On Saturday 21th March 2015, was held the first edition of the 12h hours puzzle contest of Arlon. Of course We are puzzled ! has participated, even more as it was the last contest of the Belgian season for jigsaw puzzle contests.
Upon our arrival, we immediately had a welcome committee just as we were the national selection during a football world cup.
"Ah, it’s you the famous team who seems to be the favorite today!"
This has given us an idea already of how would pass the next 12 hours: spectators were regularly visiting us to see our progress and to ask us about "our secret". There was even a journalist from "L’Avenir" (Luxemburg region) who came to ask us some questions…
Personally I would have preferred to remain a little bit more anonymous, but being for once the “stars” of the day was not that bad. And also, the biggest advantage was that for once the controllers were already next to us each time we were about to complete a puzzle, so we did not have to wait long before starting the next one (as it happened a lot during the 24h puzzle contest of Hannut in particular…). Also our status of favorite team was quickly confirmed as we were already ahead after the first puzzle. Our lead increased throughout the day, and after 12 exhausting hours we won the competition.
I have to say that the strongest teams did not participate that day, so we did not have true opponents. By the way the team that made it second included two of our usual members. So we have made the most of our hour of glory, because I bet that this contest will quickly get known and will attract the strongest and well organised Belgian teams.
Until then, in my opinion this first time was quite a success, despite some small details that could be improved. I think in particular about the sound system which had some little issues. Another thing, is that the sponsor was Jumbo, and two of the puzzles distributed had already been done during the last 24h puzzle contest of Hannut. But apart from that, all the rest was perfect. The organizing team was very nice, the catering was quite good, the layout of the tables, the material, lights, etc… was very good. And even more, the prizes given to the winners were not "just more" puzzles.
I hope the Kiwanis club from Arlon will remember their proposition to invite us next year, because We are puzzled ! will most certainly participate again.
Puzzles from the contest:
