Devon Donaldson

Hi everyone, I’m Devon!

I’ve been puzzling since I was a kid, but speed puzzling clicked for me in a big way when I hit my first sub-40 first-try solve — a moment that also happened to earn me the Canadian Individual title back in 2023. Since then, I’ve been hooked on the mix of strategy, problem-solving, and that indescribable puzzle-brain flow we all chase.

Outside the puzzle world, I’m a management consultant who spends my days helping organizations transform how people learn, lead, and work together. A lot of that carries over into how I support puzzlers: mindset, capability development design, intentional practice, and learning to make smart decisions under pressure. I love watching those “aha” moments when something finally clicks and someone starts seeing puzzles differently.

One of my favourite parts of being in this community is bringing people together to grow through shared experiences, whether that's workshops, competitions, or conversations that help us level up as a team. I’ve had the chance to help represent Canadian puzzlers on the world stage too, co-hosting at the 2025 World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship livestream and chatting all things puzzling on the podcast Piece Talks, which has only made me more excited about where this sport is headed.

When I’m not puzzling, you can usually find me cooking with my family (it’s more than just food, it’s a whole shared ritual), cheering on the Blue Jays, travelling the world and going to classic car events with my partner Doug, or getting way too invested in a good Nintendo game.

Puzzlers, I hope you feel encouraged, energized, and ready to grow! I’m excited to puzzle alongside you as you build new skills and discover what you’re truly capable of.