Waterloo Spring 2026

A total of 152 competitors converged on RIM Park for a packed day of action on May 30, 2026. Across four distinct events and 10 rounds of competition, the gathering brought together solver talent from across the region and beyond. While classic blindfolded solving always stands out in the wider cubing landscape for the sheer concentration and memory it demands, this particular lineup tested solvers across four diverse formats requiring total focus, rapid pattern recognition, and relentless execution in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

The 2026 speedcubing season has delivered intense matchups, and Waterloo Spring 2026 proved no exception. Morgan Yeh claimed the top spot on the main stage, securing victory in the 3x3x3 Cube with a winning average of 5.76 seconds. Yeh also logged the best single solve of the event at 5.42 seconds over three rounds of competition. Brennen Lin took second place on the podium with a 6.46 average, while Burno Li Chak Kwan finished in third place with a mark of 7.01. The deep field produced thrilling 3x3 results from the opening heat to the final round.

In the Megaminx division, Nikhil Soares delivered a dominant performance to take the championship. Soares recorded a winning average of 30.37 seconds and a best single solve of 28.49 across two rounds involving 52 competitors. Along the way, Soares also set an Indian national record single of 27.16 seconds and an Indian national record average of 29.50 seconds. Burno Li Chak Kwan earned the silver podium spot with a 35.02 average, while Arhaan Sareen finished third with a mark of 44.44.

Square-1 action provided another tight podium battle among the 43 participants. Arhaan Sareen took the title with an average of 9.96 seconds, bolstered by the event best single solve of 7.99 seconds across two rounds. Burno Li Chak Kwan picked up another podium result by finishing second with a 10.37 average, while Alvin Hiu Yeung Cheng earned bronze with an 11.38 average. The complex turning mechanisms and rapid shape changes made the event a standout showcase at this WCA competition.

The 3x3x3 One-Handed event brought 78 solvers to the tables over three rounds, where Matthew Lee captured first place with an impressive 10.11 winning average. Lee also delivered the fastest single of the bracket with a 7.67 solve. Stanley Wang secured the runner-up position on the podium with an 11.53 average, finishing just ahead of Brennen Lin, who logged an 11.60 average for third place. Controlling the Rubik's Cube with a single hand required immense fingertip stamina across the extended rounds.

Beyond the top podium spots, several competitors posted massive personal milestones that defined the depth of the weekend. Gavin Chen entered four events, posting a personal best of 14.70 in Square-1 that was 62.4 percent faster than his prior 39.07, along with an 18.82 in 3x3x3 One-Handed, a 32.3 percent improvement, and an 8.70 in 3x3x3 Cube to finish 12th in Square-1. Jonathan Yung sliced 61 percent off his Square-1 best with a new mark of 26.64. Rowan Steele took on three disciplines, dropping their Square-1 best by 53.2 percent to 22.20, their 3x3x3 Cube best by 19.2 percent to 12.51, and logged a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed at 28.69. Nathaniel Gionette completed three events and slashed his Megaminx personal best by 50.9 percent down to 1:32.95 while improving his one-handed solve by 13.1 percent to 25.06.

The progression continued with Andy Xu, who lowered his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 48.5 percent to 30.67. Rohin Thekkoot entered two events, cutting his 3x3x3 One-Handed personal best by 48.1 percent to 23.22 and dropping his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 29.2 percent to 13.32. Rhys Hurly-Rands took on four events, logging a first ever attempt at Megaminx of 1:18.44, a first attempt at Square-1 of 24.29, and a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 10.08, which was 25.7 percent faster than his previous mark. Matt Pang completed four events during the meet, registering first-time efforts in Megaminx at 1:35.08, Square-1 at 1:32.10, and 3x3x3 One-Handed at 19.77.

The overall medal count reflected a strong showing across international delegations, with Canada earning seven podium positions, Hong Kong, China taking four, and India securing one. From the first rounds in the morning to the closing solves of the day, speed cubing fans were treated to clean executions and sharp turn speeds across every puzzle format. Waterloo Spring 2026 concluded as a vibrant celebration of dexterity and concentration at RIM Park, giving solvers plenty of momentum heading into the remainder of the competitive year.