Speed puzzling is gaining traction in San Antonio as the new bar trivia
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Jigsaw puzzling isn't just a solitary bad-weather activity anymore — it's snapping into place as a social sport in cities across the U.S., including San Antonio.
Why it matters: Puzzling's shift from solo to social mirrors a bigger trend: People are turning analog or "grandma" hobbies into in-person communities.
- There were 151% more puzzle competitions from August 2024 to July 2025, compared to the year prior, according to a report from live event marketplace Eventbrite.
How it works: Typically, teams of two or four gather around tables, each with the same mystery puzzle sealed in a bag. After a countdown, they open it — sometimes groaning at the image — and race to finish.
- First ones to finish shout "Done!" and collect prizes.
Zoom in: Michael Driscoll, owner of Puzzle Buzz, organizes speed puzzling events across the U.S., including a monthly competition at Ranger Creek Brewing Co. The San Antonio event has steadily gained traction over the past year.
- He says the competitions sell out every time.
- Driscoll — who has a background hosting trivia nights and other live events — laughed when asked whether he ever imagined puzzling would become this popular. His answer: "Hell no."
What they're saying: Krystal Gomez, a local speed puzzler, regularly attends the Ranger Creek events. She tells Axios she's watched the community expand over the past two years, from competitions to puzzle swaps.
- "It's a really laid-back community of people. It's not aggressively competitive — everyone's really just doing it for fun."
- She likes that it's family-friendly and can get kids "off the screens."
Zoom out: The Texas Speed Puzzling Championship has drawn competitors from across the state to Houston and Dallas.
What's next: Ranger Creek's next speed puzzling event is March 13. Tickets for teams of four cost $40. Winners get a gift card to Puzzledly, an online puzzle shop.
Bottom line: Speed puzzle contests may be the missing piece for people looking for low-pressure conversation and competition.