Manhattan Mini B 2023

Twenty-two competitors converged in New York, New York, USA on December 9, 2023, turning Cre8ive Studios into a focused hub of solving excellence. Manhattan Mini B 2023 brought together talent across three specific puzzles, spanning five total rounds of action. The compact schedule provided an intense atmosphere where every single turn mattered, giving both experienced solvers and newer faces a concentrated platform to display their speedcubing prowess throughout the single-day gathering.

The morning schedule opened with Clock, where sixteen entrants took to the tables for a brisk two-round contest. Ryan Michael Breen set the benchmark early, showing pristine execution on the mechanical puzzle to capture first place with an average of 4.99 seconds, underscored by a best single of 3.90 seconds. Evan Liu maintained steady control to finish as runner-up with a 5.34 average, while Sula Mareska rounded out the podium with a mark of 5.43.

Big cube specialists found their opportunity midday as seventeen participants took on the 5x5x5 Cube. In a single-round sprint where consistency proved vital, Evan Liu claimed the top step of the podium by recording a winning average of 56.48 seconds, bolstered by the round best single of 53.48 seconds. Dana Yi applied pressure throughout the solves, finishing closely behind in second place with an average of 57.99 seconds. Carson Widjaja secured third place with an average of 1:00.78.

The afternoon shifted attention to the premier 3x3x3 Cube event, which drew twenty-one competitors across two packed rounds. Carson Widjaja delivered a dominant display, earning the victory with a 6.50 average and a best single solve of 6.09 seconds. Dana Yi took second place with an average of 8.12 seconds, while Carter Williams earned the third podium spot with a 9.01 average, capping a day of rapid Rubik's Cube solving in the city.

Behind the headline finishes, the weekend provided a canvas for significant milestones and breakthrough attempts across the roster. Masahiro Goto completed three events at the competition, recording their first ever attempt at 5x5x5 Cube with a time of 3:23.65 while cutting their Clock personal best down to 8.49 seconds, an improvement of 25.9 percent over their prior 11.45 mark, alongside a 14.29 personal best in 3x3x3 Cube. Pasha Sufyan logged a first ever attempt at Clock with a 23.70 result and dropped their 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 14.6 percent to 26.24 seconds. Ethan Lin likewise posted a first attempt at Clock in 20.32 seconds and improved their 3x3x3 Cube personal best to 18.07 seconds, while Sullivan Contray lowered their 5x5x5 Cube best to 1:30.02 and achieved a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 11.79 seconds.

The breadth of individual progress continued as Daniel Hong entered three events, achieving a sixth-place finish in 3x3x3 Cube and a 5x5x5 Cube personal best of 1:34.70, which was 4.9 percent faster than their previous mark. Tyler Kochy earned a fourth-place finish in 5x5x5 Cube while setting a personal best of 55.65 seconds. Meanwhile, Oliver Cohen tackled their first WCA competition by entering two events, posting a first ever attempt of 3:44.36 on 5x5x5 Cube and 17.15 on 3x3x3 Cube. Noah Blank also made their official debut at this cubing competition, registering a 15.62 in their first ever attempt at the 3x3x3 Cube.

Throughout the schedule, the 3x3 results demonstrated depth across the board as competitors tested themselves in multiple rounds. The single-day tournament highlighted the enduring appeal of speed cubing, where an efficient timetable and dedicated community come together to push times downward in a competitive setting.

All nine podium positions across the three featured disciplines were claimed by solvers representing the USA. As Manhattan Mini B 2023 reached its conclusion, the single-day showcase in New York wrapped up the 2023 calendar with memorable marks and sharp execution across all five rounds.