Cubetcha MN 2024

115 competitors gathered in Lakeville, Minnesota, USA on October 19, 2024, representing communities across the region and beyond for a packed single-day slate of action. Speedcubers made journeys of varied distances to Kenwood Trail Middle School, including international travelers crossing the border from Canada to test their skills. The one-day WCA competition brought together a vibrant field ready to contest 13 rounds across five official events, filling the hall with relentless turning from the opening matches in the morning to the decisive afternoon finals.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube event drew a massive contingent of 114 solvers to the stations. Across three challenging rounds, Brian Johnson set the benchmark with an impressive winning average of 7.24 seconds, highlighted by a best single of 5.95 seconds. Carter Kucala gave chase with a 7.71 average to take second place, while Nathan Rahn claimed third with an 8.14 average. These official 3x3 results capped a day of intense speedcubing on the classic Rubik's Cube, reinforcing the depth of skill on display in the upper ranks of the bracket.

Cubetcha MN 2024 delivered an exciting duel between Johnson and Kucala across multiple categories. In 3x3x3 One-Handed, Johnson captured the top spot on the podium with a winning average of 11.39 seconds and a best single solve of 10.28 seconds across two rounds. Kucala finished close behind in second place with an 11.57 average, and Andy Wong earned third place with a 12.82 mark. The one-handed discipline required exceptional fingertrick mastery, proving to be one of the most technical battles of the entire weekend.

The larger puzzles similarly belonged to Johnson, who led the 65-player field in the 4x4x4 Cube. Over two rounds of competition, he posted a winning average of 27.66 seconds and a fast single of 25.64 seconds. Kaius Young pushed him throughout the final to take second place with a 28.37 average, while Kucala rounded out the podium positions in third with an average of 29.59 seconds. The display of quick parity handling and center management made the 4x4 final a centerpiece of the afternoon schedule.

Carter Kucala turned the tables in the high-speed short events, dominating the 2x2x2 Cube and Skewb brackets. In 2x2x2 Cube, 102 competitors battled through three rounds, where Kucala secured first place with an extraordinary winning average of 1.44 seconds and a single of 1.13. Johnson followed in second place at 1.66, and Nathan Rahn finished third at 2.02. In Skewb, Kucala led the pack of 72 solvers with a winning average of 2.42 seconds, powered by a sub-one single of 0.97 seconds, leaving Johnson second at 3.46 and Tyler Robinson third at 3.68.

Beyond the championship trophies, Cubetcha MN 2024 highlighted the personal breakthroughs of competitors across the tournament floor. Liam Berding achieved a massive personal best in Skewb of 5.80 seconds, trimming his prior mark by 67.4 percent, alongside a 45.5 percent improvement in 3x3x3 One-Handed with 43.59 and a 2x2x2 personal best of 5.83. Jacob Edstrom dropped his 3x3x3 single to 29.25 seconds, which was 42.4 percent faster than his past best, cut his 2x2x2 time down by 41.5 percent to 12.00, and completed his first ever official attempt at Skewb in 12.86 seconds. Brooks Grimm improved his 3x3x3 single by 40.5 percent down to 26.40 seconds and logged a first ever attempt in 2x2x2 Cube of 8.65.

Other competitors took on fresh disciplines with equal ambition during the Lakeville gathering. Albert Schmitt achieved a 38.1 percent improvement in 4x4x4 Cube with a personal best of 1:20.03, cut his 3x3x3 best to 17.13 seconds, and logged a first 2x2x2 attempt of 6.90. Harnoor Singh tackled five events, setting a Skewb personal best of 8.20 seconds, representing a 24.1 percent drop, alongside first ever official attempts in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 33.48 and 4x4x4 Cube at 1:11.60. Sylas Devenny completed five events, logging first ever attempts in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 33.78, Skewb at 6.25, and 4x4x4 Cube at 1:17.89. Zeke King completed four events, posting first ever attempts in 2x2x2 Cube at 4.08, Skewb at 15.32, and 3x3x3 One-Handed at 40.34, while Samuel Borchers took on four events, setting a Skewb personal best of 7.27 seconds and maiden attempts in 2x2x2 Cube at 6.21 and 3x3x3 One-Handed at 47.66.

The standard of speed cubing in Minnesota continues to climb, as demonstrated by the sheer volume of personal milestones recorded across every division. Every podium position across all five events was secured by United States competitors, showcasing great regional strength across both traditional twisty puzzles and modern side events. With 13 rounds efficiently completed in a single day, the gathering proved how much excitement a well-run community tournament can offer.

As the tables were packed away at Kenwood Trail Middle School, competitors headed home with new marks and fresh experience across their chosen disciplines. Cubetcha MN 2024 served as a shining example of how a dedicated cubing competition brings together seasoned champions and developing solvers under one roof. The performances in Lakeville set a high bar for the region as competitors turn their focus toward preparing for the challenges of the next season.