2x2 in Tāmaki Makaurau 2025

Lachlan Gibson delivered the standout speed of the day by securing the 2x2x2 Cube title with an electric 1.59-second average, complemented by a lightning 1.30 best single. That dazzling display of precision at the front tables set the tone for an action-packed Saturday at Freemans Bay Community Hall. A total of 76 competitors gathered in Auckland, New Zealand on August 16, 2025, to contest six distinct events across 12 fast-paced rounds, creating an electric atmosphere for both experienced solvers and fresh faces.

For those taking their opening steps on the official stage, 2x2 in Tāmaki Makaurau 2025 offered an unforgettable entry into competitive speedcubing. Stepping up to the timing station for the first time brings an unmistakable rush, from aligning the puzzle during the brief inspection window to stopping the timer under official scrutiny. The bustling Auckland venue welcomed several contenders making their official WCA competition debuts, transforming practice into hard-earned stage experience.

The spotlight shone brightly on several determined solvers making dramatic personal breakthroughs across the scoreboards. Lucas Deng delivered a massive leap forward by securing a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 4.27 seconds, trimming his prior mark by 50.5 percent, alongside his first ever attempt at Clock with a 17.27 finish. Joshua Dawson entered three events and generated a stunning 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 27.65 seconds, which improved upon his past standard by 43.3 percent, while also logging his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube in 7.62 seconds. Nathan Zhao recorded a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 3.70 seconds, marking a 20.8 percent improvement, while tackling his first ever attempt at 6x6x6 Cube in 4:01.87. Zoen Gibbons took on three events, posting his first ever attempt at Clock in 9.39 seconds and registering a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 3.22 seconds, 38.3 percent faster than before.

That momentum continued through the ranks as other dedicated competitors expanded their repertoires across new puzzle categories. Oliver Gracewood took sixth place in 7x7x7 Cube with a first ever attempt mark of 3:24.22, while also shaving 29.8 percent off his 6x6x6 Cube best to finish in 2:08.39. Apollo McVey achieved a sharp Clock personal best of 5.81 seconds, taking 47.3 percent off his prior benchmark. Jasmine Kane tackled five events on the day, highlighted by logging her first ever attempt at 6x6x6 Cube in 3:02.84 and a first ever attempt at 7x7x7 Cube in 5:05.59. First-time participant Aaron Wang entered four separate disciplines, logging a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Cube in 18.65 seconds and reaching 31st place in Clock.

The marquee classic Rubik's Cube brought fierce competition in the headline event. Alexander Vujcich captured top honours in the 3x3x3 Cube final, producing a 7.03 average and a round-best 6.01 single across two tough rounds featuring 75 entrants. Chris Mills pushed the pace closely behind to claim the second step on the podium with a 7.06 average, while Richard Yiheng Tao earned third place with a 7.27 mark. These premier 3x3 results demonstrated world-class consistency on the regional stage.

Big cube specialists enjoyed their own share of the limelight throughout 2x2 in Tāmaki Makaurau 2025, taking on the intricate demands of the larger layers. Kate Grahame proved dominant across the upper tier, securing victory in the 6x6x6 Cube with a winning average of 1:25.53 and a single of 1:22.83, ahead of Richard Yiheng Tao at 1:39.61 and Angela Braganza at 1:42.37. Grahame doubled her gold haul in the 7x7x7 Cube, posting a 2:14.56 average to finish ahead of Braganza at 2:37.57 and Levi Eyou at 2:50.74.

The mid-sized puzzles and mechanical challenges rounded out the day's diverse schedule. Alexander Vujcich collected another victory in the 5x5x5 Cube, clocking an average of 46.32 seconds and a single of 38.32 to outpace Kate Grahame at 46.95 and Richard Yiheng Tao at 47.52. Meanwhile, Lachlan Gibson added to his early sprint success by capturing the Clock event in dominant fashion, winning with a 2.26 average over Elyas Eyou at 4.01 and Brandon Harris at 4.10, showing the expansive scope of modern speed cubing.

The 2x2x2 Cube event saw a tight contest behind Lachlan Gibson's gold-medal run, as China's Yuki Gao claimed second place with a 1.65 average and India's Ram Thakkar locked up third with 1.79. Across the full podium breakdown, New Zealand led the field with 13 top-three finishes, complemented by three from the USA, one from China, and one from India. As the final brackets concluded, 2x2 in Tāmaki Makaurau 2025 delivered a memorable cubing competition that gave new competitors a launching pad and tested seasoned finalists across every discipline.