Cubing in Unicentro Maracay 2024

Bernardo Torres delivered a commanding performance to capture the premier title at Cubing in Unicentro Maracay 2024, winning the 3x3x3 Cube with a decisive final average of 8.56 seconds and a best single solve of 8.07 seconds. Held in Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela on October 19, 2024, the one-day gathering assembled 27 competitors for six rounds of fast-paced action across three distinct disciplines. The central hallway of C.C. Unicentro provided the lively setting as local speedcubing talent tackled a condensed yet intense schedule of solving.

For several participants, this WCA competition marked the beginning of their tournament journeys, transforming solitary practice into official speed cubing experience. Stepping up to the timing mat for the first time in an official arena carries a unique rhythm, from the strict inspection countdown to the sudden release of the timer. Four debutants entered the World Cube Association ranks during the weekend, including Jehoas Andrades, who posted a swift initial attempt of 14.20 seconds on the standard puzzle, and Rainer Angel Villasmil Requiz, who logged a first official solve of 22.58 seconds.

The spotlight shone brightly on several determined competitors who produced major leaps forward on the scoresheets. Luis Felipe Palacios Peña took on three events and secured a 4th-place finish in Skewb, setting personal bests across the board including a Pyraminx single of 5.88 seconds that was 35.4 percent faster than his previous mark, alongside an 11.67 in the classic cube and a 5.91 in Skewb. Abraham David Mejias Guyon lowered his Pyraminx personal best to 17.36 seconds, an improvement of 29.3 percent, while taking 14th in Skewb across three events. Ángel Gabriel Colmenarez Belisario delivered a standout 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 11.87 seconds, trimming 26.3 percent off his prior mark to finish 7th. Amarantha Valentina Rodríguez Peña tackled three disciplines, achieving a best result of 11th in Skewb and shaving 25.6 percent off her classic cube standard with a 30.99.

Progress continued throughout the running order as Ana Guyon contested two events and earned 15th in Skewb with a personal best of 33.04 seconds, an 18 percent improvement. Rafael Rojas took on three puzzles and secured 6th place in Pyraminx, while lowering his 3x3x3 Cube best to 12.76 seconds, 14.4 percent faster than before. Hermes Rafael Puerta Pernalete recorded a 10th-place finish in Pyraminx with a personal best of 7.25 seconds and improved his standard cube time by 12 percent to 21.79. Luis Hernández embraced his very first tournament by entering two categories, logging an initial 3x3x3 Cube solve of 32.58 seconds, a first Skewb attempt of 16.84 seconds, and finishing 9th overall in Skewb.

The 3x3 results formed the centerpiece of the program, drawing 26 entrants across three stages of elimination. Torres established his command early, logging an impressive 6.98 single in the preliminary phase before sealing the championship in the final round. Behind him, Leonardo Neptalí Alicastro Palma earned second place on the podium with an average of 10.53 seconds, while Rafael Antonio Sanchez claimed third place with a mark of 11.11 seconds. The event highlighted the technical consistency required to solve the classic Rubik's Cube under tournament pressure.

Pyraminx provided its own share of tense moments over two competitive rounds featuring 16 entrants. Miguel González emerged victorious with a razor-thin advantage, posting a winning average of 4.74 seconds along with a sharp 4.24 single solve. Miguel Vidal pushed the winner to the limit, finishing just a tenth of a second back in the runner-up spot at 4.84 seconds, while Torres added to his trophy haul by collecting third place with a 6.02 average.

Skewb concluded as a high-stakes, single-round shootout among 15 puzzle enthusiasts. Rafael Antonio Sanchez demonstrated remarkable dexterity on the corner-turning puzzle, securing the gold with an average of 5.34 seconds and a top single of 4.31. Cristofer Azuaje finished as the silver medalist with a solid 6.24 average, narrowly edging Fabián Villavicencio, who earned the bronze step with a 6.28 mark to round out the podium.

Every podium position across the three official events went to competitors representing Venezuela, making the gathering a proud showcase of domestic talent in Aragua. From established speedcubers refining their execution to newcomers completing their very first official solves, Cubing in Unicentro Maracay 2024 proved to be a vibrant stop on the national calendar as racers turn their eyes toward the next season of play.