Speedcubing

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Speedcubing, also referred to as speedsolving, is a competitive mind sport centered around the rapid solving of various combination puzzles. The most prominent puzzle in this category is the N×N×N (n=3) puzzle, commonly known as the Rubik's Cube. Participants in this sport are known as "speedcubers" (or more generally as "cubers"), who focus specifically on solving these puzzles at high speeds to get low clock times. The essential aspect of solving these puzzles typically involves executing a series of predefined algorithms in a particular sequence with eidetic prediction and finger tricks.

Competitive speedcubing is predominantly overseen by the World Cube Association (WCA),^[1] which, as of January 16, 2024, officially recognizes 17 distinct speedcubing events. These events encompass a range of puzzles, including cubic puzzles of sizes ranging from 2×2 to 7×7 and other puzzle forms such as the Pyraminx, Megaminx, Skewb, Square-1, and Rubik's Clock. Additionally, specialized formats such as 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5 blindfolded, 3×3 one-handed, 3×3 FMC also known as Fewest Moves Challenge, and 3×3 multi-blind are also regulated and hosted in competitions.^[1]

As of July 2023, the world record for the fastest single solve of a Rubik's cube in a competitive setting stands at 3.13 seconds. This record was achieved by Max Park at the Pride in Long Beach 2023 event on June 11, 2023.^[2][3] Additionally, Yiheng Wang set the record for the average time of five solves in the 3×3×3 category with 4.09 seconds at Xuzhou Open 2024 on September 21, 2024.^[4][5] Speedcubing participants are predominantly under the age of 20, and numerous countries organize international competitions throughout the year.^[6] The widespread popularity of the Rubik's Cube has led to an abundance of online resources, including guides and techniques, aimed at assisting individuals in solving the puzzle.