Freo Cube-Off 2025

A blistering 7.89 second winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube final marked a resounding statement of poise and control at the historic Fremantle Town Hall. Lachlan Stephens delivered the standout performance of the round, pairing that decisive average with a sharp single solve of 6.71 seconds to take the top step. The single-day WCA competition gathered 86 competitors in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, on April 5, 2025, offering a tightly packed schedule of seven rounds across three traditional disciplines.

The 3x3x3 Cube contest stood as the centrepiece of Freo Cube-Off 2025, testing solvers across three complete stages. Behind Stephens, Joshua Hounslow claimed second place with an 8.36 second average, while Tyler Williams completed the all-Australian podium by securing third place with an average of 8.85 seconds. The battle through the rounds highlighted the depth of the field, as experienced competitors demonstrated their established routines under pressure in pursuit of elite 3x3 results.

In the 2x2x2 Cube event, Jonathan Charlesworth set the benchmark across two fast-paced rounds featuring 73 competitors. Charlesworth captured victory with a rapid 1.70 second average, highlighted by a best single effort of 1.33 seconds. Joshua Hounslow earned his second runner-up finish of the day with a 1.89 second average, narrowly edging Aaron Espiritu, who took third on the podium with a mark of 2.02 seconds. Stephens also left an impression in the event, logging a single of 1.82 seconds and an average of 2.03 seconds during the rounds.

The technical challenge of the 3x3x3 One-Handed bracket drew 47 competitors across two rounds, demanding exceptional fingertip control and steady ergonomics. Ethan Caalim rose to the occasion, winning the title with a composed average of 13.48 seconds and a best single solve of 12.88 seconds. Stephens added another top-tier placement to his tally by taking second place with a 13.68 second average, while Charlesworth took third on 16.51 seconds to secure multiple podium finishes across the meet.

Beyond the championship battles, the tournament floor was defined by personal breakthroughs and remarkable individual progress. Theophile Caillot delivered one of the most substantial leaps of the gathering, reducing their personal best in the 3x3x3 Cube to 17.68 seconds, an improvement of 64.5 percent over their prior mark of 49.74 seconds. Liam Clayton took on two events, establishing a first ever attempt in the 2x2x2 Cube at 6.02 seconds while cutting their 3x3x3 Cube best by 31 percent down to 18.72 seconds. Alex Baker tackled three events, registering a first ever 2x2x2 Cube attempt of 4.19 seconds, dropping their 3x3x3 One-Handed personal best by 40.7 percent to 19.97 seconds, and cutting their 3x3x3 Cube best by 39.6 percent to 10.19 seconds.

Other solvers similarly expanded their competitive repertoires while logging significant personal bests across the tables. Eli Foot entered two disciplines, taking a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed in 59.81 seconds while improving their Rubik's Cube best by 27.5 percent to 23.62 seconds. Ethan Annane took on three events, posting a first ever attempt in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 33.84 seconds alongside a 22.6 percent drop in 2x2x2 Cube to 4.12 seconds and a 12.53 second 3x3x3 Cube solve. Jeffrey Song lowered their 2x2x2 Cube personal mark by 34.5 percent to 4.07 seconds, Julienne Delgado improved their 2x2x2 Cube standard by 31.7 percent to 3.43 seconds, and Prince Teo completed a first ever attempt in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 19.39 seconds while advancing their 3x3x3 Cube personal best to 9.20 seconds.

The gathering also served as an open door for several new participants experiencing the rhythm of an official cubing competition for the first time. Daniel Swan took on a full slate of three events in his initial outing, recording debut attempts of 49.53 seconds in 3x3x3 One-Handed, 30.80 seconds in the main 3x3x3 event, and 12.44 seconds on the 2x2x2 puzzle. Solvers throughout the hall took advantage of the focused three-event structure to refine their stagecraft in front of the timers.

With all nine podium positions claimed by competitors from Australia, Freo Cube-Off 2025 demonstrated the competitive strength of the Western Australian speedcubing community. The blend of seasoned podium contenders returning to form and emerging talent establishing new benchmarks made the event a standout fixture on the 2025 calendar. As the speed cubing season develops, the high standards set in Fremantle establish a strong foundation for future meets.