Puzzle Design Competition HOME

Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition

The 2026 Competition Results

66 puzzles entered; the 2026 Competition Entries page includes puzzle and designer names, images, and summary descriptions.

The Puzzlers' Award selected by IPP invitees; all other prizes selected by Judging Committee.

Puzzle of the Year
Puzzlers' Award, Jury Grand Prize

Elbow Room
Goh Pit Khiam

Jury 1st Prize

Red Treasure
Benno de Grote

Jury Honorable Mention

Cross Twist
Yasunari Makino

Ice Cream SandWitch
Alexander Dangl

Mystifying Mushroom
William Waite

One Way or Another
Alexander Magyarics

Step by Step
Yavuz Demirhan

Top 10 Vote Getters

The following designs were in the top-10 in voting for the Puzzlers' Award,
but were not otherwise recognized with a formal Jury prize.

4L Mix - Yasunari Makino
Loach Bed - Osanori Yamamoto
Locus - Boaz Feldman
Minimal Toyko - Frederic Boucher
Pizzeria Italiana - Sergio Amateis
Shift Happens - Kelly Snache
A 3-Piece Puzzle - Osanori Yamamoto

Full Competition History Search

2026 Competition Results and Entry List
2025 Competition Results and Entry List
2024 Competition Results and Entry List
2023 Competition Results and Entry List
2022 Competition Results and Entry List
2021 Competition Results and Entry List
2020 Competition Results and Entry List
2019 Competition Results and Entry List
2018 Competition Results and Entry List
2017 Competition Results and Entry List
2016 Competition Results and Entry List
2015 Competition Results and Entry List
2014 Competition Results and Entry List

2013 Competition Results and Entry List
2012 Competition Results and Entry List
2011 Competition Results and Entry List
2010 Competition Results and Entry List
2009 Competition Results and Entry List
2008 Competition Results and Entry List
2007 Competition Results and Entry List
2006 Competition Results and Entry List
2005 Competition Results and Entry List
2004 Competition Results and Entry List
2003 Competition Results and Entry List
2002 Competition Results and Entry List
2001 Competition Results and Entry List

Design Competition Trophies

Cryptos by Yavuz Demirhan

made by Tom Lensch

Award Pins

Puzzlers' Award and
Grand Prize

First Prize and
Honorable Mention

Certificates

Top-10 Voting