Patna: The inaugural editions of the US Triple-C 2026 Crossword Challenge and the Canada Triple-C 2026 Crossword Challenge began simultaneously with their online practice rounds on July 5, marking the first time dedicated Triple-C cryptic crossword championships have been organised in both countries.
The organisers said the championships received participation from crossword enthusiasts across the United States and Canada, highlighting growing interest in competitive cryptic crosswords and expanding the format to a wider international audience.
Practice Round Winners Announced
The practice round concluded with participants from different regions securing the top positions.
US Triple-C 2026 Practice Round
- Paolo Pasco – New York
- Erik Agard – Missouri
- Matthew Theodore Marcus – Oregon
Canada Triple-C 2026 Practice Round
- Will Nediger – Ontario
- Daniel Currie Hall – Nova Scotia
- Rupert Marten Morris – Ontario
Top Performers Represent Diverse US States
According to the organisers, one of the notable features of the US practice round was the geographical spread of the leading participants. The top 10 scorers represented multiple states, including New York, Missouri, Oregon, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Mississippi, and California, reflecting broad participation across the country.
Organisers and Supporting Organisations
The championships are being organised by Extra-C in association with the World Crossword Federation (WCWF). The initiative is supported by Bihar Tourism, Bihar Foundation, and the Bihar-Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA).
The organisers said the support from these institutions has helped promote competitive cryptic crosswords internationally while encouraging greater participation from crossword enthusiasts.
Main Competition Schedule
Following the completion of the practice round, the championships will continue with two online competition rounds.
- First Online Round: July 12, 2026
- Second Online Round: July 19, 2026
- Final results and championship winners: July 26, 2026
The organisers said the remaining rounds will determine the inaugural champions of the US Triple-C 2026 and Canada Triple-C 2026 crossword championships.
