Broome Open 2023

Inside the Broome Lotteries House, the tables were arranged for a full spectrum of mechanical puzzles as competitors unpacked everything from corner-turning tetrahedrons to multi-layered cubes. The atmosphere carried the distinct rhythm of timers starting and stopping across an ambitious schedule that tested solvers on multiple fronts. Hosted in Broome, Western Australia, Australia on November 4, 2023, the gathering brought together 17 speedcubing competitors ready to take on six different disciplines spanning seven total rounds of competition.

The sheer variety across the lineup gave Broome Open 2023 a dynamic flow throughout the single-day event. Solvers transitioned smoothly between the compact mechanics of the 2x2x2 Cube, the geometric turning of the Skewb, the triangular Pyraminx, the complex layers of the 4x4x4 Cube, and the single-handed mastery required for the 3x3x3 One-Handed event. Alongside the traditional Rubik's Cube, every discipline offered its own distinct technical challenge, ensuring that versatility was the primary requirement for anyone aiming to top the standings in this cubing competition.

Leading the multi-event charge was Mitchell Anderson, who claimed four victories across the six events contested. Anderson secured the win in the 4x4x4 Cube with a 51.76 average and a single of 49.25, finishing ahead of Ethan Pride, who posted a 54.83 average, and Jesse Woodley in third at 2:46.92. Anderson also captured top honors on the triangular Pyraminx with an average of 6.63 and a single of 3.59, while Pride took second place with an 8.04 average and Zachary le May earned third with 13.27.

In the 2x2x2 Cube, Anderson earned another victory by registering an average of 5.73 and a best single of 4.43. Jesse Woodley followed closely in second position with a 7.12 average, while Pride completed the podium in third place with 7.24. Ethan Pride claimed his own titles in the remaining events, displaying exceptional control to win the 3x3x3 One-Handed event with a 30.67 average and a 26.66 single, finishing ahead of Anderson at 35.73 and Woodley at 1:14.38. Pride also topped the Skewb standings with a 6.32 average, followed by Anderson in second with 11.64 and Nathaniel Taverner in third with 33.93.

The classic three-layered Rubik's Cube drew the largest field of the day with 16 competitors across two full rounds. The final 3x3 results saw Anderson take his fourth overall victory, posting an average of 12.38 and the day's best single of 10.86. Pride earned the silver podium spot with an average of 15.52, and Jesse Woodley secured the third step on the podium with an average of 19.82. The intense head-to-head racing across all six events highlighted the incredible depth of Australian speed cubing talent in the region.

Beyond the top steps of the podium, a dedicated group of competitors explored new events and achieved major milestones. Casey Woodley tackled four separate events on the day, highlighted by a fifth-place finish in 3x3x3 One-Handed, while also logging a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with a time of 9.82, a first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 16.91, and a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed in 2:30.41. Silas Hrabe delivered a notable improvement in the 3x3x3 Cube, recording a personal best single of 37.32 to finish 14.3 percent faster than his previous best of 43.53 on the way to 12th place.

Several competitors were stepping up to their very first WCA competition at Broome Open 2023 and embracing multiple formats immediately. Oscar Le Lievre took on two events, earning a fifth-place finish in the 2x2x2 Cube with an opening mark of 14.28 alongside a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Cube of 44.25. Teshawn Dann entered two events, claiming fifth place in Pyraminx with an initial attempt of 19.74 after registering a first 3x3x3 single of 26.55. Lucas Ian Altham completed his first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 22.80 to finish eighth, while also recording a 49.11 single on the 3x3x3. Meanwhile, Kade Sprigg achieved a fifth-place finish in the 3x3x3 Cube with an initial attempt of 32.44, Reuben Taverner placed seventh in Pyraminx with a first mark of 26.08, and Lewis Carlson secured 10th in 3x3x3 Cube with a first attempt of 51.11.

The action at Broome Open 2023 wrapped up with all 18 podium positions awarded to Australian competitors across the six varied categories. By bringing a wide array of puzzles together under one roof, the competition demonstrated the rich variety possible in the sport, leaving solvers with new personal bests, successful debuts, and plenty of momentum as they look forward to the next season on the circuit.