Agoura Cubing 2023

A total of 111 competitors assembled on June 17, 2023, as Lindero Canyon Middle School hosted Agoura Cubing 2023. For dozens of participants walking through the doors in Agoura Hills, California, USA, the gathering marked their first taste of an official WCA competition. Across 11 fast-paced rounds and five distinct events, newcomers stood alongside seasoned veterans, feeling the nervous anticipation of official inspections, the sharp click of timers, and the unmistakable energy of a bustling sports hall.

The 2023 speedcubing calendar featured plenty of major dates, but this California contest captured the pure essence of the community. Newcomers learning the rhythm of live solving took their places at the tables to log their very first official marks on the global registry. The classic Rubik's Cube drew a massive field of 104 competitors over three intense rounds, while specialized disciplines provided a complete test of versatility across the single-day schedule.

Leading the under-the-radar storylines, Makai Kahl achieved a stunning 69 percent improvement in the 2x2x2 Cube with a personal best single of 2.90 seconds, down from 9.35, while also lowering his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 22.4 percent to 11.36 seconds. Cody Stroupe took on four events, securing a 7th place finish in Clock, registering his first official attempts in the main 3x3x3 event at 25.54 seconds and 2x2x2 at 5.33, and cutting his Pyraminx best by 68.7 percent down to 3.12 seconds. Aayush Manish Bathija tackled four events, highlighted by a 6th place finish in the 3x3x3 Cube and a massive 48.6 percent drop in 3x3x3 Blindfolded to log a personal best of 2:59.33.

Fresh debuts also shaped the day for several competitors entering their first WCA competition. Ricky Bunker contested four events in his tournament debut, earning 16th place in the 2x2x2 Cube while establishing initial marks of 8.79 seconds in Pyraminx, 27.31 in Clock, and 15.91 in 3x3x3. Lucas Malk debuted across four events, logging 8.14 in Pyraminx, 19.08 in 3x3x3, and 6.07 in 2x2x2. Wade Trainer made his first appearance with marks of 26.15 in Clock, 7.97 in Pyraminx, and 18.08 in 3x3x3. Saralina Schohl also took her first competitive steps across four disciplines, setting initial times of 29.17 in 3x3x3, 7.70 in 2x2x2, and 9.36 in Pyraminx. Andersen Katsev rounded out the breakout efforts across four events, posting a first attempt of 15.50 in Clock and improving his 2x2x2 best by 31 percent to 3.22 seconds.

At the very front of the pack, the 3x3 results delivered exceptional drama in the finals of Agoura Cubing 2023. Brendyn Dunagan claimed the championship title with a winning average of 6.02 seconds, supplemented by a rapid single of 5.40 seconds. Max Park took second place on the podium with a 6.23 average, while Kyeongmin Choi from Korea earned third place with a 7.97 mark, capping off a thrilling finish in the premier speed cubing event.

Dunagan also demonstrated his complete mastery in the Clock event, taking top honors among 38 competitors across two rounds. He captured the victory with a winning average of 4.10 seconds and an electric best single of 2.81 seconds. Ryan Fong secured the second podium spot with a 5.24 average, while Elijah Brown placed third with an average of 6.96 seconds.

The 2x2x2 Cube saw Kyeongmin Choi put on a clinic, capturing first place with a 1.65 average and a best single of 0.78 seconds. Taran Wadhera finished in the runner-up position with a 2.65 average, just ahead of Elijah Brown who posted a 2.72 average for third. Choi repeated his winning form in the 3x3x3 Blindfolded event, which requires precise spatial memorization, securing victory among 14 entrants with a best single of 40.23 seconds.

In Pyraminx, Elijah Brown climbed to the top step of the podium among 67 competitors across three rounds, recording a winning average of 2.73 seconds and a best single of 1.57 seconds. Vinícius Shaw of Brazil followed in second place with a 3.84 average, while Brendyn Dunagan added another podium finish to his ledger by claiming third in 3.86 seconds.

When the final timers clicked off, the podium count stood at eleven medals for the USA, three for Korea, and one for Brazil. From first-time entrants discovering the warmth of the community to elite solvers chasing fractions of a second, Agoura Cubing 2023 served as a memorable showcase of dedication and rapid progression at every level of the sport.