Bridgewater’s 12-Year-Old Lego Whiz Takes First Place in NJ Competition, Qualifies for Global Championship!

It was a joyful birthday for 12-year-old Derek Menzin. On his special day, he was crowned New Jersey’s 2025 Mini Master Model Builder at Legoland Discovery Center in East Rutherford.

This friendly competition gathered the best builders in the state. Derek quickly distinguished himself among the top seven competitors. He showcased his creativity in a live build challenge, crafting a unique Transformer Race Car within just 75 minutes. “The contest was amazing and really fun,” he said. “It really showed everyone’s creativity, and each build was unique.”

Derek has been building with Legos since he was four. “I love Lego because it enables you to create whatever you want,” he explained. “It’s only limited by your creativity and dedication.”

After his win, he enjoyed a “brick dump” celebration, officially welcoming him into the Legoland community. The excitement doesn’t stop here; he’s now preparing for a global stage. Derek will compete against Mini Master Model Builders from around the world for the title of Global Mini Master Model Builder. The challenge? To create something that represents their hometown, which will be displayed at the Lego House in Denmark alongside builds from competitors worldwide.

As part of the birthday festivities, Derek also kicked off an exclusive Lego F1-themed event by racing a Lego car down a ramp at the Legoland Discovery Center.

The love for Legos isn’t just a hobby; it’s also linked to developing vital skills. Experts believe that engaging in creative activities like building with Legos can enhance problem-solving abilities and foster innovation. A study from the LEGO Foundation highlights how creative play can boost cognitive skills and teamwork among children.

This year, more kids are participating in similar LEGO contests, reflecting a growing trend in STEM-focused activities that cultivate creativity and critical thinking. For instance, the number of children joining Lego building competitions increased by 25% over the past year, showing how much kids enjoy this engaging and educational pastime.

Derek’s story is a perfect example of how play can lead to unexpected achievements. It’s more than just fun; it’s about inspiring the next generation of builders and thinkers. The future looks bright for this young talent, and we can’t wait to see what he creates next!



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Legoland Discovery Center, Eisenhower Intermediate School, Mini Master Model