JAM FMC III 2023

The calm studio floor at the Joyful Academy of Music Studio set the stage for an intense display of non-traditional solving disciplines. While many tournaments revolve around the classic Rubik's Cube speed rounds, this gathering was built entirely for specialized craft. With only two events on the schedule and a select group of five competitors gathered in Everett, Washington, USA, every participant had space to focus purely on the intricate demands of the timer and the score sheet.

Held on March 26, 2023, the single-day cubing competition brought together dedicated solvers eager to test their skills in two distinct formats: 3x3x3 Fewest Moves and Clock. Across two total rounds, the action moved between the quiet, methodical paper-and-pencil analysis of efficiency and the frantic, rapid-fire pin manipulation of mechanical dials. The boutique setting offered a rare, concentrated showcase for speedcubing enthusiasts who favor precision over standard main-event velocity.

The 3x3x3 Fewest Moves event demanded patience and deep structural understanding of the cube. Three competitors took on the challenge across a single round of attempts. Peter Preston emerged as the champion, securing first place with a winning average of 48.33 moves and logging a best single of 43. His steady approach across the attempts proved decisive in taking top honours in the event, providing some of the most notable 3x3 results of the day.

Timothy Castle secured second place on the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves podium, delivering the single most efficient solve of the entire round with an impressive 37-move effort. However, an incomplete attempt resulted in a DNF average, which left Peter Preston clear at the top of the standings. Logan Wiltse rounded out the podium in third place, recording a single solve of 53 moves alongside a DNF average under the stringent WCA competition guidelines.

The competition shifted gears dramatically with the arrival of Clock, where solving speed takes on a purely mechanical rhythm. Five solvers competed in the single round, navigating the double-sided puzzle and its independent dials. Timothy Castle swept the event with commanding speed, claiming the title with a winning average of 7.95 seconds. Castle also locked down the best single solve of the event at 6.35 seconds, leading the field from start to finish.

Peter Preston continued a strong overall showing across the weekend by taking the silver position on the Clock podium. Preston assembled an average of 10.61 seconds, backed by a quick single solve of 8.02 seconds. Third place went to Sweden's Ethan Ekstrom, who posted an average of 12.90 seconds and a best single solve of 12.26 seconds. The result marked the only international podium finish in an otherwise American-dominated medal table.

Beyond the podium battles, the day featured commendable individual efforts from the rest of the roster. Jennifer Castle entered Clock at JAM FMC III 2023, marking another entry in a 12-competition career. She delivered two solid results on the day, recording a single solve of 14.10 seconds and completing her series with an average of 17.00 seconds to secure a strong fourth-place finish overall in the event.

The combined medal tally at the close of JAM FMC III 2023 saw competitors representing the United States claim five podium positions, while Sweden secured one. With two specialized events completed and titles decided across two separate rounds, the brief but competitive gathering highlighted the deep variety within modern speed cubing.

As the final score sheets were validated and the tables cleared at the Joyful Academy of Music Studio, JAM FMC III 2023 concluded as a focused celebration of niche solving talent. For the five competitors in Everett, the day offered an ideal platform to push move counts and clock times in a dedicated, distraction-free environment.