Kericho Open 2026

Jason Kipkurui set the standard for speed in Kericho, Kenya, delivering an electric 9.08 single solve on the classic Rubik's Cube before locking up the title with an 11.11 winning average. That lightning performance set the tone for Kericho Open 2026 on March 14, 2026, where a field of 70 competitors gathered at Kericho Primary School for a full schedule of speedcubing action across four events and five competitive rounds.

The sprint puzzles produced the sharpest showdowns of the gathering, led by Kipkurui double victory across both short-format disciplines. In the 2x2x2 Cube final, Kipkurui secured his first title of the day with an impressive 4.69 average, having already clocked a tournament-best 4.35 single. His consistency under time pressure kept him clear of Allan Kipchumba, who took second place with a 5.78 average, while Kelvin Githiari Waturi completed the podium in third with a 6.39 average.

The flagship 3x3x3 Cube contest drew the weekend largest assembly, featuring 63 competitors across two stages of play. Kipkurui carried his momentum straight into the final, winning the event with his decisive 11.11 mark. The official 3x3 results confirmed a podium sweep for Kenya, as Edgar Kipngetich claimed the runner-up spot with a 14.04 average and Kipchumba earned his second podium placing of the meet, finishing third with a 14.87 average.

Across the broader field, numerous competitors notched monumental personal milestones that went beyond podium finishes. Maryann Wanjiku produced one of the most remarkable jumps of the day, cutting her Pyraminx personal best to 10.12, an improvement of 68.5 percent over her previous 32.10 mark, while also finishing 10th in the event. Joyce Wanjiku made a massive leap on the 3x3x3 Cube, posting a personal best of 39.31 to cut her prior time of 1:18.68 in half. Meanwhile, Marksidney Kiptoo recorded a 15.14 on his first ever attempt at Pyraminx, taking 9th place, and slashed his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 49.9 percent down to 31.32. Blessing Waithera also made huge strides in the 3x3x3 Cube, recording a personal best of 39.96 that was 46.9 percent faster than her prior mark.

Fresh talent also left an immediate impression at this WCA competition. Alex Maina Kamau secured 5th place in the 3x3x3 Cube with a personal best of 13.02, slicing 46.4 percent off his previous time. Joseph Nganga Maina took on his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with a 17.08 mark while finishing 13th, and lowered his 3x3x3 Cube best to 42.84. In their first official cubing competition, Christiano Otieno finished 9th in the 3x3x3 Cube with an 18.70 solve and logged a 7.07 on their first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube, while Lyne Chebet claimed 6th place in Pyraminx with a 13.20 first attempt alongside a 1:11.47 solve on 3x3x3 Cube.

Beyond the sprint categories, the side events tested technical adaptability across varying puzzle structures. Kelvin Githiari Waturi took command in the Pyraminx, claiming the title with a 10.95 winning average and producing the day quickest single solve on the puzzle at 4.60. Jayden Kipngetich pushed close behind to capture second place with an 11.58 average, while Kelvin Rono secured the third step on the podium with a 12.56 average.

The heavier mechanical challenge of the 4x4x4 Cube closed out the multi-layered puzzle roster at Kericho Open 2026. Miles Mwithukia demonstrated exceptional pace on the big cube, taking first place with an average of 1:21.73 and registering the fastest single solve at 1:07.43. Kelvin Githiari Waturi earned his third individual podium of the tournament by claiming second place in 1:22.58, while Emmanuel Kipruto Lagat took third with a 2:36.45 average.

With 12 podium spots earned by Kenyan competitors and dozens of breakthrough marks established, the single-day meet demonstrated the rising depth of speed cubing in the region. From dominant winning performances in the rapid-turn categories to dozens of personal bests across the bracket, the tournament delivered a complete and memorable showcase of competitive talent.