KCKC 9 Big and Awkward 2026

Zeke Mackay unleashed a masterclass across big cubes and side puzzles, capturing four titles to anchor a thrilling single-day contest in Grandview, Missouri, USA. Held on March 7, 2026, at the Arrington Place Event Center, the gathering set high stakes across non-standard brackets. While conventional meets frequently revolve around 3x3 results, this specialized cubing competition tested endurance, hardware handling, and complex algorithm execution over 14 fast-paced rounds of play.

A tight roster of 36 competitors converged for KCKC 9 Big and Awkward 2026, where Mackay set the tone by taking the 4x4x4 Cube crown. Mackay registered a 29.07 winning average across three rounds to edge Brian Johnson, who finished second with a 29.92 average, while Braxton Lee Fowler took third place in 31.04. Mackay also posted the tournament best single at 22.06 seconds during the 34-competitor bracket.

Brian Johnson answered back forcefully in the 5x5x5 Cube final, claiming the title with a composed 54.35 average and a top single of 47.04. Mackay settled for the runner-up spot with a 55.90 mark, and Zachary Johnson earned the third step on the podium at 56.56. The clash between Mackay and Johnson framed the upper bracket throughout the afternoon, highlighting the precision required in modern speedcubing.

Mackay extended his championship haul into the ultra-deep big cubes, securing a dominant win in the 6x6x6 Cube with a 1:38.40 average, well clear of Chaeli Baker at 1:53.85 and Sebastian Carrillo at 1:59.17. Mackay followed up in the 7x7x7 Cube, posting a winning 2:31.56 average and a best single of 2:29.28. Carrillo claimed second place at 2:40.28, while Baker took third with 2:47.13.

The specialized non-cubic disciplines delivered equal drama. Mackay seized his fourth victory in the Megaminx bracket, averaging 31.34 across three rounds to defeat Alexander Gager at 40.22 and Brian Johnson at 42.78. Johnson reversed fortunes in Square-1, executing rapid shape-shifting turns to win with a blistering 5.76 average and a 4.89 single, finishing ahead of Mackay at 11.41 and Simon Kellum at 12.22.

Beyond the championship podiums, significant breakthroughs defined the day across the Arrington Place venue. Caleb Shonkwiler showed massive progress in multiple events, dropping his 5x5x5 Cube mark by 51.3 percent to a personal best 1:43.12, improving his 4x4x4 Cube best by 31 percent to 1:00.75, and logging a first ever attempt at 6x6x6 Cube in 3:44.84. Charley Boor cut 24.5 percent off his previous standard in 7x7x7 Cube with a personal best 4:56.31 across four events entered.

Other competitors embraced new events and established new personal milestones on the official stage. Aubrey Kudzia improved by 18.1 percent in Megaminx with a personal best 1:34.48, while Joseph Miller lowered his 4x4x4 Cube best by 16.1 percent to 51.02. Landrum McNiell took on all six events on the schedule, setting a 7x7x7 Cube benchmark of 5:27.34 on his first attempt. Vinny Bruno tackled 7x7x7 Cube for the first time in 4:58.45, while Ethan Yorke Taylor and Josiah Blomker each completed their first WCA competition, recording 4x4x4 Cube marks of 45.21 and 44.32 respectively.

Across the entire lineup, the action in Grandview proved how much variety exists beyond the classic Rubik's Cube. From the rapid misdirections of Square-1 to the grueling turn counts of 7x7x7, competitors pushed their limits in every round. As the final brackets closed at KCKC 9 Big and Awkward 2026, the performances established a high benchmark for the region in speed cubing going forward.