Michigan Mini 11 2023

Ansel de Jong broke into sub-ten territory to secure a thrilling victory in the 3x3x3 Cube final, averaging 9.89 seconds across five solves to lead the field. The tense contest came down to fractions of a second, setting the tone for an intense single-day meeting. Staged in Plymouth, Michigan, USA on December 11, 2023, the event gathered twenty-four solvers at the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Center for an afternoon of compact, high-speed turning.

The tournament served as a major introduction for new competitors taking their initial steps onto the official circuit. Across three disciplines and six rounds of action, new faces and emerging solvers took full advantage of the dedicated single-day format. With a lineup spanning the miniature 2x2x2 Cube, the classic Rubik's Cube, and the massive 7x7x7 Cube, Michigan Mini 11 2023 brought together a vibrant mix of newcomers alongside seasoned contenders in speedcubing.

The 3x3 results formed the centerpiece of the program, featuring three complete rounds of standard solving. In the final round, Ansel de Jong secured top honors with an average of 9.89 seconds, backed by a best single of 8.91 seconds. Sujan Feist took the runner-up spot with a blistering 9.99 average, while Quinn Lawson claimed third place on the podium with a 10.07 mark. The tight spreads demonstrated the sharp standard across the top tier of the speed cubing roster.

Shorter formats delivered blistering speed early in the schedule during the 2x2x2 Cube competition. Eli Katz walked away with the title after posting an average of 2.81 seconds, supported by a standout single effort of 1.98 seconds across the two rounds. Brandon Michael Kszywonos locked down second place with an average of 3.27 seconds, while James Hildreth collected third with 3.97 seconds, concluding a fast-paced sprint that kept the judging tables moving at pace.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the 7x7x7 Cube demanded patience, endurance, and deep structural knowledge over sixty-four outer and inner layers. James Hildreth delivered the defining masterclass of the big cube event, capturing first place with an impressive winning average of 3:00.85 and a field-best single solve of 2:54.78. Quinn Lawson picked up the silver spot in 3:19.31, while Justin Sui completed the podium in 3:59.05 during the single scheduled round.

Beyond the championship podiums, the cubing competition served as a launchpad for significant personal milestones. Isa Siddiqi cut their 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 39.5 percent down to 29.36 seconds from a previous mark of 48.53, while also logging a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with an 11.02. Elijah Layne took on three events and delivered a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 2.64, a 33.8 percent improvement over their prior 3.99, alongside a 4th place finish in 3x3x3 Cube. Akshaj Misra registered personal bests in two events, trimming their 3x3x3 Cube time by 18.4 percent to 28.47 and their 2x2x2 Cube mark by 14.9 percent to 7.81. Jason Gao earned an 8th place finish in the 2x2x2 Cube while cutting their 3x3x3 Cube mark by 17.8 percent to 14.03.

Debut appearances and distance milestones also highlighted the depth of the field throughout the afternoon. Sulayman Siddiqi marked their first WCA competition with two events, logging a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Cube in 52.39 seconds and a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube in 12.90. Harley West completed a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube in 29.30 seconds across two events entered, while Levi Fanning tackled two events and recorded a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube of 7.71 seconds. In the long-distance division, Tyler Rose tackled three events and shaved 11.7 percent off their 7x7x7 Cube personal best, clocking 5:31.37 to finish 10th in the discipline.

By the time the final timers clicked off, United States competitors had claimed all nine available podium places across the three featured disciplines. Michigan Mini 11 2023 offered an ideal arena for fresh talent to test tournament routines while seasoned competitors locked in rapid averages. Solvers depart Plymouth with improved times and fresh experience as preparation turns toward the upcoming challenges of the 2023 season.