Bulgarian Nationals 2024

Inside the halls of the Technical University of Sofia, the familiar clack of turning plastic filled the air as competitors settled in for a weekend of intense focus and rapid-fire execution. This was the scene at the Bulgarian Nationals 2024, held from December 14 to 15. A field of 76 solvers from various nations gathered to test their skills across 10 different events, spanning 16 rounds of competition. The venue provided a bright, structured setting for the intricate finger work and deep concentration required in modern speedcubing.

While blindfolded events often draw attention for the sheer memory power they demand, the traditional visual events took centre stage over the weekend. In the premier 3x3x3 Cube event, Ivaylo Tanev emerged victorious, claiming the title with a winning average of 8.15 seconds. His best single solve of 6.53 seconds thrilled those watching the 3x3 results unfold across the three rounds. Ilian Bashev followed closely to take second place with an 8.82 average, while Alexander Tenev secured third with 9.19 seconds, capping off a highly competitive top tier.

The smaller puzzles saw equally fierce battles during this WCA competition. Kaloyan Vladimirov Kalev won the 2x2x2 Cube with a blistering winning average of 2.36 seconds and a best single of 1.59 seconds, besting 60 other competitors. In the Pyraminx event, Aleksandar Dimitrov took the crown with a 3.98-second average, comfortably ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, the Skewb title went to Kristina Kostova, who posted a winning average of 4.30 seconds and a swift best single of 2.90 seconds.

Beyond the classic Rubik's Cube variants, the larger and more complex puzzles provided rigorous tests of endurance and look-ahead. Ognian Baruh demonstrated solid control to win the 4x4x4 Cube, posting a winning average of 37.91 seconds. Alexander Tenev showcased his versatility by winning the 5x5x5 Cube with a 1:08.46 average, as well as taking the 3x3x3 One-Handed title in 13.12 seconds. Akash Rupela dominated the massive puzzles, winning the 6x6x6 Cube in 2:06.01, the 7x7x7 Cube in 3:39.88, and the Megaminx with a 59.20-second average.

The depth of the field at the Bulgarian Nationals 2024 was evident in the personal milestones achieved by many competitors pushing their own boundaries. Kristo Sotirov logged his first ever attempt at the 7x7x7 Cube, finishing in 6:26.65, and made his debut in the 4x4x4 Cube with a 1:35.02. He also improved his 2x2x2 Cube personal best to 4.31 seconds, an impressive 65.8% faster than his previous mark. Yordan Ivanov Stoyanov recorded his first ever attempt at the 3x3x3 Cube, finishing in 40.60, and shaved 50.7% off his 2x2x2 Cube personal best down to 6.37 seconds.

Others testing new waters included Xander Popov, who completed his first ever attempt at Megaminx in 3:50.47 and improved his 2x2x2 Cube best by 38.9% to 8.86 seconds. Radoslav Ivanov achieved a Skewb personal best of 7.42 seconds, which was 37.6% faster than before, alongside his first ever attempt at the 2x2x2 Cube in 15.70. Alexander Emil Popov took on 10 events, making his first ever attempt at the 6x6x6 Cube in 6:29.79. Mihaela Krumova tackled 8 events, recording her first ever attempt at Skewb in 24.99. Velin Doychev entered 8 events, completing his first ever attempt at Megaminx in 3:14.60, while Danail Dimitrov made his first ever attempt at Skewb in 9.79.

The weekend also saw a flurry of national records established in the 2x2x2 Cube by the Bulgarian contingent. Victor Luchezarov Georgiev set a new benchmark with a 5.02 single and 6.58 average. Records continued to fall as Kristo Sotirov, Yordan Ivanov Stoyanov, Nikolai Peshev, Radoslav Ivanov, Samuil Metodiev Nikolov, Alexandar Grigorov Bardarov, Martin Klisurski, and Ognian Baruh all etched their names into the record books with new singles and averages, demonstrating the rapid progression of speed cubing within the region.

As the Bulgarian Nationals 2024 drew to a close, the results highlighted a robust mix of seasoned champions and rising talents. Bulgaria claimed a dominant 23 podium places, with India taking six and Italy securing one. The variety of puzzles solved and the sheer volume of personal bests achieved underscored the dynamic nature of a modern cubing competition, leaving competitors eager to refine their techniques ahead of whatever challenges the next season brings to Sofia.