2026 Event Information for Attendees
2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals & Convention
March 27-29, 2026 | Atlanta, GA
Quick Links: Heat Assignments | Schedule | Results | Livestream | FAQs | Map
Events & Hours
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8:30-9am Opening Ceremonies
9:15-10:45am Individual Prelim A
9:30am-12:30pm Puzzle Chess Tourney (special comp)
11:30am-1pm Individual Prelim B
2-3:30pm Individual Prelim C
2:15-5:15pm Puzzle Chess Tourney (special comp)
4:15-5:45pm Individual Prelim D
7-8:30pm Puzzle Chess Finals
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9-10:15am Pairs Prelim A
9:30-11am Cobble Together (special comp)
11am-12:15pm Pairs Prelim B
1-3pm Team Relay (special comp)
1:30-3:45pm Teams Prelim A
4-6pm Team Relay (special comp)
4:30-6:45pm Teams Prelim B
7:30-9pm Evening Event
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9-10:15am Pairs Final
9:30-11am Cobble Together (special comp)
11am-12:30pm Individual Final
1:30-4:30pm Teams Final
1:45-3:45pm The Gauntlet (special comp)
5:30-6:30pm Closing Ceremonies
Event schedule (A more detailed schedule including seminars and artist signings will be distributed at Registration.)
Upon Arrival…
When you first arrive at the convention, you will need to pick up your Entry Badge at the Registration Desk located in the 3rd Floor Lobby.
If you haven’t purchased an Entry Badge yet, you can do so here.
Entry Badge pick up can be done during the Registration Desk hours listed above.
You will need the QR code found on your Entry Badge ticket that you received via the Ticket Tailor email. Once scanned, you will receive your Entry Badge and then you can pick up your Ravensburger tote bag and event t-shirt!
Spectators will also pick up their Spectator Buttons at the Registration Desk. You will also need the QR code found on the Spectator Button ticket you received via the Ticket Tailor email. Once scanned, you will receive your button and you may enter the 4th floor Main Competition Spectator space.
Competition Details for Competitors
The 2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals championship is located on the 4th Floor Main Competition space.
Use the elevators or escalators to move between the 3rd and 4th floors.
Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your heat begins.
Heat Assignments.. Table numbers will be posted in advance of the event.
For those new to Nationals, the competition space will be closed off before each heat/final. This allows volunteers to prepare the space. About 15 minutes prior to start, the space will open, and everyone can flow in and find their table. 5 minutes before the competition starts, empty tables will get filled with our walk up waitlist, so don’t be late. You will not receive a refund.
Changes to preliminary rounds will not be allowed. However, if you cannot make it to your round, please email us directly.
On each table will be:
A Table Card with the table number and your registered name. You will also see a Timesheet with the same information. If any changes need to be made to your name(s), cross out the incorrect name and put in the correct one.
The competition puzzles will be in opaque bags on your table. DO NOT handle the bag or look at the puzzle prior to the start of the timer. If we see you opening the bag or looking into it early, it is grounds for disqualification. See Rules document for further details on our new disqualification policy.
Zakco table dividers will be provided for both the individual and pairs rounds to separate competitors’ table spaces.
Before each competition:
Our very talented emcee for the weekend, Aly Krasny, will go over announcements, rules, and give you a heads up on when the count down will begin.
During this time, you can put your personal belongings under your table and prepare your space.
At the end of the count down:
The timer will begin and puzzlers can open their bags.
You should have no problem opening the box, as all puzzles should have the stickers sliced in advance. You will find an unopened bag of pieces inside the box.
If your puzzle box will not open due to stickers still being in place, get the attention of a volunteer to assist in opening the box and they will write down your delayed start time so you are not penalized for the error.
When you or your team is close to finishing, raise your hand to get a volunteer’s attention. Most likely someone will be close by, but in the case that many people are finishing at once, flag someone over so they can be there to write down your official finish time.
Once finished, please be respectful of other participants and exit quietly from the roped off competition space.
Event Access & Spectators
Convention hours are listed above. Anyone with an entry badge will have access to the third and fourth floor of the Convention Center. Map coming soon. Currently, you can find details on Convention activities on our main Nationals page.
Spectators
Spectators will have a little space around the perimeter of the room to watch their friends and family puzzle. Please be cognizant of those competing around you. Random chatter can be very distracting.
Want a closer look? Our livestream will be projecting on the large screen in our Main Competition space.
Results
Results will be tabulated live and posted on the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation website when available. Just look under the “Results” tab for this event. If you qualify for the final round, you will have a Q next to your name.
Table Assignments for Finals will be posted on WJPF’s website as well as in the original Heat Assignment Google Doc.
Waitlist
Still want to register for solos, pairs or teams? They’re sold out, but it is possible there will be no-shows or last-minute cancellations so here’s how to join the wait line for each preliminary competition at Nationals:
Head to the 4th Floor Lobby and get in the nearby Wait Line at least 15 minutes before the competition starts.
It is first come, first served, so the earlier the better.
Plan to scan a QR code to register and pay.
Don’t have a team but you are comfortable with random strangers? You can still wait in line and we will do our best to create a few teams before the competition starts.
Have a pair or team ready? Great! But, you must be in the waitlist line together.
Team Changes
If you have any changes that have come up with participants on your team, you can submit team change requests here. Please let us know of any changes via this form until March 15th, after which you will need to email us directly.
Volunteers
Volunteers, check your email for specific directions for volunteering.
Additional Details
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Ravensburger will be selling puzzles again this year. Look for their convention deal to win a fun surprise.
The Convention Center has a strict no outside food or beverages policy. Water bottles are allowed. Find food vendors in our 3rd Floor Convention space or just next door to the convention center at the Peachtree Center.
Puzzle Swap table located in the 3rd Floor Lobby
Logistics and Parking: coming soon
Accessibility: coming soon
Lost an item? See if it got turned in to the Lost and Found, at the Welcome Table in the 4th Floor Lobby.
Need first aid? There’s a medic onsite!
For a more detailed FAQ, go here.
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Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Ravensburger, for making this event possible!