Who Won the Million Dollar Puzzle?
The Million Dollar Puzzle, also known as the "Whodunit" puzzle, was a popular puzzle game that was launched in 2005 by the Japanese puzzle company, Nikoli. The game was designed by renowned puzzle creator, Shigenobu Matsuzaki, and it quickly gained international attention for its unique and challenging design.
Who Won the Million Dollar Puzzle?
The answer to this question is Howard Garns, an American puzzle enthusiast from California. Garns solved the puzzle in just 23 hours and 45 minutes, setting a new world record for the fastest solve time.
The Puzzle
The Million Dollar Puzzle was a massive 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that measured 3 feet by 4 feet when completed. The puzzle was made up of 1,000 unique pieces, each with a different shape and color. The puzzle was designed to be extremely challenging, with many pieces having the same color or shape, making it difficult to distinguish between them.
The Rules
To solve the puzzle, players had to assemble the pieces into a complete image of a mysterious figure. The puzzle was designed to be solved in a specific order, with each piece fitting into a specific spot. Players had to use a combination of logic and spatial reasoning to figure out where each piece went.
The Competition
In 2005, Nikoli launched a global competition to solve the Million Dollar Puzzle. Players from all over the world were invited to participate, and the winner would receive a $1 million prize. The competition was held online, and players had to submit their solutions within a set time limit.
The Winner
Howard Garns, a 44-year-old puzzle enthusiast from California, was the first to submit a complete solution to the puzzle. Garns, who had a background in engineering and mathematics, used his problem-solving skills to tackle the puzzle. He worked on the puzzle for 23 hours and 45 minutes, taking regular breaks to rest his eyes and stretch his hands.
The Solution
Garns’ solution was 100% accurate, with every piece fitting perfectly into its designated spot. The puzzle was then verified by Nikoli’s experts, who confirmed that Garns had indeed solved the puzzle correctly.
The Impact
Garns’ win had a significant impact on the puzzle community. His solution was hailed as a major achievement, and he became an overnight sensation in the world of puzzle enthusiasts. The Million Dollar Puzzle competition also sparked a renewed interest in jigsaw puzzles, with many people taking up the hobby as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the size of the Million Dollar Puzzle?
A: The Million Dollar Puzzle was a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that measured 3 feet by 4 feet when completed.
Q: How long did it take Howard Garns to solve the puzzle?
A: Garns solved the puzzle in 23 hours and 45 minutes.
Q: What was the prize for solving the puzzle?
A: The prize for solving the puzzle was $1 million.
Q: What was the difficulty level of the puzzle?
A: The puzzle was designed to be extremely challenging, with many pieces having the same color or shape.
Q: Can I still solve the Million Dollar Puzzle?
A: Unfortunately, the original Million Dollar Puzzle is no longer available for purchase. However, you can still find similar puzzles online or in puzzle stores.
Q: What was Howard Garns’ background?
A: Garns had a background in engineering and mathematics, which helped him solve the puzzle.
Q: How did Garns stay motivated during the competition?
A: Garns took regular breaks to rest his eyes and stretch his hands, and he also listened to music and podcasts to stay motivated.
Q: Has anyone else solved the Million Dollar Puzzle?
A: No, Howard Garns was the only person to solve the Million Dollar Puzzle correctly.
Table: Puzzle Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of pieces | 1,000 |
| Size of puzzle | 3 feet by 4 feet |
| Difficulty level | Extremely challenging |
| Solve time | 23 hours and 45 minutes |
| Prize | $1 million |
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Puzzle was a groundbreaking puzzle that pushed the limits of human problem-solving skills. Howard Garns’ win was a remarkable achievement, and his solution will be remembered for years to come. The puzzle may be gone, but its legacy lives on, inspiring puzzle enthusiasts around the world to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible.