The Indian Crossword League (IXL) 2025 saw fierce competition in its first weekly online round, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in the crossword world. After an intense battle, the top three winners have emerged: Matthew Marcus (USA) takes the crown, followed by Eric Agard (USA) in second place, and Ramki Krishnan (India) securing third.
Matthew Marcus (Portland, USA), a seasoned crossword veteran, dominated the contest, showcasing his exceptional puzzle-solving skills. Marcus, who is no stranger to the world of competitive crosswords, is the 2025 WCCC Individual Champion and placed in the top six in the 2025 WCCC World Cup. Additionally, Marcus is a celebrated figure in the crossword community, having been the 2023 London Times Crossword Champion.
Eric Agard (Kansas City, USA), a powerhouse in the crossword scene, took home second place. Agard is widely known for his editorial work as the Editor of USA Today Crossword and has earned the affectionate moniker “Word Nerd.” His distinctive and engaging puzzles have captivated solvers for years, and his contributions to the crossword community continue to elevate the craft.
Rounding out the top three is Ramki Krishnan (Chennai, India), who claimed third place. A seasoned crossword enthusiast, Krishnan has a remarkable track record, having won the IXL title seven times since 2014. Beyond his achievements in the world of crosswords, Krishnan is a freelance consultant in Machine Learning and EduTech with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, having worked with companies like Wipro and Cognizant.
A graduate of IIT Madras and IIM Bangalore, Krishnan’s journey into crosswords began in his early teens. Introduced to cryptic crosswords by his father, who solved puzzles from the Indian Express, Krishnan’s passion was reignited in recent years, particularly through IXL competitions. This year’s IXL round was truly global, featuring well-known names such as Phillip Coote (Australia), Deane Keith Short (Canada), and Colin Thomas (England).
Their participation has undoubtedly elevated the level of competition, making this year’s contest more challenging and exciting than ever before. With such high-level competition, the remaining rounds of IXL 2025 promise to be just as thrilling. As the crossword community continues to grow and evolve, we look forward to seeing how these puzzle masters, alongside other talented solvers from around the world, will continue to push the boundaries of cryptic crossword solving.
