Batumi May Open 2026

A blistering 7.85 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube set the tone for an extraordinary display of precision in Batumi, Georgia. Damir Zhanataev from Kazakhstan stood out across the board at the Batumi May Open 2026, relying on unwavering execution rather than high-risk single solves to claim top honours in seven separate categories. Held on May 24, 2026, at the Carrefour building on Komakhidze 5, the single-day gathering brought 9 competitors together for 13 rounds of high-calibre speedcubing action.

The 3x3 results in the main event demonstrated how methodical stability defeats volatility in high-stakes competition. While Zhanataev notched the single fastest solve at 6.90 seconds, it was his 7.85 average across the final round that secured the gold medal. Georgia native Vako Marchilashvili took second place with an 8.60 average, and Andro Gvaramadze followed closely in third with 9.21. In a classic Rubik's Cube final spanning two rounds, the podium belonged entirely to solvers who kept their turn speed measured and their errors minimal.

Beyond the flagship puzzle, national standards fell across multiple disciplines. Dachi Tevdorashvili delivered a clinic in big cubes and twisty puzzles, setting a Georgian national record average of 2:07.34 to win the 6x6x6 Cube, narrowly holding off Zhanataev who finished on a 2:08.83 average. Tevdorashvili also collected victory in the Megaminx with another national record average of 46.85 seconds. Meanwhile, Marchilashvili registered a national record single of 1:08.42 in 3x3x3 Blindfolded, though Zhanataev secured the official blindfolded title with a best solve of 53.94 seconds.

Zhanataev demonstrated remarkable range across mid-sized and specialized events. He captured the 4x4x4 Cube crown with a 32.33 average, topped the 5x5x5 Cube standings on a 1:02.35 mark, and conquered the 7x7x7 Cube with an average of 3:31.17. His tactical approach translated equally well to asymmetric challenges, earning him victories in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 13.27 and Square-1 with a 32.78 average. Marchilashvili disrupted the multi-puzzle sweep in the 2x2x2 Cube, delivering a lightning-fast 2.09 winning average to take top spot ahead of Zhanataev.

Side events offered further proof that steady pacing pays dividends. Andro Gvaramadze collected two event victories of his own, pacing the Pyraminx field with a 3.88 average and taking the Skewb title on a mark of 4.58. The host nation celebrated 23 total podium placements over the course of the day, while Kazakhstan claimed 12, reflecting a fierce yet focused cubing competition that tested dexterity across 12 distinct event formats.

Away from the top of the medal table, several solvers marked important career milestones on the tournament floor. David Nakashidze entered 6 events at the Batumi May Open 2026, capturing a career-best finish of 4th place in 3x3x3 One-Handed with an inaugural mark of 38.80 seconds. Nakashidze also logged his first ever official attempt at Megaminx with a result of 2:38.17, alongside a debut mark of 5.75 seconds in the Pyraminx, making the most of every round.

Debutants also made their presence felt during their very first WCA competition. Andria KoKoladze tackled 3 events, securing 6th place in 2x2x2 Cube with a 14.27 debut, while recording a first attempt of 30.49 seconds in 3x3x3 Cube and 7.65 in Pyraminx. Luka Burchuladze made a solid tournament bow with a first ever 3x3x3 Cube result of 28.58 seconds, and Ana Kashia registered a first official 3x3x3 Cube solve of 54.41 seconds to round out an encouraging series of opening appearances.

The intense single-day schedule at the Batumi May Open 2026 underscored how discipline and repeatable mechanics define modern speed cubing. Through 13 rounds of play, the winners proved that steady composure under the timer consistently outlasts flashier singles. As the year 2026 moves forward, the benchmarks established in Batumi provide a firm standard for solvers across the region.