Grizz Cubing League II 2023

Three competitors stepped up to tackle 3x3x3 Blindfolded at Grizz Cubing League II 2023, and the unforgiving format left no room for error. In blindfolded solving, competitors must commit the puzzle to memory before donning a blindfold to execute the solution entirely unseen. A single misplaced turn or minor lapse in orientation turns an entire attempt into a Did Not Finish. With the standings determined by the best single solve across the round, the stakes were absolute from the very first turn.

Only one competitor managed to successfully record a time in the event. Clément Cherblanc of France logged a winning single of 1:24.52 to claim the blindfolded title, while his fellow contenders Nash Sauter and Graeme Gimpelson each registered a DNF. That razor-thin margin between success and elimination encapsulated the day inside the University Center in Missoula, Montana, USA, where accuracy and poise under pressure defined every podium race across the September 19 schedule.

The single-day WCA competition brought together 9 competitors contesting 5 rounds across 3 events in 2023. Speedcubing in such an intimate field meant that every entrant faced high-intensity competition across multiple formats. Beyond blindfolded solving, the schedule tested dexterity through 3x3x3 One-Handed alongside the traditional two-handed Rubik's Cube. Clément Cherblanc maintained complete control across all disciplines, ultimately sweeping the top step of the podium in every event on the docket.

In the standard 3x3x3 Cube event, two rounds of intense speed cubing sorted the field down to a tight finish. Clément Cherblanc secured victory with a winning average of 10.06 seconds in the final, complemented by a tournament-best single of 8.81 seconds. Chance J. Lockwood of the United States pushed the pace to take the runner-up spot with a 10.59 average, while Jordan Scott captured third place with an average of 14.57 seconds. The 3x3 results demonstrated steady execution at the top of the standings.

The One-Handed event presented its own technical challenges, demanding specialized fingertricks and precise cube control. Clément Cherblanc once again paced the field of nine, securing the gold medal with a winning average of 18.60 seconds and a best single of 17.26. Jordan Scott took second place with a final average of 38.23 seconds, while Chance J. Lockwood rounded out the podium in third place with an average of 39.31 seconds, adding to the six total podium finishes earned by United States competitors throughout the event.

Away from the top step of the podium, several competitors delivered standout individual milestones across the day. Theodore Mayer took on two events and posted a notable personal best in the 3x3x3 Cube of 19.17 seconds, which was 29.2 percent faster than his previous best mark of 27.08 seconds, alongside earning a fifth-place finish. Mayer also made his first ever official attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed, recording a time of 46.48 seconds. Meanwhile, Ethan Dyke took part in his first WCA competition, entering two events and establishing his first official marks with a 22.99 in 3x3x3 Cube and a 59.56 in 3x3x3 One-Handed.

Two other debutants embraced the full slate of two-handed and one-handed solving. London Gregory Meservy competed in his first official cubing competition, tackling two events to post a first official 3x3x3 Cube solve of 42.24 seconds and a first 3x3x3 One-Handed time of 1:24.83. Kegan Stipe also made his competition debut across two events, logging an opening 3x3x3 Cube mark of 21.63 seconds and a first official One-Handed solve of 1:10.59. These breakthrough performances added depth to a packed day of solving in Missoula.

The compact roster at Grizz Cubing League II 2023 produced sharp competition from the opening blindfolded solves to the final two-handed turns. Across five completed rounds, competitors tested their limits and established new personal benchmarks in Missoula, Montana, USA. With Clément Cherblanc securing three gold medals for France and local contenders earning valuable experience, the gathering closed out a decisive chapter in the region's competitive season.