Max Speed Milford 2024

A blistering 1.48 winning average from Yuki Gao in the 2x2x2 Cube set the benchmark at Milford Primary School, marking the standout performance in Auckland, New Zealand. While standard big cube endurance fixtures like the 5x5, 6x6, and 7x7 test deep strategic stamina, this fast-paced meeting compressed all the drama into high-octane sprint challenges and specialized formats. Held on November 30, 2024, the one-day gathering drew 79 competitors across 6 events and 12 total rounds, producing an intense showcase of speedcubing precision where single-second margins determined podium spots.

The 3x3x3 Cube contest, universally recognized as the central Rubik's Cube classic, gathered 76 competitors across two stages of play. Chris Mills captured the title with a commanding 6.63 winning average, backed by a tournament-best single of 5.73. Richard Yiheng Tao followed closely in second place with an average of 7.49, while Carol Chai claimed third on an 8.14 average. These decisive 3x3 results anchored the schedule, demonstrating the composure required to maintain world-class turn speeds under tournament conditions in the 2024 season.

The sprint discipline of 2x2x2 Cube proved to be a display of relentless pace among 71 entrants. Gao topped the field with the 1.48 final mark and a best round single of 1.29, along with a tournament best 0.85 single and a 1.47 average recorded during the rounds. Ram Thakkar of India secured the silver position with an average of 1.52, while Elyas Eyou locked up bronze for New Zealand at 1.79. The compressed round structure of Max Speed Milford 2024 demanded total mechanical accuracy from the opening inspection.

Specialized events brought distinct tactical demands to the tables throughout Max Speed Milford 2024. In 3x3x3 One-Handed, where single-arm ergonomics replace standard grips, Jesse Brooke secured victory across a field of 46 entrants with an average of 13.57 and a best single of 10.92. Camerone Chin of Malaysia took second with 13.92, narrowly edging Richard Yiheng Tao who logged 14.02 for third. The performance highlighted how speed cubing adapts across alternative solving styles.

Pyraminx action featured 57 competitors battling through two intense rounds. Elyas Eyou delivered a dominant showing to take top honours with a 1.74 average and an event-best single of 1.46. Camerone Chin earned a second runner-up finish on the day with a 2.35 mark, and Carol Chai rounded out the podium at 2.69. Meanwhile, Oscar McEvoy led 37 competitors in Skewb, taking the crown with a 2.96 average and a 2.40 best single, ahead of Eyou at 4.02 and Mills at 4.20.

In the Clock event, 41 entrants contended with the double-sided mechanical dial puzzle. Lachlan Gibson captured first place with an average of 4.22, posting a best single of 3.39 along the way. Edwin Shen finished as the runner-up with a 4.37 average, while Richard Yiheng Tao earned his third podium finish of the meet by taking third place with 4.47. Across the entire cubing competition, New Zealand secured 14 podium places, alongside two for Malaysia and one each for China and India.

Beyond the championship finals, several competitors delivered massive personal breakthroughs across the roster. Faith Clements achieved monumental progress, dropping her Pyraminx best by 72.3 percent down to 9.74, while also taking 70.7 percent off her 3x3x3 One-Handed time to post 1:19.63 and cutting her Skewb mark by 57.6 percent to 8.09. Jacob Coring took on all 6 events, slicing 53.6 percent from his Clock personal best to finish at 9.06 and improving his Skewb mark by 48.5 percent to 7.55. Sara Janssen registered an impressive 49.8 percent cut in Pyraminx with an 11.57 personal best, while Tobi Janssen tackled 6 disciplines, recording a first Clock attempt of 11.16, a first Skewb result of 6.90, and a 48.1 percent drop in One-Handed to 22.84.

First-time efforts and personal milestones continued across the tournament floor. Vukasin Kupreski logged his first Clock solve at 13.83 and his first One-Handed attempt at 1:01.47, alongside a 25.7 percent improvement on 2x2x2 Cube down to 6.54. Donald Mai posted a first Skewb attempt of 10.27 and shaved 24.4 percent off his Pyraminx best to hit 7.12. First-time WCA competition debuts brought fresh energy, as Yuhai Zhou posted an initial 17.09 in the 3x3x3 Cube, 7.68 in the 2x2x2 Cube, and 12.97 in Pyraminx. Elvis Chung tackled five separate events on debut, including an opening 19.64 on Clock, 58.47 on One-Handed, and 10.58 on 2x2x2 Cube.

The concluding ceremonies at Max Speed Milford 2024 brought a successful close to a packed day of racing in Auckland. With 79 participants pushing through twelve rounds, the event underlined the depth of talent active across regional circuits. From lightning-fast puzzle sprints to technical one-handed executions, competitors delivered a benchmark weekend that sets the tone for future regional clashes.