Grizz Leap 2024

Inside the University Center in Missoula, Montana, USA, the tables were arranged for a focused slate of competitive solving on February 29, 2024. Across a quiet single-day schedule, four competitors gathered to put their preparation to the test under official World Cube Association regulations. The intimate setting offered an unusual atmosphere for speedcubing, stripping away the bustle of massive multi-stage arenas in favor of deliberate, concentrated attempts across four specialized events.

A major story of Grizz Leap 2024 was the fresh presence across the roster, with newcomers stepping onto the official floor alongside seasoned participants. Entering an official cubing competition for the first time brings unique pressure, especially when the schedule leans heavily into memorization disciplines and niche puzzles rather than standard twisty events. The four competitors took on four distinct rounds, giving everyone in attendance an upfront look at high-stakes solving.

The 3x3x3 Multi-Blind event brought the classic Rubik's Cube into a test of pure memory and mental endurance. Clément Cherblanc of France led the three-person field by delivering a clean 2/2 result in a time of 6:32 to capture first place. Stevie Shogren of the United States secured second place on the podium with 2/3 solved in 10:46, while fellow American Ben Streeter attempted a massive pack, finishing third with 7/13 in 55:17.

While standard 3x3 results often dominate mainstream speed cubing headlines, the blindfolded schedule here expanded into the big cubes. The 4x4x4 Blindfolded discipline drew a solo attempt from Ben Streeter. Tackling the inner slices and parity management without sight proved uncompromising, as Streeter recorded a DNF on his attempt. Even without a completed solve on the scoresheet, the attempt rounded out the podium positions for the event.

The 5x5x5 Blindfolded event proved equally treacherous for the two entrants willing to take on the challenge. Both Ben Streeter and Clément Cherblanc put together ambitious attempts at Grizz Leap 2024, but neither was able to log a successful solve, leaving both competitors with a DNF result on the official register. The unforgiving nature of big-cube blindfolded solving highlights how narrow the margin between success and failure remains at any WCA competition.

Action shifted away from blindfolds and into pure mechanical speed with the Clock event, where three competitors stepped up to the timer. Clément Cherblanc earned his second victory of the day by putting together a winning average of 9.20 seconds, backed by a best single of 7.80. His consistency through all five attempts gave him the top spot on the podium and cemented a strong overall outing in Montana.

The Clock podium at Grizz Leap 2024 featured an international spread of talent behind the French winner. Kye Riddell of Canada finished in second place with an average of 10.19, having posted the fastest single solve of the entire round at 7.61 seconds. Stevie Shogren captured third place with an average of 31.70, anchored by a best single solve of 24.61 seconds to claim another podium spot for the host country.

By the close of the competition, the medal distribution reflected efforts from three different nations across the four rounds. The United States led the overall medal tally with 5 podium positions, while France earned 3 and Canada took home 1. The concentrated field made every solve count, giving each entrant significant time on the competition floor across both blindfold and mechanical categories.

As the equipment was packed away at the University Center, the single-day gathering concluded the competitive action in Missoula for the leap day. The blend of new competitors and demanding events gave Grizz Leap 2024 a distinct character, leaving the participants with fresh official marks and valuable experience as they prepare for the remainder of the 2024 speedcubing season.