KILC Cubing 2026

Artem Sosnovskikh delivered a stunning display of dexterity in the 3x3x3 One-Handed final, capturing the title with a 10.44 average and a best single of 9.87 seconds. Solving the traditional Rubik's Cube with a single hand demands exceptional finger ergonomics, precise table grips, and deep algorithmic mastery to maintain efficiency without locking up the puzzle. Over the two-day gathering from July 9 to July 10, 2026, the Kazakhstan International College hosted KILC Cubing 2026, bringing together 49 competitors in Astana, Kazakhstan, for 23 rounds of high-calibre speedcubing across 11 official events.

The 3x3x3 One-Handed contest proved to be one of the most technical showcases of the entire cubing competition, drawing 34 entrants through two competitive rounds. Sosnovskikh navigated the turns cleanly, producing sub-10 second speed cubing execution under tournament conditions. His one-handed victory set the tone for an extraordinary weekend where he claimed top honours in eight separate events, showcasing an elite command across varied mechanical formats.

In the flagship two-handed puzzle, the 3x3 results also belonged to Sosnovskikh, who secured victory with a 7.22 average and an event-best single of 5.66 seconds across three rounds featuring 48 competitors. Kazakhstan took the remaining spots on the podium, with Asset Agabekov earning second place with an 8.22 average and Alisher Kurmash taking third at 8.28. Kurmash had advanced closely behind the leaders, but Sosnovskikh maintained his edge from start to finish.

The competition featured high-level performances across the larger puzzles and side disciplines. Sosnovskikh took the 4x4x4 Cube with a 28.10 average ahead of Agabekov at 29.15 and Kurmash at 29.79. In 5x5x5 Cube, Sosnovskikh won with a 54.01 average, narrowly edging Kurmash at 54.79 and Diasbek Zhuraev at 55.10. Sosnovskikh also claimed victories in 2x2x2 Cube with a 1.89 average, Clock with a 5.19 average, Pyraminx with a 2.31 average, and Megaminx with a 34.22 average.

Beyond Sosnovskikh's dominant run, Kazakhstan speedcubers produced historic milestones on home soil. Aidar Nadir set a new national record single in Clock with a lightning-fast 2.98 seconds, securing second place overall. In Megaminx, Daniyal Suleimen established a Kazakhstan national record average of 41.71 to capture the silver medal. The Square-1 title went to Yerkin Assylbek, who captured gold with a national record average of 8.00 seconds. Meanwhile, Asset Agabekov secured two gold medals of his own, winning Skewb with a 4.60 average and taking 3x3x3 Blindfolded with a 44.44 single, an event that demands complete spatial memorisation.

Away from the top of the standings, the heart of this WCA competition belonged to competitors taking on personal milestones and new disciplines. Amir Dyussinbenov entered 10 events, logging a personal best of 1:20.24 in 3x3x3 One-Handed that was 54.8 percent faster than before, while making first attempts in Clock at 24.10 and Square-1 at 46.19. Sanzhar Galymuly tackled four events, completing first attempts in 4x4x4 Cube at 2:10.33, 2x2x2 Cube at 6.17, and 3x3x3 One-Handed at 1:07.07. Musilim Naghashbay logged a first attempt in 3x3x3 One-Handed at 1:58.12, alongside a 38.5 percent improvement in Pyraminx to 10.33 and a 36.7 percent drop in Skewb to 33.95. Timur Beksultan took on eight events, reaching a 6th place finish in Clock, registering an 8.07 Clock debut, a 2:44.01 3x3x3 Blindfolded debut, and a 13 percent 3x3x3 Cube best of 10.20.

The progress continued across the roster as Dias Toregeldin contested all 11 events, claiming 8th in Square-1, a debut Square-1 mark of 16.75, a 29.5 percent drop in 5x5x5 Cube to 1:38.56, and a 17.2 percent Clock best of 8.83. Alibi Nauken completed a first one-handed attempt of 28.83 while cutting his Clock mark by 35.2 percent to 7.36. Dias Arkharov made a first official Square-1 attempt at 26.96 and improved his Megaminx time by 26.3 percent to 3:31.02. Erasyl Beisenov entered 10 events, lowering his Square-1 mark by 38.7 percent to 31.15, his 5x5x5 Cube by 24.6 percent to 2:22.99, and his 4x4x4 Cube by 20.8 percent to 53.11.

Overall, host nation athletes earned 24 podium finishes while visiting competitors took nine across the weekend. The depth of participation across all 11 events demonstrated the vibrant growth of the community in the capital city. As KILC Cubing 2026 concluded, the mix of national records, one-handed technical brilliance, and widespread personal breakthroughs highlighted a memorable stop on the 2026 calendar.