How It Works

In person:

All participants solve the same set of five puzzles, racing against each other and the clock. Each puzzle receives a score based on both accuracy and speed. The three competitors with the highest combined scores in each division compete on a sixth final puzzle on stage to determine a champion.

There are three puzzles in the morning followed by a lunch break followed by two puzzles in the afternoon. There will be extra bonus content in the afternoon while we take some time to compile the scores. 

All puzzles are done on paper at tables where you are seated with other competitors. We recommend bringing your own clipboard and pencils.

Listen to this WBEZ piece from 2025 for additional info. See our 2024 and 2025 pages for photos from previous events or to order puzzle packets for practice.

The Midwest Tournament welcomes solvers of all experience levels. If this is your first tournament, we are excited to have you!

Online:

You solve the same set of puzzles as the in-person competitors, on the same day and with the same schedule. In the days before the tournament we will email you directions on how to set up an account where you will log in to solve the puzzles. All online solvers complete all six puzzles and winners are decided by the sum point total across all six puzzles. There is a live twitch stream alongside the event showing constructor interviews, bonus content, and presentations of the in-personal final puzzle.