Morocco Comeback 2023

A blistering 8.80 average in the final round of the 3x3x3 Cube by Mohamed Elkhatri set the definitive tone for an action-packed weekend in Casablanca, Morocco. The standout mark anchored a commanding three-round campaign in the premier event and captured the top step of the podium in style. Organised at Le Complexe administratif et culturel des Habous from August 12 to August 13, Morocco Comeback 2023 delivered a vibrant platform for 26 competitors across 8 distinct events and 15 total rounds of intense action.

The 2023 cubing competition stood out not only for its high-level showdowns at the top of the standings but also for the influx of fresh talent accelerating into the scene. Young and emerging solvers demonstrated rapid development across both classic twists and specialist puzzles, setting personal records and embracing difficult disciplines. As the Rubik's Cube community gathered for Morocco Comeback 2023, the event underscored how swiftly a new generation is transforming their practice into competitive excellence on the stage.

Elkhatri proved to be the weekend's most prolific champion, capturing three gold medals in total. Alongside his premier 3x3 results, where he also laid down a best single of 8.31 seconds, Elkhatri triumphed in 3x3x3 One-Handed with an 18.75 winning average and a single of 14.69. He added a third victory in the 4x4x4 Cube, posting an average of 44.41 to outpace Lilya Lagzouli at 50.31 and Omar Ouadouha at 52.42, establishing total authority across multiple disciplines.

Badr Ait Belaid mounted an equally fierce presence on the podium, claiming two titles across shorter formats. Ait Belaid captured the 2x2x2 Cube title with an average of 3.95 seconds, topping Anass Doublal at 5.70 and Elkhatri at 5.82. He doubled his title tally in Pyraminx, logging a victorious 3.86 average across three rigorous rounds. Doublal picked up second place in Pyraminx with a 7.50 average, while Elkhatri secured third at 8.89 seconds to round out the medal table.

Beyond the title fights, Morocco Comeback 2023 revealed dramatic personal progress for newcomers and developing solvers. Zacaria Maritoune showed massive refinement in Pyraminx, taking fourth place with a personal best of 7.57 seconds, an improvement of 9 percent over his previous mark. Fady Loukili delivered a versatile campaign across five separate events, achieving fourth place in the 3x3x3 Blindfolded category and setting a 3x3x3 One-Handed personal best of 57.23 seconds. Yassine Dahoui made his speedcubing tournament debut in seven events, securing fourth in Skewb while registering a first Skewb attempt of 25.77 and a 2x2x2 Cube attempt of 4.54 seconds.

First-time entrants continued to make an immediate impression throughout the field. Rayan Ait Belaid took on five events during his first official tournament, earning fourth place in 3x3x3 Blindfolded alongside a first 3x3x3 solve of 27.24 seconds. Ilyar Abudukelimu claimed fourth place in the 2x2x2 Cube while posting an initial mark of 4.09 seconds alongside an opening 4x4x4 Cube attempt of 1:32.87. Taha Salek completed four disciplines including a first 3x3x3 solve of 23.92, while Yahia Saadi recorded a 29.95 in 3x3x3 and a 1:39.30 in One-Handed. Elias Lotfi registered initial attempts of 10.43 in 2x2x2 Cube and 18.43 in 3x3x3, highlighting the rapid influx of new participants taking to speed cubing.

The larger puzzles and specialized disciplines produced exceptional battles among Casablanca's top contenders. Lilya Lagzouli delivered a brilliant performance to win the 5x5x5 Cube, averaging 1:36.34 with a single of 1:31.61 to defeat Elkhatri and Doublal. In Skewb, Anass Doublal earned a well-deserved victory by averaging 9.60 seconds, ahead of Zakaria Abisourour at 15.15 and Ait Belaid at 30.56. Mohammed Sabir claimed the top spot in 3x3x3 Blindfolded, logging a winning single of 4:06.50 to edge Omar Ouadouha at 4:12.81.

International representation added depth to the standings, with Belgium's Giles Mampaey clinching second place in 3x3x3 One-Handed with an average of 20.51. In total, Moroccan solvers collected 23 podium finishes during Morocco Comeback 2023, while Belgium secured one. The weekend concluded having showcased both established masters and a dynamic wave of new competitors, reinforcing a bright future for the regional community across every format on the official program.