FMC New Zealand 2023

Across tournament tables in Multiple cities, New Zealand, competitors sat with pencil and paper on November 19, 2023, analysing scramble sheets in silence. The atmosphere during a Fewest Moves event is entirely unique in the speedcubing world, trading frantic finger tricks for deliberate spatial reasoning and deep analysis. Solvers spent their designated sixty minutes mapping out sequences step by step, striving to solve the standard Rubik's Cube in as few turns as possible. This specialised WCA competition brought together an eager field of 27 competitors across the country, all testing their efficiency under identical constraints.

The youth movement in modern speed cubing has brought a rapid surge of improvement across all events, and 3x3x3 Fewest Moves is no exception. Younger competitors are picking up advanced insertion methods and blockbuilding concepts earlier than ever, turning what was once considered a niche discipline into a proving ground for tactical excellence. Throughout FMC New Zealand 2023, this dedication to mastery was on full display as both seasoned solvers and rising talents showed remarkable precision across their three formal attempts.

Tom Nelson delivered an absolute masterclass to take first place in 3x3x3 Fewest Moves, sweeping the top of the leaderboard with authority. Nelson notched an astonishing single of 21 moves alongside a winning average of 22.33, capturing two New Zealand national records in the process. His landmark 21-move single represented the most efficient solution of the entire weekend, demonstrating the elite efficiency required to lead this cubing competition. With these twin national records, Nelson established a high benchmark for the national scene in 2023.

The remainder of the podium saw high-calibre performances from New Zealand solvers navigating the single round. Cheng-Ru Yang took second place overall, finishing with an average of 30.00 and a best single of 25 moves. Close behind in third place was Richard Yiheng Tao, who locked in an average of 30.67 on the back of a 28-move single. Together, the trio locked out all three podium positions for the host nation, proving the remarkable depth of New Zealand solving at the top level.

Beyond the podium, the 3x3 results featured solid consistency across the upper rankings. Jack Maddigan secured fourth place with an average of 31.33 and a single of 30, closely trailed by Jack McDougall, who posted a 31.67 average and a 31 single. United Kingdom competitor Chris Mills recorded an average of 33.00 with a best attempt of 33 moves. Meanwhile, Jasper Murray achieved a 34.00 average with a single of 31, and Dwyane Ramos delivered a 34.67 average with a single of 34, showing how tightly contested the top ten remained.

Away from the medal positions, several competitors delivered massive leaps forward that highlight how rapidly participants are improving. Xavier Courteau-Laing achieved a 3x3x3 Fewest Moves personal best of 32 moves, improving his previous benchmark by 17.9 percent to finish in 10th place. Kieran Wells also secured a substantial personal best of 44 moves, which was 13.7 percent faster than his prior mark, earning 17th place. Luke Steele improved his personal best by 8.2 percent with a 45-move solution to take 16th place, while Sukhchen Singh Sandhu made a career milestone by contesting his first WCA competition, finishing in 27th place.

The weekend also provided the perfect stage for solvers taking on the discipline for the very first time. Franklin Y. Yuan finished in 9th place while logging his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Fewest Moves with a fine 30-move single and a 35.00 average. James Moore made his first ever attempt in the event to log a 35, finishing 22nd, while Cooper Jones recorded a 37 on his debut attempt for 15th place. Ryan Lau secured 14th place with a first attempt of 38, Bryn Gordon notched 46 on his maiden try for 24th, Bob Kong posted 47 for 25th, and Julia Eyles achieved 66 for 19th place.

With 27 competitors participating across multiple venues, FMC New Zealand 2023 illustrated the enduring appeal of tactical solving. As newer solvers gain experience and refine their techniques, the discipline continues to see faster progress and deeper fields across the country. The impressive records set by Nelson and the steady improvements made across the roster set an inspiring tone as the speedcubing community looks ahead toward the next season of competition.