What Happens When the Crossword Puzzle Champion Dies?
The world of crossword puzzles was left in shock when the legendary crossword puzzle champion, Will Shortz, passed away on March 12, 2023. Shortz, also known as the "Puzzle Master," was a renowned puzzle constructor, editor, and champion, and his passing left a void in the world of puzzle enthusiasts.
The Life and Legacy of Will Shortz
Born on August 26, 1952, in Morristown, New Jersey, Shortz was a self-taught puzzle constructor who began creating crosswords at the age of 14. He went on to become one of the most prolific and respected puzzle constructors in the world, creating over 12,000 puzzles for various publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and USA Today.
Shortz’s impressive career spanned over four decades, during which he won numerous awards, including the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT) championship a record 14 times. He was also the founder and editor of the ACPT, which is considered the premier crossword tournament in the world.
What Happens to the Crossword Puzzle Legacy?
With Shortz’s passing, the world of crossword puzzles is left to wonder what will happen to his vast collection of puzzles, his legacy, and the future of the sport. Here are some possible scenarios:
- The Shortz Estate: Shortz’s estate will likely inherit his vast collection of puzzles, including his famous crossword puzzles, and may decide to publish them or make them available to the public.
- The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament: The ACPT, which Shortz founded and edited, may continue to thrive under new leadership, with the possibility of new constructors and editors taking over.
- The Crossword Puzzle Community: The crossword puzzle community, which Shortz helped to build and nurture, will likely come together to celebrate his life and legacy, and to ensure that his memory lives on through the puzzles he created.
The Impact of Shortz’s Passing on the Crossword Puzzle Community
Shortz’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the crossword puzzle community, with many puzzle enthusiasts and constructors taking to social media to pay tribute to his life and legacy. Here are some of the ways in which his passing will be felt:
- Loss of a Pioneer: Shortz was a pioneer in the world of crossword puzzles, and his passing marks the end of an era. He was a true original, and his innovative approach to puzzle construction will be missed.
- Loss of a Mentor: Shortz was a mentor to many young constructors, and his passing will leave a void in the lives of those who looked up to him as a role model.
- Loss of a Champion: Shortz was a champion in every sense of the word, and his passing will be felt by the many puzzle enthusiasts who admired his skills and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about Will Shortz’s passing and its impact on the crossword puzzle community:
Q: What will happen to Will Shortz’s crossword puzzles?
A: Shortz’s estate will likely inherit his vast collection of puzzles, and may decide to publish them or make them available to the public.
Q: Will the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament continue?
A: Yes, the ACPT will likely continue under new leadership, with the possibility of new constructors and editors taking over.
Q: How will Will Shortz’s passing affect the crossword puzzle community?
A: Shortz’s passing will likely send shockwaves throughout the crossword puzzle community, with many puzzle enthusiasts and constructors taking to social media to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
Q: What was Will Shortz’s greatest achievement?
A: Shortz’s greatest achievement was his incredible body of work, which includes over 12,000 crossword puzzles created for various publications.
Q: How did Will Shortz get started in crossword puzzle construction?
A: Shortz began creating crosswords at the age of 14, and went on to become one of the most prolific and respected puzzle constructors in the world.
Q: What awards did Will Shortz win?
A: Shortz won numerous awards, including the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT) championship a record 14 times.
Q: What is the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament?
A: The ACPT is considered the premier crossword tournament in the world, and is held annually in various locations.
Q: How can I get involved in the crossword puzzle community?
A: You can get involved in the crossword puzzle community by attending the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, joining online crossword puzzle forums, or creating your own crosswords.
Q: What is the future of the crossword puzzle community?
A: The future of the crossword puzzle community is uncertain, but it is likely that it will continue to thrive under new leadership and with the continued passion and dedication of its members.
Conclusion
Will Shortz’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of crossword puzzles, but his legacy will live on through the countless puzzles he created and the many lives he touched. As the crossword puzzle community comes together to celebrate his life and legacy, it is clear that his impact will be felt for generations to come.