Cubing Around Metrotown 2023

Kyle Santucci put together a breathtaking run on home soil, collecting four separate gold medals across a busy Saturday program at the Bonsor Recreation Complex. Competing in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, the Canadian standout seized control of the marquee 3x3x3 Cube event, posting a 6.20 winning average and the round best single of 5.32 to head a field of 74 competitors. The performance anchored an electric day of speedcubing that saw local talent thrive across eleven fast-paced rounds.

The one-day WCA competition on September 2, 2023, gathered 76 competitors representing multiple countries to contest six official disciplines. Santucci set an unrelenting pace early, capturing the top step of the podium in the 3x3x3 Cube ahead of Brian Sun, who took silver with a 7.86 average, and Ethan Rusnak, who earned bronze with an 8.20 mark. The premier 3x3 results demonstrated the depth of the local speed cubing community as Canadian entrants locked out the top three spots in the flagship puzzle.

Beyond the traditional Rubik's Cube, Santucci proved nearly untouchable across three other puzzle formats. In the 2x2x2 Cube final, he clocked a 3.23 average to edge out Peter Barnwell and Karsen Oun, who registered 3.41 and 3.85 averages respectively. In the preliminary stage of that event, Santucci laid down an exceptional 2.05 single alongside a 2.94 average, matching a frantic sequence of quick times from fellow podium finishers Barnwell and Oun.

The dominance continued in the larger and more technical events. Santucci claimed the 4x4x4 Cube title with a 37.01 average, turning in a sharp 30.63 single to hold off Kenny Zhong and Callen Kleij. He added a fourth victory in 3x3x3 One-Handed, recording a 13.06 winning average and a 11.37 best single to finish ahead of Zhong and Noah Stelting. That brought his personal tally to four titles during Cubing Around Metrotown 2023.

Behind the headline sweeps, several competitors made substantial progress across the tournament floor. Oliver Wacker took on four events and delivered a massive leap in the 4x4x4 Cube, posting a personal best of 1:04.53 that was 55.3 percent faster than his previous mark. Heti Kaushal tackled three disciplines, entering the 3x3x3 Cube for the first time with a 36.65 effort and cutting 47.9 percent off their 2x2x2 Cube personal best to hit 6.79. Arsham Shafghat completed six events, delivering a first attempt in the 4x4x4 Cube at 2:18.95 and improving their Clock personal best by 28 percent to 14.15.

Fresh milestones continued throughout the brackets as competitors pushed into unfamiliar formats. Mark Tyan took on five events and posted a 1:36.64 in the 4x4x4 Cube, an improvement of 32.4 percent, while trying the Pyraminx for the first time with a 12.51 single. Roland Marcus Perry improved his 3x3x3 Cube best by 30.9 percent to 14.95 alongside a debut in the Pyraminx. Harlan Beddoes competed in six events, logging first attempts in One-Handed and Clock, while cutting his Pyraminx personal best by 26.4 percent to 4.08. Bangie Vo took on four events, logging debuts in 4x4x4 Cube, One-Handed, and Pyraminx, while Alvin Wong completed six events and improved his 4x4x4 Cube personal best by 10.5 percent to 49.47.

The non-cubic events produced thrilling battles that broke Santucci's run of victories. In the Pyraminx final, Callen Kleij captured gold with a 4.47 average and a 3.80 single, leading an international top three that saw Elise Ho of Hong Kong take second with a 5.95 average and Naitik Kaushal of India earn third at 6.03. Kleij remained a constant threat across the day, claiming podium finishes in three distinct events.

The Clock event rounded out the rotation with an exceptional performance by Switzerland's Alex Moscibroda, who took top honors with a 6.81 winning average and a 6.44 single. Moscibroda finished ahead of Kleij and Kye Riddell, securing the sole international gold of the competition. Canada led the medal distribution with 15 total podium appearances, accompanied by single podium finishes for Switzerland, Hong Kong, and India.

With eleven rounds completed across six puzzle categories, Cubing Around Metrotown 2023 offered a complete showcase of precision solving and athletic focus. The action at Bonsor Recreation Complex highlighted both seasoned podium contenders and emerging talents finding their footing on the official stage. As the 2023 season marches forward, the memorable four-event sweep in Burnaby will stand as one of the defining multi-event masterclasses of the year.