Laos Championship 2024

Three competitors stepped up to the table for the 3x3x3 Blindfolded final, but when the memorisation and execution concluded, only two managed a single successful result. In events where every solve counts toward a mean, a single slip ends any hope of a completed average. Chao-Che Chung mastered the intense focus required for sightless solving, recording a best single of 1:34.02 to capture the gold medal. Jordan Crippa secured second place with a successful 3:16.46 single, while Yi-Fan Wu received a DNF result. It was a clear demonstration of how unforgiving the format remains under tournament pressure.

The action unfolded at the Lao Telecom Head Office in Vientiane, Laos on September 14, 2024. A focused field of 25 competitors gathered to take part in the Laos Championship 2024, which featured seven distinct disciplines across nine competitive rounds. Speedcubing enthusiasts followed the day closely as solvers tackled standard twisty puzzles, side events, and complex formats. Throughout the single-day schedule, competitors from multiple nations pushed for fast marks, making each turn vital across every round.

The premier Rubik's Cube category served as the ultimate test of consistency across three rounds of play. Thailand solver Phudist Chatameteekul demonstrated exceptional pace in the final round, taking first place with an average of 7.79 seconds and posting the event best single of 5.49 seconds. Yi-Fan Wu claimed second place with an 8.19 average, followed by Chao-Che Chung in third at 9.21. Fans tracking the 3x3 results witnessed high-level execution, with Phopphon Suwattee narrowly missing the podium to finish fourth overall.

Yi-Fan Wu assembled a remarkable series of performances throughout the weekend, securing three individual event titles. In the 4x4x4 Cube, Wu delivered a winning average of 26.99 seconds alongside a fast single of 22.15 seconds, finishing ahead of Rui-Jun Liu at 35.98 and Chao-Che Chung at 37.45. Wu continued that dominant form in 3x3x3 One-Handed, taking gold with an average of 13.44 seconds and a single of 10.32 seconds. Chung placed second in one-handed solving at 14.48, while Phudist Chatameteekul earned third with 16.54.

The 2x2x2 Cube event saw Wu claim another gold medal with an average of 3.04 seconds, edging Chatameteekul who took silver with a 3.50 average. Chung completed the podium with an average of 3.68 seconds. In this high-speed format, numerous competitors achieved noteworthy times, including Rui-Jun Liu with an average of 3.87, Nguon Vaddhanak with 3.92, Phopphon Suwattee at 4.46, Chenge Liu with 4.55, Jordan Crippa at 5.23, Thotsaphone Viengviseth with 5.89, and Anuvong Hayhinmixay finishing on 6.15.

Away from the top of the podium, several participants made substantial personal progress throughout the day. Nguon Vaddhanak took on six events and earned fifth place in Pyraminx, cutting personal bests across the board including a 3.31 single in 2x2x2 Cube that was 11.5 percent faster than before, a 7.63 in Pyraminx that was 9.8 percent faster, and an 8.94 in 3x3x3 Cube that improved by 3.4 percent. Thotsaphone Viengviseth entered five disciplines, securing eighth in Pyraminx while logging first-time official marks of 5.19 in 2x2x2 Cube, 12.59 in Pyraminx, and 27.72 in 3x3x3 One-Handed. Chenge Liu competed in six events, recording a 36.37 personal best in 4x4x4 Cube on the way to fourth place.

The tournament also marked an important milestone for several newcomers taking part in their first official cubing competition. Anuvong Hayhinmixay contested five events, achieving a best finish of sixth place in Skewb and recording initial attempts of 11.26 in 3x3x3 Cube, 24.86 in 3x3x3 One-Handed, and 57.64 in 4x4x4 Cube. Jetdam Sirivong took on four events, highlighted by a ninth-place Pyraminx finish and first attempts of 12.32 in Pyraminx, 13.88 in 2x2x2 Cube, and 16.53 in Skewb. Madison Li entered two events, finishing 11th in 2x2x2 Cube with a 6.84 first attempt alongside a 24.63 in 3x3x3 Cube. Pawina Panyathip took on two events, registering first attempts of 12.74 in 2x2x2 Cube and 35.94 in 3x3x3 Cube, while Lailee Leekongxue marked initial times of 7.48 in 2x2x2 Cube and 37.57 in 3x3x3 Cube.

Side events brought further excitement to the schedule in Vientiane. In Skewb, Chao-Che Chung captured victory with an impressive 4.05 average and a 2.46 best single, finishing ahead of Wu at 7.48 and Liu at 8.27. The Pyraminx final proved exceptionally close, with Rui-Jun Liu earning top honours on a 5.11 average, just edging Chung who finished second at 5.21. Chatameteekul secured third place with an average of 6.62 seconds, adding another podium to his weekend tally.

The medal distribution reflected the international presence at the Lao Telecom Head Office, with Taiwan claiming 16 podium positions, Thailand earning four, and Italy securing one. Veteran official competitor Ron van Bruchem also participated across two events, claiming seventh in 4x4x4 Cube. Solvers like Chansopha Vongsaravanh, Somsavavang Chanmavong, Oudomphone Janthasomboune, Jean Lebourg, Anouluck Many, and Bounthavee Senethavy all completed their inaugural 3x3x3 Cube rounds.

As the final solves were logged, the Laos Championship 2024 delivered memorable speed cubing across all nine rounds. The day highlighted the balance of technical mastery and mental composure required in modern WCA competition, from fast-paced sprints to high-risk blindfolded attempts. With multiple champions crowned and numerous personal bests established, the local scene in Laos concluded a successful 2024 gathering.