Speed Running to Records: Nicole P. Champions Puzzling on Repeat

Nicole P. (she/her) lives in Spokane, Washington, where she works in elementary education as a substitute teacher. She has puzzled casually for as long as she can remember, motivated by the success she feels by placing each puzzle piece and watching the big picture come together. In 2024, after being inspired by a video from Karen Puzzles, she began puzzling competitively alongside her mom as the One Piece Puzzlers.

Two years later, Nicole is the reigning individual champion in the yearlong USAJPA Speed Run, with an outstanding time of 17:17 on “Quilted Critters” by PuzzleTwist—after 198 runs. With fellow speed runners Xin P., Jasmine L., and Emily C., she also set new record times for pairs and teams in the final Speed Run of the puzzle at the 2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals.

Q&A Time:

What drew you to participating in the Speed Run?

I was already familiar with video game speed runs, and I knew that I tend to do better on a puzzle once I'm already familiar with it. Since I live in Spokane where there isn't much in the way of competitions, the Speed Run gave me access to the speed puzzling community in a way I didn't have before. Also, it is very affordable. You get a year’s worth of competing for the cost of just one puzzle.

How do you find the enthusiasm to re-run the puzzle again and again?

I am a competitive person, and seeing my time get lower and lower while competing with other people is a huge motivator for me. Even so, I don't know if I could do it without having such amazing, encouraging people who run with me. My mom is always hyping me up. For solo runs, I really recommend having a buddy to encourage, compete with, and talk strategy.

Do you have any special techniques for speed run success?

What I've learned is that everyone has very different strategies, and there isn't a "best one." You have to find what is most natural to you and train that. For example, I always dump my pieces in the center and do a full sort. The amazing thing with the Speed Run is that you get to try different things and make little tweaks. If something doesn't work, you can always run again!

Also, I use the same playlist for all my runs, and when I get into a rut where I stop improving, I'll mix it up, like starting at the second song or moving my finishing song to the middle.

Has speed running impacted other aspects of your puzzling or your life overall? If so, how?

Yes! I have built connections with people I never would have without the Speed Run. And it has made me feel so much more confident in my puzzling. I'm not the fastest speed puzzler in a regular competition, but I know that if I practice a puzzle enough, I can come out with some impressive times. 

What is the puzzle community like in your area?

When I started speed puzzling, it was very sparse. Recently, there’s been a lot more interest, and now we have puzzle swaps at libraries and a brewery that hosts competitions. I’m optimistic that it will continue to grow!

Do you have a cherished or unforgettable puzzle-related memory?

I have two really special memories. The first is from the 2025 Portland Jigsaw Masters. I was finally able to meet Iryna S. and Diana J., whom I had been competing with in the “Rainbow Cats” Speed Run. It was a fun competition where we all pushed each other to be faster. Meeting them and running the puzzle together was a dream come true! 

Second, for the 2025 Speed Run, USAJPA had a final run at Nationals for puzzlers who had been running “Quilted Critters.” It was really amazing to get a chance to run with Xin since we had been messaging a lot to talk strategy and cheer each other on. We saw Jasmine and Emily practicing and formed a last-minute team. The four of us ended up doing the puzzle in under seven minutes. It was incredible to be a part of something like that.

What is your best advice for someone who wants to improve their speed puzzling abilities?

Do the same puzzle more than once. It’s easier to practice new skills and strategies when you're already familiar with the puzzle. I didn't get used to using both hands regularly until I started speed running “Rainbow Cats.” 

Connect: 

You can find Nicole on Instagram @puzzle.box.pandora.