Salut Puzzlers! We've updated this FAQ to reflect our new website and features. Please take a moment to review the changes.
About The Competitions
What is this event about?
Ou La La Speed Puzzle Competitions invite Individuals and Pairs to complete a mystery puzzle as quickly as possible while connecting with a friendly community of Speed Puzzlers across Europe. Designed to be inclusive and engaging, the event blends light competition with a focus on fun, personal growth, and shared celebration.
Each competition features a specific theme, allowing you to focus on a particular area and track your progress over time.
Participants’ results are grouped by puzzle time ranges to encourage self-improvement and see where they stand among puzzlers with similar speeds.
With OuLaLa Points awarded to top finishers in both Individual and Pairs categories—as well as OuLaLa Points awarded just for participating—every event ends in a shared celebration.
Whether you're puzzling for speed or simply the joy of it, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What puzzle brands do you use?
We use a variety of premium puzzle brands from around the world, including Art & Fable, Piecely, Villager, Le Puzz, and more!
Puzzles are often selected around a monthly theme and tailored to the speed puzzle profile you provide when signing up—allowing you to focus on a particular area and track your progress over time.
Who can attend this event?
This event is open to puzzlers living in Europe as well as those visiting Europe who wish to take the competition puzzle home and participate from wherever they are.
Each event is open to both Individuals and Pairs participating at the same time.
Children are also welcome, provided an adult is present.
What if I only want to observe and not compete?
You’re welcome to join us online to observe!
Whether you want to cheer on a participant, see how an Ou La La SPC works, or check out strategies, just contact us—we’ll be happy to provide you with the event link.
Registration & Participation
How do I register for this event?
You can register through the Events page.
Please Note:
• Only 10–20 participants (Individuals or Pairs) will be accepted, with registration on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.
• In case of cancellations, additional tickets may become available.
What does the registration fee cover?
For Purchasing the Competition Puzzle
The registration price includes both the competition entry and the competition puzzle (yours to keep).
For Renting the Competition Puzzle
The registration fee includes both the competition entry and the competition puzzle (rent & return) at a reduced price. You’ll also receive puzzles based on your Puzzler Member membership - Subscription or On Demand.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel, please contact us.
What if the event is canceled or postponed?
If the competition is canceled or postponed due to reasons beyond the control of Ou La La Puzzles, Ou La La Puzzles is not responsible for any indirect expenses incurred by participants.
If the competition is canceled or postponed due to reasons within the control of Ou La La Puzzles, participants will receive a full refund within 14 calendar days of the cancellation. Alternatively, participants may choose to receive store credit of equal value, which can be used toward future rentals, shop purchases, or events. This option is available upon request.
What if I have questions about this event?
Have a Question? Contact Us.
Schedule & Arrival
What is the schedule?
Join the Google Meet
11h00 - 11h10
Rules
11h10 - 11h15
Competition
11h15 - 13h15
Community Social
13h15 - 13h30
When does the competition start?
The competition starts promptly at 11h15 CET (Paris Time). The competition will last up to 2 hours.
All participants must be seated at their table before the competition starts.
No early starts! If you unwrap your puzzle or begin to puzzle before the start of the competition you will be disqualified.
What if I arrive late?
Participants arriving late are able to join the competition and the time will not be adjusted.
Competition Format
How does the competition work?
The puzzle will be mailed to participants in advance, wrapped to keep the puzzle hidden.
The competition will be held via Google Meet*. Participants will receive an email with the event link and full details 7-3 days prior to the competition.
Before the competition begins, please allow time to set up your camera and puzzling space. Also, ensure the wrapped puzzle is visibly placed on your table for the host and participants to see.
When the host gives the signal, you will unwrap the puzzle. The host will then count down to officially start the puzzle competition.
The first Individual AND Pairs to complete their puzzle first will be the winners.
Each completion time will be documented, and at the end of the event. Participants will be grouped into time ranges so participants can see where they stand among others with similar speeds.
*For Google Meet, you do not need to create an account or install any software.
Will I know the puzzle ahead of time?
No, the puzzle will remain a mystery until the competition starts.
What are the general rules?
Participants may not manipulate, unseal or unwrap the puzzle until the host has given the authorization to do so.
You are not required to stay seated in your chair as you puzzle.
You may move around your table.
When an individual or pair finishes their puzzle, please type "Done" in the chat.
The host will use this to record the puzzle completion time. The decisions of the host are final.
Once you’ve completed your puzzle and your time has been documented, you’re free to leave the Google Meet—but we encourage you to stay for group photos and a the community social after the competition!
Any unfinished puzzle by the end of the 2 hours will have the remaining pieces counted by the host to determine the Team’s ranking.
All pieces that are not in a joined group of 3 or more will be counted.
You can eat, drink or go to the bathroom, but the clock will not stop for you.
The host will monitor the puzzle progress, provide commentary throughout the competition, and may converse with the participants who have finished while the competition is still ongoing.
If participants prefer not to hear the host talking, they can mute the volume on their end.
To avoid distractions, participants' microphones will be muted during the competition.
What can I bring to this event?
You may bring accessories and tools, such as spatula, magnifying glass, sorting trays, box top holders or supports to keep the box top upright and headphones.
You may bring extra lighting in the form of a small desk lamp or head lamp.
You may not bring an adjustable puzzle board or tilting puzzle boards or any object that changes the height or layout of the tables.
You are not allowed to use any template in which you can see any type of the manufacturer’s cutting pattern.
Can I receive help during the competition?
Any unauthorized help received during the competition may be grounds for disqualification.
Spectators may not provide physical or verbal help to any participant during the competition. Participants that receive outside assistance may be disqualifed.
What are the penalties?
In the case of missing pieces, 10 seconds will be added to your final time for each missing piece.
If there are 2 or more adjacent pieces are missing, no penalty will be applied as it is considered a manufacturing error.
What if I do not finish on time?
Any unfinished puzzle by the end of the 2 hours will have the remaining pieces counted by the host to determine your placement.
All pieces that are not in a joined group of 2 or more will not be counted.
Results & Recognition
How is the winner determined?
The first Individual AND Pairs to complete the puzzle are the overall winners. Puzzle completion is indicated when an Individual or Pair finishes their puzzle and writes "Done" in the chat.
If a winner is not confirmed by the end of the competition, the host will count and record the number of pieces completed, counting only the groups of 2 or more pieces correctly assembled.
Only the host can note the finishing times, order of puzzle completion, and number of completed pieces. The decision by the host is final.
When will winners be announced?
Winners for Individual AND Pairs will be announced immediately following the competition.
Where will the results be posted?
The results will be shared on Ou La La Puzzles IG account @oulalapuzzles and in the FB Group Ou La La Speed Puzzlers.
Prizes
What are the prizes?
We don’t offer traditional prizes like gift cards or discounts to winners. Instead, we celebrate every participant through OuLaLa Points—part of our Ou La La Perks rewards system.
You can earn OuLaLa Points by:
• Finishing top in both Individual and Pairs categories
• Participating in the event (every participant earns points!)
• Leaving a review about the event
• Purchasing or renting the competition puzzle (points are awarded even before the event begins!)
You can redeem your OuLaLa Points for:
• Free mini puzzles
• Discounts on Events, Shop, and Rentals
Last Modified on: July, 11 2025
