Crossword puzzles have been popular for over a century, and millions of people around the world enjoy solving them every day. For some, solving crossword puzzles is just a hobby or a way to pass the time. But for others, it’s a passion, and they take it to another level. In this article, we’ll explore the world’s largest crossword puzzle, Guinness World Record breakers, and other remarkable crossword puzzle feats.
The World’s Largest Crossword Puzzle
The world’s largest crossword puzzle is an impressive feat of design and construction. Created by the British publishing company, Arcturus Publishing Ltd, the puzzle measures an astounding 21 feet by 21 feet and contains over 28,000 clues. The puzzle is so large that it was unveiled at a shopping mall in the UK and had to be assembled on-site.
The puzzle is made up of 91 individual grid sections that fit together to create the massive crossword. It covers a wide range of topics, from history and geography to music and sports. Completing the puzzle requires a significant amount of time, effort, and patience, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Guinness World Record Breakers
The Guinness World Records has recognized several people and organizations for their impressive feats of crossword puzzle-solving. For example, in 2017, a team of eight people broke the record for the most people simultaneously solving a crossword puzzle. They completed a 24-clue crossword in just over four minutes, beating the previous record by nearly 30 seconds.
The record for the most consecutive days solving a crossword puzzle is also held by a dedicated crossword puzzle solver, Mark Lasswell. Lasswell completed a crossword puzzle every day for 14 years, from January 2000 to December 2013, earning himself a place in the Guinness World Records.
Other Crossword Puzzle Feats
Crossword puzzles have been the subject of other remarkable achievements, too. In 2018, a group of cryptologists, mathematicians, and crossword enthusiasts created the first-ever encrypted crossword puzzle. The puzzle used a complex code to encrypt the clues, requiring solvers to decode the clues before they could solve the puzzle.
Another unusual crossword puzzle feat was achieved by Ben Tausig, who created the first-ever “meta crossword” puzzle. In a meta crossword puzzle, the clues themselves are part of a larger puzzle, and solvers must solve the clues and use the answers to complete the larger puzzle. The meta crossword was an instant hit with solvers and has become a popular genre of crossword puzzles.
Crossword puzzles have also been used for charitable purposes. In 2015, a group of crossword puzzle constructors created the “Universal Puzzle,” a massive crossword puzzle that contained 6,000 clues and was sold to raise money for cancer research. The puzzle was so popular that it sold out within weeks, and it’s now a collector’s item.
Conclusion
Crossword puzzles have been around for more than a century, and they continue to captivate and challenge people of all ages. From the world’s largest crossword puzzle to Guinness World Record breakers and other remarkable feats, crossword puzzles have inspired a passionate community of solvers and creators. Whether you’re a casual solver or a serious enthusiast, crossword puzzles offer a world of fun and fascination.
The Author of this article is Crossword Answers 911 Team.