Alfred University 2026

A blistering display of progression defined the action at Alfred University 2026, where Jordan competitor Abdel Issa secured a brilliant national record single of 28.91 seconds in the 4x4x4 Cube. The performance set a high benchmark during an intense day of competition at Alfred University, showing how rapidly competitors continue to push their boundaries. Issa also picked up third-place finishes across multiple disciplines, highlighting the remarkable leaps made by participants throughout the weekend.

Held on May 10, 2026 in Alfred, New York, USA, the gathering brought together an energetic field of 10 competitors across 10 distinct events. Over the course of 13 rounds, this WCA competition offered a comprehensive showcase of modern speedcubing, featuring everything from traditional twisty puzzles to specialty side events. The tight-knit setting provided the perfect environment for athletes to pursue personal records while going head-to-head across the schedule.

Evan Liu emerged as the most prolific winner of the event, capturing first place in eight separate disciplines. In the flagship 3x3x3 Cube, where 10 competitors battled through two rounds, Liu posted a winning average of 9.02 seconds alongside a best single of 6.46 to secure the title. Mason Langenderfer took second place in the 3x3 results with an average of 9.22 seconds, while Abdel Issa claimed third place on a mark of 9.81. The high standard of classic Rubik's Cube solving set a formidable tone for the rest of the program.

Liu continued his commanding run in the short-format puzzles, claiming victory in the 2x2x2 Cube with a winning average of 2.85 seconds after two rounds. Langenderfer pushed close behind to take second on 3.01 seconds, edging Issa, who matched the 3.01 average for third. In the Clock event, Liu registered another win with a 4.93 average and a 4.38 single. Meanwhile, Square-1 saw Liu take first place in 15.30 seconds, leading Langenderfer in second with 20.26 and Lauren Phung taking third with a mark of 22.56.

The larger puzzles also belonged to Liu, who swept the big cube division from 4x4x4 through 7x7x7. In 4x4x4 Cube, Liu took the top spot with an average of 33.49 seconds ahead of Langenderfer on 35.26 and Issa on 35.44. Liu went on to take the 5x5x5 Cube in 1:00.31, with Issa finishing second at 1:05.38 and Patrick Strawder taking third in 1:12.69. The 6x6x6 Cube concluded with Liu winning in 1:42.46, followed by Strawder in 2:06.54 and Issa in 2:07.68, before Liu capped the division by winning the 7x7x7 Cube with a 2:32.48 average.

Beyond the podium battles, significant milestones were achieved across the roster. Indo Song took on five events, achieving a 22.6 percent drop in 3x3x3 One-Handed with a personal best of 37.10 seconds, cutting their Clock mark by 13.4 percent to 26.02, and logging a first ever attempt at Square-1 of 1:30.38 on the way to a 9th-place finish. Oscar Cimmet tackled nine events, improving their 3x3x3 One-Handed best by 14.9 percent down to 34.21, dropping their 6x6x6 Cube best by 5.2 percent to 4:57.76, completing a first attempt at 7x7x7 Cube in 7:55.23, and claiming a 4th-place finish in Clock. Shaher Naser rounded out six events with a weekend-best 6th-place finish in 3x3x3 One-Handed.

Langenderfer turned in decisive victories in two of the most technically demanding events on the roster. In 3x3x3 One-Handed, Langenderfer captured the title across two rounds with an average of 12.99 seconds and a best single of 10.06, topping Liu in second at 14.64 and Issa in third at 16.27. In 3x3x3 Blindfolded, where solving requires complete memorisation before executing turns without sight, Langenderfer recorded the winning single of 23.03 seconds, while Liu secured second in 58.01 and Yili Yi finished third in 1:18.90.

The final medal tallies reflected a combined effort across delegations, with United States competitors capturing 23 podium places and Jordan taking 7. Across a demanding 10-event roster, the speed cubing tournament delivered relentless action, standout personal bests, and high-caliber execution in upstate New York. As the curtain falls on Alfred University 2026, the progress demonstrated across all rounds stands as a compelling benchmark for everyone preparing to return to the tables next season.