BeCubed Spring 2023

Eighty-seven competitors gathered under one roof as BeCubed Spring 2023 brought high-stakes speedcubing action to Faith Church on April 29, 2023. Staged in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA, the single-day cubing competition packed seven disciplines and eleven rounds of high-pressure solving across a full schedule. The action got underway early, bringing together seasoned contenders and local newcomers eager to push their boundaries against the clock in front of a buzzing hall.

The morning slate tested speed and precision across big cubes and specialized formats. Dan Tran made his presence felt early, setting a dominant tone across the midday schedule. In the 4x4x4 Cube, Tran took the top step of the podium with a winning average of 27.73, backed by a best single of 26.84 across thirty-eight entrants. Jeremy Bulambot secured second place in the 4x4x4 event with a mark of 34.95, while Estevan Lujan followed in third place with 42.53.

Tran continued his sweep as the schedule transitioned to 5x5x5 Cube, where twenty-four solvers took to the tables. Tran completed the event in first place with a 58.27 average, highlighted by a single of 53.88. Bulambot chased closely to take second with 1:16.88, narrowly edging Lujan who clocked 1:16.89 for third. Tran then added a third victory in 3x3x3 One-Handed, claiming first among thirty-one entrants with a 13.68 average, ahead of Bulambot in second at 17.21 and Calvin Nielson in third with 19.96.

Side events brought varied mechanics into play during the middle stretch of the weekend. Calvin Nielson navigated the shifting geometry of Square-1, taking first place with an average of 7.98 and a low single of 6.05. Ivan Vanek claimed the runner-up spot with 10.18, while Tran rounded out the podium with 14.91. Dan Tran picked up yet another victory in Pyraminx, leading fifty-seven solvers with a winning average of 4.69, finishing ahead of Estevan Lujan at 4.97 and Cy Hamilton at 6.62.

Away from the podium battles, deep progress took place right across the field in Rio Rancho. Samuel Maloney took on seven events at BeCubed Spring 2023, posting a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 2.96 to improve sixty point four percent over their previous best, while also logging a first attempt at Square-1 of 33.86 on the way to ninth place and a first 5x5x5 Cube mark of 2:49.89. Emerson Bryce Rexroth achieved a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 20.19, trimming sixty-five point five percent off their prior mark, alongside a first 4x4x4 Cube attempt of 2:55.44. Liliana Mota Orona entered six events, securing sixth place in Square-1 with a first attempt of 31.89 and recording a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 6.19. Lula Lo tackled seven events, finishing fourth in 4x4x4 Cube and logging a first attempt at Square-1 of 38.66.

The depth of the roster showed through as fresh talent made its mark across several formats. First-time WCA competition participant John Villa contested seven events, securing fourth place in Square-1, a 12.06 first attempt on the standard Rubik's Cube, and a 2.27 first try on 2x2x2 Cube. Toby Brown also debuted at this WCA competition across six events, posting a 10.79 first attempt in Pyraminx and finishing thirteenth in Square-1. Nixon Winger cut fifty-two point eight percent from their 5x5x5 Cube mark with a new personal best of 3:24.29, while Jaden Mckelvey-Francis improved their 4x4x4 Cube personal best by twenty-three point three percent with 1:07.80.

Short-format speed cubing took center stage during the late afternoon as the 2x2x2 Cube unfolded over two rounds. Ivan Vanek delivered sharp execution to claim the title with a 2.36 winning average and a swift 1.41 single among seventy-one competitors. Jeremy Bulambot secured second with 2.48, and Dan Tran captured third with 2.58. The round saw an array of fast solves throughout the bracket, adding to the competitive energy inside the venue.

The day culminated with eighty-six entrants contesting three rounds of the classic Rubik's Cube, producing the weekend's definitive 3x3 results. Dan Tran put up an 8.31 average in the final round to secure second place, while Mario Flores took third with a 10.67 average. However, it was Jeremy Bulambot who controlled the final round, taking first place at BeCubed Spring 2023 with a winning average of 7.80 and a field-best single of 7.39 to close out the year 2023 tournament.