to watch yours videos! Hugs from Poland :)

[@puzzlemaniaticchamarilerod4916]

In Spain we've made a lot, but the proofs with teams it was done this year. Other years a individual and pairs gruops with a 500 pieces jigsaw puzzle. Children have three individual proofs with 100, 200 and 300 pices jigsaw puzzles. I'm glad USA have made this time of super competition

[@JongleurJ10]

The first puzzle certainly did seem to have a nice spread of colours.

[@sandrawoodnz9720]

I enjoyed seeing the speed puzzle competions. I wouldn.t be fast enough to compete. I could do the mermaids puzzle at my relaxing pace. Well done to all you amazing competitors.

[@SuzanaMantovaniCerqueira]

Oh! You are my people too😅 I love it! With a team , it’s so much fun. We also had a challenge with it , days ago. It is really good.

[@jardinosaur]

I just adore your enthusiasm! ❤️

[@theanyktos]

4:23 you look so dorky, I love it. There's nothing better than people being unironically enthusiastic about a thing.

[@danielmorton7577]

Your video about the worlds a couple months ago inspired me to host a puzzle challenge at the LGS I manage. We had 13 teams of 2 complete a 500 piece puzzle. "Punimals" by Gibson. The fastest team was just under an hour. We had a huge outcry to host another one, so we did with a 500 piece round puzzle. We had 14 teams for the second one. And we're already planning the third one for the new year. Thanks for the vids! Our store is called Midgard Gaming in Newfoundland, Canada.

[@voneyeva]

Karen, I started solving puzzles because of this channel and now I'm freaking obsessed. Thanks a lot. I don't even know if I'm being sarcastic or happy.

[@ranaawwad7677]

Thanks!

[@yves-noel-mariegonnet1043]

Completely enjoyable! A skill competition in joy and good humor! Well done to all four! En français: vraiment rigolo! Tout à fait plaisant! Un concours de compétence dans la joie et la bonne humeur! Bravo à tous les quatre!

[@mathsalot8099]

After your anouncement of Team Misfits, I came back to watch EB and Sarah in action with Team No Snacks. Very impressive duo!!

[@tiff2106]

Completing the puzzle sounds like an amazing service, I would love to have something like this here in Germany!

[@aksworld123]

Loved this video!! Can’t wait for part 2❤ That MERMAIDS puzzle was insane!!

[@danielleshanti]

THANK YOU, Katie, for changing Everyday I'm Puzzling' to the correct Every Day in the chart. Whew. I feel so much better. Also, for puzzling in a group, and for doing it with two people you just met, that was pretty amazing!

[@millie-mayprice891]

the whole intro to the jig squad was so dang wholesome and cute and funny 🥰

[@nataliemiddleditch11]

Also the intro of the jig-squad was so funny! 😂

[@xSoupdumplingx]

Mermaids Wow. Amazing video. It's so nice to see you do something you enjoy. ❤️

[@danniellebrown8996]

Oh so much fun!! Great video. You look so small and mighty with your teammates