Nakuru Open 2025

Steady execution defined the day at Kagaki School as Yukinobu Tsukioka delivered an unwavering 10.36 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube, backed by a best single of 10.11. Across two rounds of play, the Japanese competitor showed the power of steady pacing over fleeting speed bursts. That composed performance set the standard for Nakuru Open 2025 on September 20, 2025, where a field of 25 speedcubing enthusiasts gathered in Nakuru, Kenya, to contest four total rounds across three separate disciplines.

The 3x3x3 Cube competition drew 22 competitors, making it the most heavily contested event on the schedule. Tsukioka secured the top step of the podium through his rock-solid consistency, leaving no room for error in the final round. Behind him, Kenyan competitor Jason Kipkurui claimed the silver position with an average of 12.42 seconds. Kelvin Githiari Waturi completed the podium in third place, recording a 19.89 average to round out the official 3x3 results in impressive fashion.

Waturi made the competition his own across the other formats, demonstrating remarkable control in the Pyraminx. Facing 14 competitors in a single round, he took the gold medal with a winning average of 10.22 seconds and a sharp best single of 8.67 seconds. Kenyan compatriot Iyan Obaigwa followed in second place with an average of 15.18 seconds, while Daniel Kandie secured third position on the podium with a 15.59 average, highlighting the depth of local talent in the triangular puzzle.

The 2x2x2 Cube saw Waturi return to the top step, capturing his second victory of the meet with a winning average of 6.27 seconds alongside a best single of 5.88. His steady solving outpaced Caleb Kinara, who took second place with a 9.44 average despite landing the fastest single of the entire event at 5.22. Ryan Kiplagat Kurui rounded out an all-Kenyan podium in third with an average of 9.88, having posted a 7.61 single in the 12-person field.

Beyond the podium battles, Nakuru Open 2025 proved to be a breakthrough stage for several competitors making massive strides. Michael Nziwa Makanga delivered some of the sharpest improvements of the gathering, taking his 3x3x3 Cube personal best down to 55.87 seconds, an improvement of 42.6 percent over his previous mark of 1:37.35, while also dropping his 2x2x2 Cube mark by 38.7 percent to 14.99 and recording his first ever Pyraminx attempt at 21.74. Tamara Wayu improved her 3x3x3 Cube personal best to 54.57 seconds, 4.8 percent faster than her prior mark, while Ethan Kiplimo lowered his best to 17.24, an improvement of 3.4 percent. Felix Kiprob secured a 5th place finish in the 3x3x3 Cube across his two events, and Denis Ndemwa earned a 4th place finish in the 2x2x2 Cube.

For several newcomers, this cubing competition served as their first official WCA competition, providing an arena to establish initial benchmarks across multiple puzzles. Majidudin Muhidin entered three events, logging a best finish of 6th in Pyraminx with a 19.83 first attempt, alongside a 35.32 on 3x3x3 Cube and 15.24 on 2x2x2 Cube. Dickson Masika also took on three events, posting first attempts of 23.64 in 2x2x2 Cube, 25.61 in Pyraminx, and 1:07.50 in 3x3x3 Cube, earning an 11th place finish in Pyraminx. Peter Muhoro completed three disciplines as well, finishing 6th in 2x2x2 Cube with an 11.81 first attempt, backed by a 29.24 in 3x3x3 Cube and 14.85 in Pyraminx.

The gathering served as a pure showcase of classic Rubik's Cube solving and side-event precision. With 25 participants engaging in four rounds of action, the tournament ran smoothly through Kagaki School. Kenya collected eight podium positions across the three events, while Japan secured one via Tsukioka in the main event, reflecting both strong home representation and international flair in the region.

From newcomers discovering the thrill of speed cubing to experienced solvers refining their averages, the tournament highlighted the true value of consistency under timed conditions. As the 2025 calendar moves forward, the benchmarks established at this meet will provide solid foundations for every competitor looking ahead to the next season of competitive solving.