Berkeley Pre-Cal Day 2026

Anto Kam produced the standout performance of Berkeley Pre-Cal Day 2026 by conquering the 3x3x3 Blindfolded final with a winning single time of 19.80 seconds. In an event where competitors must rely on sheer memorisation before pulling on an opaque blindfold, Kam delivered the only sub-twenty solve of the entire discipline. The Hong Kong competitor navigated the complex mental sequence flawlessly across two rounds of play, securing first place on the podium and setting the competitive benchmark for the gathering in Berkeley, California, USA on April 17, 2026.

The blindfolded bracket showcased the exacting mental endurance required at this WCA competition, drawing ten dedicated competitors to the tables at SOCS 20. Ethan Jan took second place behind Kam with a solid 30.35 single, while Nolan Yiu claimed third place by posting a 37.51 mark. Speedcubing without visual feedback leaves no margin for error, as every missed piece orientation results in a disqualification. Kam managed to conquer the pressure of the final round, providing the most electrifying display of the one-day schedule.

Outside the blindfolded arena, Ethan Jan took center stage in the traditional 3x3x3 Cube competition. Jan captured the championship title by logging a winning average of 6.36 seconds, backed by a best single of 6.08 seconds across two competitive rounds. The classic Rubik's Cube category brought together a field of 31 competitors, demanding relentless turning speed and precise lookahead. Dylan Miller secured the runner-up position with a 6.58 average, while Zane Qureshi rounded out the podium in third place with a 6.83 average.

The 3x3 results also featured blistering single efforts throughout the bracket, highlighted by Dylan Miller posting a 5.12 single during the proceedings. Miller also assembled a 5.79 average during the rounds. The depth of talent in Northern California was evident as competitors traded quick times across the tables. Jan maintained remarkable consistency to stay ahead of the field, reinforcing his standing at the top of the podium after also taking silver in the blindfolded final.

Square-1 delivered its own technical drama, challenging solvers with its shifting geometric layers and unique puzzle mechanics. Joseph Ong topped the ten-person field across two rounds, clinching victory with a winning average of 9.25 seconds and delivering a best single of 7.63 seconds. Calvin Nielson pushed Ong closely to finish second on the podium with a 9.99 average, while Nolan Yiu earned his second medal of the meet by taking third place with a 12.04 average.

Beyond the podium finishes, Berkeley Pre-Cal Day 2026 was defined by substantial individual milestones throughout the ranks. William Kamiyama delivered one of the weekend's biggest breakthroughs in 3x3x3 Blindfolded, clocking a personal best of 43.29 seconds to beat his previous mark of 1:22.29 by 47.4 percent and take fourth place. James Bradberry dropped his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 30.5 percent down to 13.38 seconds. Michael Terrell also made significant gains in the main event, cutting his previous best by 12.2 percent down to an 8.16 single on the way to an eighth-place finish. John Paxton Landolin stepped up for their first WCA competition, registering a first ever attempt in the 3x3x3 Cube of 47.30 seconds.

Several experienced competitors also tackled varied schedules across the day's three disciplines. Eric Hsu took on two events and earned a best finish of fourth place in Square-1, while Franklin Pham entered two events and secured fifth place in the same bracket. Sota Kurosaki competed in two events, earning a best finish of sixth in Square-1 alongside a 13.94 single in the standard cube. Bowen Deng entered all three scheduled categories, recording a best finish of fifth place in 3x3x3 Blindfolded. Abhimanyu Singhal also tackled three events, finishing sixth in blindfolded solving, while Mitchell Lane reached fifth place in the 3x3x3 Cube.

The one-day cubing competition concluded with United States competitors capturing eight of the nine available podium places, while Hong Kong took one. Across six rounds and three distinct disciplines, speed cubing enthusiasts tested their skills in speed, dexterity, and blind memory. The vibrant action at SOCS 20 provided memorable highlights for veterans and debutants alike as the 2026 Northern California season moves forward into its upcoming schedule.