All the puzzles in the competition are pure-logic problems based on simple principles, designed to be playable regardless of language or culture.
Of the 30 championships (team category) held thus far, 16 have been won by the United States, 8 by Germany, and 3 each by the Czech Republic and Japan.
[2] The World Puzzle Championship was the brainchild of Levi Summers, who wanted to create an event where puzzlers from different countries could compete on an even playing field.
[3] Previously, the International Crossword Marathon was the major international competition for puzzle-solving, and Will Shortz had attended it every year, but because participants used their own language and crossword rules, it was not a very good basis for comparing raw puzzle-solving skills across cultures.
Ulrich Voigt of Germany has been the most successful individual contestant, winning the gold medal eleven times since 2000.