Grizz League II 2024

Three competitors gathered on April 22, 2024, to share a focused day of puzzle solving at the University Center in Missoula, Montana, USA. While large weekend tournaments often feature bustling gymnasiums packed with hundreds of participants, Grizz League II 2024 demonstrated how an intimate cubing competition fosters a distinct atmosphere of camaraderie. With two specialised disciplines scheduled across two total rounds, every participant had the chance to closely follow each attempt and engage deeply with the technical craft of solving.

The small schedule highlighted disciplines that demand deep thought and preparation rather than purely rapid turning. In this quiet environment, the focus turned toward precision and technical execution on the classic Rubik's Cube. The gathering gave the three contenders space to discuss methods and share their approaches between attempts, illustrating the close-knit character of the regional speedcubing community.

The single round of 3x3x3 Fewest Moves brought all three entrants to the tables to test their analytical planning. In this event, participants receive scrambled cubes and write down an efficient sequence of turns within an allotted window. Clément Cherblanc of France delivered the premier single result of the day, securing first place with an efficient solution of 29 moves. Although his overall mean ended in a DNF, the sub-30 move performance proved insurmountable for the rest of the field.

Ben Streeter took second place on the podium in the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves event representing the USA. Streeter found a solid single solve of 36 moves to secure his placement, also recording a DNF for the round average. Kegan Stipe, also representing the USA, rounded out the podium in third position by submitting a valid single attempt of 63 moves alongside a DNF average. The shared workspace during the event offered a showcase of how different minds navigate identical puzzle scrambles.

Attention subsequently shifted to 3x3x3 Blindfolded, a discipline requiring participants to memorise the pieces before lowering an eye covering to execute the solve purely from memory. With two competitors entering the round, the University Center room provided the stillness necessary for intense mental recall. Speed cubing without sight leaves no room for hesitation, as any minor lapse in orientation or execution results in an unsolved puzzle.

Ben Streeter emerged victorious in the 3x3x3 Blindfolded event with a winning single time of 1:16.05. That mark earned the American solver the top spot on the podium despite finishing the round with a DNF average. Clément Cherblanc claimed second place by registering a successful solve of 2:51.18, also recording a DNF average across the round attempts. Both competitors pushed their limits under the strict timing regulations of the official meet.

Across the entire WCA competition, the podium distribution reflected a shared international presence. Solvers representing the USA secured three podium positions across the two events, while France claimed two podium spots through Cherblanc. Even in a compact contest, the presence of varied national representations highlighted the global reach of the sport as competitors compared their personal marks.

With the conclusion of the two rounds, Grizz League II 2024 wrapped up its single-day program having delivered strong individual marks across specialised categories. From the calculating silence of FMC to the careful memorisation required for blindfolded solving, the official 3x3 results demonstrated steady concentration from every participant. The gathering in Missoula closed as a testament to the value of community-driven events where competitors support one another from the first scramble to the final solve.