Sam Doucet describes himself as a big language guy.
“I grew up in a bilingual home, and I’ve loved learning languages my whole life,” he said. “I’ve always been drawn to words and how they fit together, patterns, and language.”
It’s this interest in language that has spurred his love of crossword puzzles over the years, a hobby he started as a teenager in Edmonton and has led him to an international contest where he would compete among the best in the world.
Doucet said he completes 15 puzzles a day, ranging from several online publications to mini puzzles and puzzles in various newspapers, including the famed New York Times crossword puzzle.
“A crossword is an experience like no other,” he said. “There’s so many connections that are just there for the making in your brain. So, it’s just a never-ending source of those ‘a-ha!’ moments, and finishing a puzzle is always super satisfying.”
Approximately five years ago, Doucet took his love of crosswords to the next level, joining online communities and participating in online competitions, where participants are given a link to crosswords to solve.
“They’re a ton of fun, and it’s a great way to track your progress and measure yourself against others,” he said.
Last year, Doucet competed in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford, Conn., which he described as the “World Series of crosswords.” He finished at the top of the rookie division and finished 41st overall out of nearly 800 participants.
“It worked out better than I could have dreamed,” he said.
For those who are looking to get into crosswords, Doucet said the easiest thing is to just pick one up and start.
“When you’re getting into crosswords, don’t be afraid to look up the answer, especially for younger people who don’t have the breadth of vocabulary or pop culture references,” he said. “You’re getting started. It’s your puzzle; solve it however you want.”
Some of Doucet’s favourite crosswords include the New York Times, the New Yorker, and online ones created by Matthew Luter, Brendan Emmett Quigley and Stella Zawistowski.
“We’re in the golden age of crosswords right now,” he said. “So many different newspapers and publications and websites are publishing puzzles. Constructors also have their own sites and blogs. And especially online, there’s just such an incredible wealth of puzzles being made right now.”
