Evanston Fall Mini A 2023

Across the tables at the Technological Institute at Northwestern University, the most remarkable mark of the weekend came from Simon Kellum, who recorded a blistering 1.20 single and a 1.64 winning average on the 2x2x2 Cube. That sharp display set the tone for Evanston Fall Mini A 2023, a fast-paced gathering held on November 11, 2023. While Kellum controlled the top of the standings, the day in Evanston, Illinois, USA was defined equally by widespread time drops as solvers throughout the roster delivered massive personal bests.

The 2023 speedcubing meet brought together 38 competitors across three puzzle categories and five total rounds. A compact schedule encouraged sharp focus, and solvers seized the platform to dramatically improve their historical marks. Across the classic Rubik's Cube, the rapid 2x2x2 Cube, and Skewb, the tournament offered continuous action for veterans and newcomers alike, turning this dedicated speed cubing stop into an ideal proving ground for measurable individual growth.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube contest delivered compelling 3x3 results across two full rounds of action. Simon Kellum earned the victory with a 7.61 winning average and the best single of the event at 6.65. Carter Kucala pushed hard throughout the final round, taking second place with an average of 7.88. Lucas Lippman-Bruno secured the third step on the podium with a mark of 10.21, completing an all-American top three in the 38-competitor field.

The 2x2x2 Cube event was a showcase of pure sprinting speed, completed across a single high-stakes round. Kellum captured the top spot with his 1.64 average, while Carter Kucala took second place with a mark of 1.79. Kevin Casey rounded out the podium with a 2.02 average. The event saw exceptional depth through the field, with notable results logged by Daniel Tartar of Romania posting a 3.86 average alongside sub-five averages from Lucas Lippman-Bruno, Dominic McCraw, Colin Sharpe, and Riley Cooper Schoonhoven.

Skewb competition added another dimension to the schedule, requiring intuitive corner-turning dexterity over two competitive rounds. Simon Kellum completed his triple-crown sweep by taking first place with an average of 2.04 and a best single of 1.73. Carter Kucala finished in second place with an average of 2.07, just fractions of a second behind, while Lucas Lippman-Bruno collected his second bronze finish of the day with an average of 3.36 among the 25 entrants.

Beneath the title contests, the true heartbeat of the cubing competition was found in substantial time drops logged across the field. Andrew Phanthavong entered three events and delivered the largest jump of the day, cutting his 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 66.9 percent down to 5.48 while also trimming his 3x3x3 Cube best by 32.9 percent to 21.31 on the way to a 17th-place finish. Evan Z. Kong competed in three events, lowering his 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 36.7 percent to 5.06 and his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 19.5 percent to 17.33, while also recording his first ever attempt at Skewb with a 16.51. Swayam Garnaik improved his Skewb personal best by 42.6 percent to 12.80, and Max Spero-Allen lowered his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 30 percent down to 27.19.

New milestones also arrived in the form of debut events and early tournament debuts. Eduardo J. Iniguez took 11th place in Skewb, improved his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 16.2 percent to 19.81, and registered a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube of 7.88. Nate Keeley tackled three events, improving his 3x3x3 Cube best by 5.6 percent to 27.62 while completing his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube in 6.37. Dylan Yin tackled his first WCA competition, entering three events and setting marks of 5.17 in 2x2x2 Cube, 13.39 in Skewb, and 21.42 in 3x3x3 Cube, earning a 14th-place tournament best. Allison Kurniadi also made her first official competition appearance, recording first-time marks of 6.77 in 2x2x2 Cube, 11.11 in Skewb, and 23.90 in 3x3x3 Cube.

When all five rounds concluded, competitors from the United States secured all nine available podium positions across the three events. Beyond the hardware, Evanston Fall Mini A 2023 demonstrated the depth of progress possible over a single day of focused solving. With dozens of breakthrough times recorded on the university campus, participants left the floor with lower personal baselines and positive momentum to carry toward their next season of competition.