Evanston FMC Spring 2026

Brian Johnson delivered an extraordinary world record performance in 3x3x3 Fewest Moves with a 19.00 average, setting an unforgettable tone at the Technological Institute at Northwestern University. The single-event gathering brought 22 competitors to Evanston, Illinois, USA on May 2, 2026, putting strategic depth and analytical planning on full display. The schedule celebrated the intricate craftsmanship behind solving the classic Rubik's Cube with minimal turns, delivering intense focus across two full rounds.

While the program centered exclusively on the deep complexities of FMC, the variety of solving strategies showcased the breadth of modern speedcubing. Participants tackled the challenge across two rounds, seeking every possible efficiency on the standard puzzle. The dedicated cubing competition attracted specialists eager to prove that meticulous planning on the cube can match the excitement of any fast-paced speed cubing tournament.

Alexander Wheeler emerged as the overall winner of Evanston FMC Spring 2026, piecing together a stellar 22.67 winning average alongside a best single of 22 moves. Wheeler navigated the high-stakes final round with remarkable consistency, edging out a competitive field of 22 contenders. The performance secured him the top step of the podium in an event that demands complete mastery over move cancellations and block-building techniques.

Sharing the second step on the podium were Cale Schoon and Chris Chi, who both finished with identical averages of 23.33 for the United States. Their matching marks highlighted how tight the margins were throughout the competition. In addition to Wheeler and Johnson, Canadian solver Benjamin Kyle delivered landmark results, registering a Canadian national record single of 19 moves and a national record average of 22.00 moves.

Beyond the top steps of the podium, several competitors achieved meaningful milestones that defined their individual journeys. John Hruska notched a new 3x3x3 Fewest Moves personal best of 29 moves, an improvement of 12.1 percent over his previous best of 33, securing 8th place. Decha Enkvetchakul also logged a personal best with a 34-move solution, improving 10.5 percent on his earlier mark of 38 to finish 17th. Grant Tregay took on his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Fewest Moves, delivering a fine 34 to earn 7th place, while Mitchell Toth also tackled his first ever attempt in the event, matching that 34 to finish 14th.

Other solvers embraced new territory and strong placements across the rounds. Arrustu Mirza registered a 48 on his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Fewest Moves to take 16th place, while Leon Ortiz marked his first ever attempt at the event with a 49 to finish 10th. Shreenika Dubey made a memorable debut by taking part in their first WCA competition, competing in 3x3x3 Fewest Moves. Meanwhile, Toby Cuna rounded out a strong day by locking in a 6th-place best finish in the event.

The 3x3 results across the board reflected an intense intellectual duel where every single notation choice mattered. With two complete rounds, the format allowed competitors to experiment with different insertions and skeleton solutions. The United States claimed all 3 podium places across the official awards, while record-breaking solutions from Johnson and Kyle proved that the single-event format created an ideal environment for peak efficiency.

The smooth organization at Northwestern University wrapped up a memorable day of competitive solving in Evanston. As the 2026 season moves forward, the benchmark times established at Evanston FMC Spring 2026 will serve as inspiration for solvers refining their fewest moves repertoire across future WCA competition weekends.