Calgary Side Events 2024

A total of 66 competitors converged on the Highland Park Community Center on March 9, 2024, for a day dedicated purely to non-standard puzzles. Speedcubing action across five distinct events saw tight margins and dramatic finishes. Calgary Side Events 2024 brought ten full rounds of competition to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with titles decided by mere fractions of a second when the pressure reached its peak in the final rounds.

The Pyraminx final delivered the most nail-biting conclusion of the weekend, coming down to the very last solve of the bracket. Danny Buschert held off a surging Sam Edwards to take the title with an average of 3.35 seconds, backed by a best single of 2.40. Edwards finished just behind with a 3.51 mark, while Tonnam Tantikamnerdkul rounded out the podium at 3.68. It was a race where any small hesitation on the final turn could tilt the standings entirely.

Buschert was not done after the Pyraminx triumph, mounting another stellar run in the Skewb event. Navigating a field of 49 competitors across two rounds, Buschert captured top honours with a winning average of 3.40 seconds and a best single of 2.70. Tantikamnerdkul placed second with 4.52, and Nolan Thompson earned third place with a 5.35 average. While enthusiasts typically look for traditional Rubik's Cube finishes and classic 3x3 results, this specialized cubing competition proved that alternative puzzles provide equal drama.

In the Clock division, Lucas Kuczaj demonstrated remarkable consistency across two rounds to secure first place with an average of 5.88 seconds, alongside a single solve of 4.85. The contest was fierce, as Buschert took second place with an average of 6.17, followed by Kye Riddell in third at 7.41. The discipline saw a flurry of fast times throughout the day, establishing Kuczaj at the front of a highly competitive 44-person field.

Kuczaj also dominated the Megaminx event, delivering a standout performance to claim his second gold of the day. Finishing comfortably ahead of the 40-competitor field, Kuczaj posted a 38.75 winning average and a single of 32.88 seconds. Ethan Basanov claimed second place with a 56.29 average, and Buschert added another podium to his collection by taking third in 1:05.65. The dodecahedral puzzle demanded immense stamina and finger precision throughout both rounds.

Square-1 action rounded out the day's events, bringing 34 competitors into the arena. Ryan Yasinko navigated the shape-shifting puzzle with surgical accuracy, locking down the victory with a 13.44 average and a blazing 9.33 single. Buschert challenged closely once again, taking silver with an average of 14.18, while Mirko Petrovic took third step on the podium with 14.80. Across the tournament, Canadian solvers captured 13 podium spots, with Thailand securing two.

Beyond the championship trophies, this WCA competition saw dozens of personal milestones and breakthrough solves. Tanya Rathie took on four events, setting a Skewb personal best of 8.06 seconds that was 56.4 percent faster than her previous mark, lowering her Clock best to 15.00 seconds, and recording her first official Megaminx result at 1:53.70. Caden Purdon entered five events, cutting his Square-1 best by 47.2 percent down to 34.40 seconds, while also trimming Clock to 21.87 and Megaminx to 1:30.16. Jack Deus made his first Pyraminx attempt with a 7.45 while dropping his Skewb mark by 24.3 percent to 5.91 and his Square-1 to 26.94.

Fresh debuts and heavy multi-event workloads were also on full display throughout the venue. Shaniru Imalsha Medagedara tackled five events, completing first official attempts in Skewb at 10.42, Clock at 15.25, and Square-1 at 49.08. Phutawan Hatsanan took on four events, registering maiden official times in Skewb at 10.78, Clock at 17.12, and Megaminx at 4:27.07. Wesley Kane-Lemke posted first attempts in Pyraminx at 13.88, Skewb at 7.41, and Megaminx at 4:29.03, while Dante Torry put up new marks across Pyraminx at 7.66, Clock at 12.11, and Square-1 at 34.22. First-time speed cubing tournament attendee Ryder Fernandes jumped straight into four events, logging his first official times across Megaminx, Clock, and Pyraminx.

The single-day meet highlighted the depth and variety of Canada's puzzle community. With five non-standard puzzles tested over ten fast-paced rounds, Calgary Side Events 2024 rewarded solvers who could stay composed in the final moments. The successful gathering in Calgary gave competitors plenty of positive momentum as they prepare for the next series of events on the regional calendar.