Posted on
The 2026 Gibsons Open Jigsaw Championships returned to Newmarket, and with the summer solstice heating things up across the famous racecourse, it truly felt like the stars had aligned for a spectacular day of speed puzzling and community fundraising. The thirteenth annual competition brought together seasoned pros, rising talents, and puzzle lovers from across the country and internationally all ready to test their skills on artist Steve Crisp’s specially commissioned Off to the Races at Newmarket 1000 piece puzzle. Steve himself was on hand signing puzzles and presenting the prizes to the winners.
A huge thank you to Janet and the team at St Mary’s Church in Newmarket for all the love and dedication they put into the event year after year to make it bigger and better every time. The puzzle festival is still running in the church until 23rd June so do swing in to support the festival and pick yourself up a puzzle bargain and a lovely slice of cake!
Thank you to Moons Toy Store!
Our local Gibsons retailers joined us with a wide selection of jigsaw puzzles to sell, along with their delicious ice cream van, a must have in this summer heat!
Shout Out to Team Gibsons Meg & Martina
Every great race day has its crowd favourites and this year, our very own Meg and Martina proudly flew the Gibsons flag in the competition. Tackling the 1000 piece puzzle with determination, teamwork, and plenty of laughs, they crossed the finish line in a very respectable 3 hours and 28 minutes, placing them in 63rd place.
They may have used up every last mental calorie in the process, so the office might be running at a gentle trot today rather than a gallop but we couldn’t be prouder. Well done Meg and Martina!
And of course, thank you to all our competitors for bringing the energy, the excitement, and the unbeatable puzzling vibes. The sunshine certainly did its part too, making the whole day feel extra magical.
See you all next year for another round of puzzling fun. Don’t forget to tag us in your socials we absolutely love seeing your photos, reels, and post‑race celebrations.
Full results below. Thank you for your kindness and patience with the 10-minute timing delay. All results have been adjusted accordingly.
🥇 Solo Category winner: Sarah Mills
Winning time: 1:29:25
Reigning champion Sarah Mills thundered down the home straight to claim another decisive victory. Not only did she defend her title, she smashed her 2025 winning time of 1:43, improving by a remarkable 14 minutes. Last year she completed Beachcomber’s Garden; this year she proved she’s still the one to beat.
Singles Full Rankings
🐎 Pairs Championship SJ Bodell & Jonathan Nash
Winning time: 1:08:59
The ever impressive SJ Bodell, last year’s pairs champion, returned with a new partner Jonathan Nash and the duo delivered a performance worthy of the winner’s enclosure. SJ even predicted their finishing time to within a minute, what a pro!
A special celebration goes to Scarlett and Sarah, who placed second in the Pairs category. Sitting right beside pal SJ, their friendly rivalry added extra excitement to the day and both were thrilled to earn their first ever podium finish in a speed puzzling competition.
Pairs Full Rankings
🏆 Group Championship: Zak Gucklhorn’s team
Winning time: 1:08:35
In one of the closest finishes of the entire event, Zak Gucklhorn’s team clinched the group title with a time just 24 seconds faster than the winning pairs.
Groups Full Rankings
Will We See You There Next Year?
Follow our social accounts to be first to know when ticket sales open for the Gibsons Open Jigsaw Championship 2027!
0 comments