City of STEM LA 2026

Inside Exposition Park, the rhythmic clicking of plastic mechanisms filled the hall as competitors readied their timers and adjusted their hardware. Staged in Los Angeles, California, USA on April 26, 2026, the one-day gathering assembled 76 participants across four total rounds of intense play. With stations running across two official disciplines, every table demanded pinpoint focus as entrants looked to deliver precise solutions under tournament pressure.

The competitive narrative of City of STEM LA 2026 was defined by a steady drumbeat of record-setting milestones across the field. In the marquee 3x3x3 Cube event, numerous solvers pushed past previous boundaries to log new career markers. Ryan Roth led the record wave with an explosive 6.24 single and backed it up with an 8.11 average, while Dominic Shoji secured a 7.58 single alongside an 8.98 average. These benchmark performances illustrated the depth of execution taking place on stage throughout the day.

Record breakthroughs continued down the scorecards as competitors converted practice into measurable gains. Newton Dart posted a 13.88 single and 16.98 average, Nolan Yetukuri locked in a 23.66 single and 26.88 average, and Ethan Garcia logged a 23.79 single and 27.13 average. Further entries into the record lists included Nezahualcoyotl Gallardo at 25.13 single and 29.54 average, Pedro Hernandez at 30.94 single and 42.20 average, Dane Goldner at 35.44 single and 46.71 average, Mark Bitterolf at 36.90 single and 41.91 average, and Greyson James Sylva registering a 38.65 single and 47.50 average.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube division drew all 76 competitors through two hard-fought stages of competition. Dylan Miller produced the standout display of the event, capturing first place with a winning average of 5.90 and delivering the fastest single solve of the entire discipline at 5.56. Brendyn Dunagan claimed the runner-up position on the podium with a 7.20 average, while Spursh Deshpande took third place with a mark of 8.10 in the final round of Rubik's Cube solving.

Pyraminx competition also brought high drama across two complete rounds featuring 39 competitors. Dominic Shoji earned the top spot on the podium by assembling a winning average of 3.32, which included the fastest single solve of the event at 1.97. August Barnard secured second place with an average of 3.59, closely followed by Brendyn Dunagan, who claimed third place with an average of 3.80 to complete a double-podium performance across the weekend.

Away from the top of the podium, City of STEM LA 2026 showcased outstanding progression from competitors advancing their individual marks. Wylder Brown delivered one of the most dramatic leaps of the tournament, taking down their personal best in the 3x3x3 Cube to 14.42, which was 73.4 percent faster than their previous 54.26 mark. In the Pyraminx, Riel Gonzalez cut their personal best to 5.31, representing a 32.4 percent improvement over their earlier 7.86 mark, while also setting a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 13.40. Morgan Liu dropped their 3x3x3 Cube standard by 29.2 percent to finish with a 22.89 personal best.

The energy across the venue was further bolstered by several athletes expanding their repertoires at this WCA competition. Tianhao Wu registered a first ever attempt at Pyraminx with an 8.60 while improving their 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 23.7 percent to 12.36. Newton Dart tackled a first ever attempt at Pyraminx for a 6.59 result to secure a 12th place finish, alongside a 17.5 percent cut to their 3x3x3 Cube best. Joshua Alba trimmed 27.5 percent off their Pyraminx best down to 7.63, while Vladimir Chasovskikh logged a first ever attempt at Pyraminx of 26.15 and improved their 3x3x3 Cube best to 45.58. Joshua Ho also posted a first ever attempt at Pyraminx of 9.16 and lowered their 3x3x3 Cube best to 17.40.

All six podium positions across both disciplines were secured by representatives of the United States. With official 3x3 results verified and regional speedcubing talent on display throughout the schedule, City of STEM LA 2026 proved to be an efficient and competitive showcase. Solvers now turn their attention to training cycles as the broader speed cubing circuit moves forward into the remainder of the 2026 competitive calendar.