Duff Campbell, a professor of mathematics at Hendrix College in Conway, won the 11th annual Arkansas State Crossword Puzzle Championship on Sunday afternoon at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Beth Levi, a clinical professor at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, won the Sudoku competition for the fourth straight year and ninth time overall. Greta Moore, an independent contractor in business development living in North Little Rock, was the runner-up in the Sudoku Competition.
Campbell, who had previously placed as high as third in 2016, secured his first championship with a perfect score of 500. Angelo Turturro, who is retired and lives in North Little Rock, was second. Turturro placed third in 2017. Glen Hooks of Little Rock, director of the Arkansas Sierra Club, placed third overall.
The championships were conducted by Little Rock District Judge Vic Fleming, who constructs puzzles for The New York Times and other major publications.
Matt Ginsberg, author of “Factor Man” and founder of Dr. Fill, a crossword-solving program better than all but a handful of humans, was the featured speaker. Ginsberg also delivered a program on his book before the Puzzle Championship.
The Clinton School has hosted the competition since its founding in 2007.
Crossword Champions
2007: Ellen Brantley
2008: Wes Lacewell
2009: Wes Lacewell
2010: Glenn Whaley
2011: Robin Morrissey
2012: Robin Morrissey
2013: No competition
2014: Robin Morrissey
2015: Ellen Brantley
2016: Glenn Whaley
2017: Wes Lacewell
2018: Duff Campbell
Sudoku Champions
2007: Beth Levi
2008: Beth Levi
2009: Beth Levi
2010: John Matejka
2011: Beth Levi
2012: Beth Levi
2013: No competition
2014: Darren Morrissey
2015: Beth Levi
2016: Beth Levi
2017: Beth Levi
2018: Beth Levi
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