American Crossword Puzzle Tournament returns to Stamford

The world”™s largest crossword puzzle tournament is returning to Stamford for a three-day event.

The 45th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT) will be from March 31 through April 2 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa on 243 Tresser Blvd. Will Shortz, The New York Times”™ crossword puzzle editor, will host the event.

“With over 750 registered participants, ages 16 to 96, the 2023 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT) already has broken its own 45-year attendance record,” said Shortz, a former Stamford resident. “This annual event is a wonderful way for crossword lovers to test themselves and celebrate their passion, while making and reuniting with friends with similar interests.”

New to this year”™s event is the Muriel Saltzman Prize, on behalf of Lisa Saltzman and the Saltzman Family Foundation, with $10,000 in new prizes to be awarded to the top solvers in the five Age Divisions (Junior, Fifties, Sixties, Seventies, Seniors). A total of $23,000 in prizes will be awarded in over 20 categories of skill, age, geographical location, and rookie status, including a $7,000 Grand Prize.

“We welcome this tremendous event back to Stamford and know that its participants and all visitors will enjoy a terrific experience in the city, in Fairfield County, and across our drivable state,” said Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, who estimated the event will bring $883,000 in revenue for the Stamford area and generate over $54,000 in taxes for the state.