FMC Swiss Nationals 2024

Silence settled across multiple locations in Multiple cities, Switzerland, on October 20, 2024, as competitors at the FMC Swiss Nationals 2024 opened their booklets and readied their pens. Thirty solvers gathered for a unique format of cubing competition, where speed is replaced by strategy, efficiency, and a strict time limit. In the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves event, the only challenge on the schedule, the goal is to solve the puzzle in the lowest possible number of turns. With an hour allowed per attempt, the venue resembled an exam hall more than a traditional sports arena, with competitors scribbling notation and turning their puzzles methodically. Every move counted, and a single mistake could derail a top placement in this mean-of-three test.

The format of the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves event is unforgiving, punishing a single bad solve by ruining the overall average. Each competitor had three attempts to find the most efficient solution. The stakes were high at FMC Swiss Nationals 2024, with the national records on the line and no other events to fall back on. Solvers scrutinized the scramble sequences, visualizing block building and edge orientations to minimize their move counts. The tension was palpable as the hour progressed, with some finding elegant solutions quickly while others battled the clock to optimize their final sequences.

Gaëtan Fragnière emerged as the undisputed champion of the weekend, delivering a masterclass in efficiency. Representing Switzerland, Fragnière not only secured the victory but also rewrote the national record books in the process. He achieved a winning average of 22.00 moves, a new Swiss national record, and also claimed the national record for a single solve with an incredibly low 20 moves. His performance demonstrated a deep understanding of puzzle mechanics and an ability to consistently find optimal solutions under pressure, setting a new benchmark for speedcubing in the region.

Tommaso Raposio of Italy put up a strong fight to secure second place on the podium. Raposio achieved a best single of 24 moves and an average of 25.00 moves. While he could not quite match the record-breaking pace set by Fragnière, his results were impressive and highlighted the high level of competition present at the WCA competition. Rounding out the top three was Switzerland's Timo Günthardt, who took third place with a best single of 25 moves and an average of 26.67 moves, contributing to a strong showing for the home nation.

Beyond the podium battles, the results table revealed personal triumphs for several competitors taking on the grueling challenge. Michael Schaufelberger achieved a significant milestone, recording a personal best single of 42 moves. This was a remarkable 20.8 percent improvement over his previous best of 53 moves, earning him a 25th place finish. Stefan Loosli, competing in his 50th WCA event, secured a solid 16th place finish, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport of speed cubing.

For others, the weekend marked their first foray into the demanding world of 3x3x3 Fewest Moves. Daniel Zürcher made an impressive debut, finishing 13th overall with a best single of 36 moves in his first ever attempt at the event. Jason Brown also tackled the challenge for the first time, securing a 24th place finish with a 39-move single. Marc Brem completed his first official attempts, finishing 29th with a 52-move solve, while Nils Bühler also entered the event for the first time, placing 30th with a 78-move solution. These performances underscore the diverse range of skill levels and the welcoming nature of the speedcubing community.

The depth of the field was evident throughout the standings, with several other solvers posting strong 3x3 results. Reto Bubendorf achieved a best single of 26 moves and an average of 27.33, while Alistair Robequin matched that single and finished with an average of 28.67. Cyrill Speiser recorded a 27-move single and a 29.00 average. Competitors from outside Switzerland also made their mark, with Elian Beguec of France and Chiara Marcucci of Italy both posting 28-move singles and averages of 31.67, adding an international flavor to the event.

As the FMC Swiss Nationals 2024 concluded, the focus remained on the remarkable efficiency displayed by the top solvers, particularly the record-breaking performance of Gaëtan Fragnière. The event highlighted the unique demands of the Fewest Moves discipline, where careful planning and deep theoretical knowledge take precedence over raw turning speed. With the 2024 season continuing, competitors will undoubtedly return to their practice routines, analyzing their solutions and refining their techniques in pursuit of even lower move counts at the next competition.