Who is Paolo Pasco from Jeopardy? Puzzle Writer’s Age, Job, Family & More
Paolo Pasco’s engagement with puzzles began in childhood in San Diego, California, starting with sudoku and Dell Magazine puzzle books. By eighth grade, he was already solving some of the New York Times’ favorite puzzles curated by Will Shortz, marking an early exposure to high-level crossword construction. This early interest developed into creating his own puzzles, and he became active in online puzzle communities such as Reddit, Twitter, and Cruciverb. Collaborating with these communities allowed him to refine his skills, receive feedback, and gain insight into puzzle culture, helping him transition from enthusiast to published constructor.
Pasco’s fascination with puzzles quickly translated into professional achievements. While still a high school freshman, he had his first crossword accepted by The New York Times. Since then, he has published over a dozen puzzles in the Times, and his work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, BuzzFeed, and the American Values Club Crossword. Beyond traditional publications, he runs his own blog, Grids These Days, publishing puzzles independently. Pasco’s approach to crossword construction often incorporates contemporary culture, appealing to younger and more diverse audiences while challenging the traditional norms of the crossword community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWnuaVFzGxY
Editorial Career and Professional Versatility
Professionally, Pasco has held numerous editorial and analytical roles. He currently serves as Games Editor at TED Conferences, a position he began in August 2025. He previously worked as Games Editor at LinkedIn, Assistant Editor for the American Values Club Crossword, Data Scientist at ASML, and Assistant Crossword Editor at The Atlantic. His career also includes creative and educational roles, such as Staff Writer for The Harvard Lampoon, Lyricist for Hasty Pudding Theatricals, and Math Camp Teaching Assistant at Santa Fe Christian Schools. Across these positions, Pasco has demonstrated expertise in puzzle construction, programming, mathematics, creative writing, and editorial management.
This professional diversity reflects both technical skill and creative capacity. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML complements his mathematical and analytical abilities, while editorial and theatrical experience enhance his storytelling, wordplay, and audience engagement skills. Together, these experiences form a unique skill set that allows him to innovate in the field of puzzles and games while managing complex editorial projects.
Academic Background and Creative Involvement
Pasco’s educational path reinforced his dual interests in technology and creativity. He attended Santa Fe Christian Schools for high school, participating in Math Club, Academic Team, National Honor Society, and other extracurricular activities. From 2018 to 2022, he studied at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. While at Harvard, he was active in Three Letter Acronym Improv, Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the Asian Students Arts Project, and other Asian American cultural groups, balancing academic rigor with creative and cultural engagement.
His academic foundation in computer science has informed his technical approach to puzzles, while involvement in theater and cultural organizations has influenced his narrative, stylistic, and design choices. Pasco’s ability to integrate logic, programming, and creativity positions him as both a skilled constructor and a thought leader in the games and puzzle industry.
Cultural Identity and Community Engagement
Paolo Pasco is a Filipino American, situating him within a growing generation of puzzle creators diversifying the field. His work reflects broader societal shifts, bridging traditional crossword conventions with contemporary cultural references. Beyond professional work, he participates in volunteer and educational outreach programs, including teaching children through Awana, highlighting a commitment to community, mentorship, and education.
His personal and cultural background contributes to his distinctive approach to puzzle creation, making his work accessible, inclusive, and engaging for a wider audience. Pasco continues to cultivate both his professional expertise and his cultural contributions, emphasizing creativity, education, and representation in the puzzle community.
Summary of Paolo Pasco’s Profile
Paolo Pasco represents a multifaceted professional blending technical, creative, and editorial expertise. From a childhood passion for puzzles to published work in prestigious publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, his career demonstrates skill, innovation, and cultural awareness. As Games Editor at TED Conferences, he applies a combination of programming, mathematics, creative writing, and editorial experience to produce engaging puzzles and games. His academic achievements, community involvement, and active participation in online puzzle communities further highlight his commitment to both excellence and inclusivity in the world of puzzles.
