FMC Ukrainian Nationals 2024

While speedcubing is typically known for blinding finger tricks and rapid solving times, FMC Ukrainian Nationals 2024 shifted the focus to logic, pen, and paper. Held across multiple cities in Ukraine on October 12, the 2024 edition of the event tested competitors purely on their ability to find the most efficient solution for the Rubik's Cube. In the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves discipline, ten competitors spent hours silently studying their scrambles, mapping out sequences of moves to determine who could reach a solved state in the smallest number of turns. Dmytro Kuryltsiv emerged as the overall winner with a remarkable average of 25.67 moves, capturing the gold after two intense rounds.

The 3x3 results at this unique WCA competition highlighted the intense mental challenge of the format. In Fewest Moves, competitors have one hour per attempt to submit a written solution. Dmytro Kuryltsiv’s winning average was anchored by a best single of 24 moves, showcasing his deep understanding of blockbuilding and move-reduction techniques. Yurii Riabov secured the silver medal with a highly competitive average of 26.33, while Serhii Mormul claimed the bronze with an average of 32.33. The podium was an all-Ukrainian sweep, reflecting the strong domestic talent in this specialised discipline of speed cubing.

The format of the event, running concurrently across multiple cities in Ukraine, allowed competitors to participate without the need for extensive travel. This setup for FMC Ukrainian Nationals 2024 meant that the ten participants faced the exact same scrambles simultaneously in different venues. The resulting scores were then collated by the World Cube Association to determine the national rankings. The event featured exclusively the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves discipline, making it a pure test of efficiency rather than physical speed.

Several competitors established strong baseline results or improved on their previous performances during the weekend. Tymur Ostapets, competing in his 18th event, achieved a 3x3x3 Fewest Moves personal best single of 36 moves, which was an impressive 26.5 percent faster than his previous best of 49. He finished 7th overall in the discipline. Artem Boiko, entering his 22nd career competition, placed 5th in the event with a best single of 26 moves. Both competitors demonstrated significant skill in a highly demanding mental format.

The single results across the field varied widely, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Fewest Moves. Yurii Riabov logged a best single of 22 moves, tying with Ihor Kastranets for the lowest single move count of the competition. However, Kastranets, along with Artem Boiko, Roman Ostapenko, Modest Podzolkin, and Yehor Petrenko, received a Did Not Finish for their averages, underscoring the difficulty of completing three successful solutions under strict time constraints. A single error in notation can render a solution invalid, adding immense pressure to every attempt.

The scoring in Fewest Moves requires a balance of risk and consistency. Competitors must decide whether to commit to a complex, potentially shorter solution or rely on a safer, longer sequence to ensure a valid result. Dmytro Kuryltsiv’s victory was a testament to his ability to consistently find efficient solutions across all his attempts, avoiding the pitfalls that led to DNFs for half the field. His performance at this cubing competition solidified his standing as one of the top Fewest Moves practitioners in the country.

The decision to hold the event across multiple locations highlights the adaptability of the speedcubing community. By synchronising the start times, the organisers ensured a fair and competitive environment while accommodating the logistical challenges of a nationwide event. This model has proven successful for Fewest Moves competitions, where the physical presence of other competitors is less critical than the integrity of the solving environment and the strict adherence to time limits.

As FMC Ukrainian Nationals 2024 concluded, the results provided a fascinating snapshot of the country’s analytical talent. While the roar of the crowd and the clatter of dropped puzzles were absent, the intellectual rigour on display was palpable. Dmytro Kuryltsiv’s precise and calculated victory serves as an inspiration for those who view the Rubik's Cube not just as a race against the clock, but as an intricate mathematical puzzle waiting to be elegantly unravelled.