EBC Open 2025

Ten rounds of intense speedcubing delivered a masterclass in poise on April 26, 2025, proving that steady execution over five solves routinely outshines isolated single sprints. Held at Ecole Belge de Casablanca in Casablanca, Morocco, EBC Open 2025 gathered 32 competitors across five official disciplines. While single solves produced electric moments on the timers, the podiums belonged to those whose disciplined averages withstood the pressure. Moroccan solvers demonstrated exceptional control across the board, securing all 15 podium places available throughout a packed single-day schedule.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube event drew 31 competitors through three full rounds, challenging entrants to deliver repeated sub-ten performances under scrutiny. Badr Ait Belaid established total dominance at the table, securing first place with a 9.05 winning average while also posting the fastest single solve of the event at 6.53 seconds. Lilya Lagzouli claimed the second spot on the podium with an 11.01 average, while Anas Fathani took third place recording a 12.77 average. The classic Rubik's Cube final rewarded steady hands as the 3x3 results confirmed Ait Belaid at the top of the standings.

Badr Ait Belaid extended his commanding run into the 2x2x2 Cube, an event featuring 23 competitors across two rounds where any slight hesitation ruins an average. Ait Belaid captured the victory with a 3.88 average and a best single solve of 2.99 seconds. Lilya Lagzouli earned another silver finish by logging a 4.38 average, edging out Ayoub El Atouany who earned third with a 5.79 average. The brisk format demanded flawless turn consistency, rewarding competitors who minimized pauses across the five-solve sets.

In the Pyraminx event, Ait Belaid completed a triple crown of titles for the day, navigating through 12 competitors and two rounds to secure first place with a 4.99 average and a 2.77 single. Lilya Lagzouli mounted a stern challenge to take second place with a 6.96 mark, while Youssef Taleb Benjelloun took third on a 10.65 average. The triangular puzzle proved another battleground where stable averages separated the medalists, further highlighting the deep focus required to stay composed across back-to-back solves.

Beyond the podium battles, several solvers delivered standout breakthroughs away from the top steps of the tournament table. Daif Naji provided one of the day's biggest leaps forward, slicing 52.8 percent off his personal best in the 3x3x3 Cube down to 20.57 seconds. Yassine Taleb Benjelloun entered two events and slashed his 3x3x3 personal best by 32.8 percent to 27.64. Saâd Rissaoui contested four disciplines, achieving fifth place in the 4x4x4 Cube and recording personal bests across three events, including a 15.25 in 3x3x3 that was 29.4 percent faster than his prior mark and a 2:45.00 in 4x4x4.

First attempts at official events also highlighted the depth of the field at this cubing competition. Mamoun Faraj entered three events and registered his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed with a 54.35 single alongside a 22.48 personal best in 3x3x3. Israa Hsaini took on three events, logging a first 2x2x2 Cube attempt of 17.34 and a first Pyraminx solve of 16.20 while dropping her 3x3x3 best to 39.78. Mohamed Laaroussi competed in four events, finishing 7th in 3x3x3 with a 16.08 best and logging first-time attempts in 2x2x2 at 6.63 and Pyraminx at 24.08. Rayan Ait Belaid earned fourth in Pyraminx and lowered his 3x3x3 mark to 13.54, while Mohammed Reda Chaddad placed sixth in Pyraminx and completed his first 2x2x2 Cube solve in 9.63.

The 3x3x3 One-Handed event brought tactical variety as 10 competitors took on two rounds of single-arm solving. Lilya Lagzouli broke through to the top step with a winning average of 23.46 and a best single solve of 20.35 seconds. Mohamed El Otmani pushed the pace closely to take second place with a 23.85 average, while Badr Ait Belaid rounded out the podium in third place on a 24.41 average. The one-handed discipline showcased how technical accuracy and finger dexterity translate into dependable times.

Longer solves closed out the slate with the 4x4x4 Cube, where five competitors went straight into a decisive final round. Mohamed El Otmani claimed victory with a winning average of 1:02.61, backed by a best single of 58.06 seconds. Fariss Safouan Essalmi followed in second place with a 1:45.14 average, while Ali Fikri locked down third place with a 2:08.75 average. The complex hardware and extended solve counts demanded sustained pacing to prevent costly mistakes late in the solve.

The smooth operation of this official WCA competition highlighted the vibrancy of speed cubing in Casablanca, Morocco. Debutants Saad Sankari, Yazid Bentaleb, Ali Salame, and Mohamed-Amine Lebtaini made their first appearances on the circuit, adding new energy to the roster. Throughout every round of EBC Open 2025, steady averages defined the winners across five events, demonstrating that championship composure remains the defining trait of top-tier solving.