Erik Agard

Erik Agard is a crossword solver, constructor, and editor. He is the winner of the 2018 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT), the crossword editor at USA Today, a crossword setter for The New Yorker, and a former Jeopardy! contestant.

Erik Agard
Sport
Country United States
SportCruciverbalism, Other puzzling
Event(s)Solving
Achievements and titles
National finals2018: American Crossword Puzzle Tournament Champion

He was described by the Washington Post as "the nation's top teen crossword puzzle solver."[1] He has been celebrated for helping to increase diversity and inclusion in crosswords:[2] the puzzles that he edits at USA Today are primarily constructed by women and people of color, and contain references to pieces of media and culture that other mainstream outlets do not consider "standard knowledge."[3] For instance, the February 19, 2022 crossword puzzle contained the clue ["you're telling me a cis ___ built this chapel?" (@RileyJohnSavage tweet)] for the entry TEEN.[4]

During his appearance on Jeopardy!, his use of a meme in answer to a question gained widespread notice. After beating 5-time champion Alan Dunn, he won 3 times won $66,802 (not including compensation).[5]

References
  1. Manuel Roig Franzia (September 2, 2013). "Shy Marylander is nation's top teen crossword puzzle solver". Washington Post. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  2. Katy Steinmetz (August 3, 2020). "The Crossword Revolution Is Upon Us". Time. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  3. Natan Last (March 18, 2020). "The Hidden Bigotry of Crosswords". The Atlantic. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  4. "February 19, 2022". February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  5. Raisa Bruner (October 23, 2018). "Jeopardy Contestant Plays the Game of Life So Well That He Answered With a Meme". Time. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
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