Nakuru Twist and Turn 2026

Jason Kipkurui delivered the definitive performance at Nakuru Twist and Turn 2026, putting together a commanding 14.78 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube that featured a blistering 12.80 best single. That sharp display crowned a lively day of speedcubing action in Nakuru, Kenya, where 40 competitors came together on June 13, 2026, at Kagaki School. The energy around the tables moved far beyond the main stage, setting a spirited tone across all five rounds of official solving.

The atmosphere throughout the Kagaki School venue captured the unique camaraderie of a regional cubing competition. Solvers shared advice between rounds, analyzed turning styles, and traded scramble patterns as competitors cheered on peers from across the country. Side puzzles and warm-up tables were constantly in motion, fostering an environment where newcomers and experienced hands shared equal space alongside the official timing stations.

The classic Rubik's Cube brought full participation as all 40 competitors lined up for the two-round tournament. Kipkurui led the field into the final and secured the top spot on the podium, followed closely by Allan Kipchumba, who took second place with a solid 16.41 average. Kelvin Githiari Waturi completed the Kenyan sweep in the event, claiming third place with a mark of 21.49 to finalize the headline 3x3 results.

Kipchumba turned the tables in the 2x2x2 Cube, powering through two rounds to capture first place with a 4.30 winning average and an event-leading single of 3.08. Kipkurui claimed the runner-up position with an average of 6.18, while Kelvin Githiari Waturi secured another podium finish by taking third place with 7.39. The quick turns and compact format kept the pace brisk throughout the 25-competitor field.

The single-round Pyraminx bracket introduced a different dynamic to the weekend schedule, challenging solvers with its tetrahedral geometry. Aakash Gohil emerged victorious with an 11.32 winning average and a decisive 9.82 single, besting a competitive group of seven solvers. Daniel Wekesa Mabele finished in second place with a 15.97 mark, while Joy Precious rounded out the podium positions by averaging 17.53.

Beyond the podium finishes, the competition floor served as the stage for massive personal leaps that define the heart of any major gathering. Blessing Waithera dropped an enormous amount of time on the 2x2x2 Cube, logging a personal best of 10.35 that was 80.6 percent faster than her prior mark, alongside a 27.2 percent improvement to reach 29.09 in the 3x3x3 Cube. Wayne Kiprop took on three separate events, finishing 5th in Pyraminx with a personal best of 10.20 that improved on his previous standard by 62.2 percent, while also posting a 25.8 percent leap in the 3x3x3 Cube with 43.07 and making his first official 2x2x2 Cube attempt at 10.83. Joy Cherotich Mutai registered a 29.31 in the 3x3x3 Cube to improve by 51 percent alongside an initial 2x2x2 Cube mark of 10.23, and Emmanuel Okari improved his 3x3x3 Cube personal record by 51.3 percent down to 51.23.

Several other competitors broadened their competitive horizons with notable milestones at this WCA competition. Cynthia Onkoba entered three disciplines, recording a 4th-place finish in Pyraminx with an initial mark of 16.51, alongside a 15.63 in her first 2x2x2 Cube attempt and a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 48.05. Augustine Kooro achieved a 6th-place finish in Pyraminx with a personal best of 17.01, a 31.2 percent improvement, while also lowering his 2x2x2 Cube best to 7.17, which was 49 percent faster. Marksidney Kiptoo secured a 9th-place finish in the 2x2x2 Cube with a 10.60 personal best that marked a 53.8 percent drop, and Brilliant Cherop reached a 10th-place finish in the same event with a 5.40 personal best, improving by 39.7 percent.

First-time participants also added substantial depth to the roster, highlighted by Karson Miller taking 4th place in the 2x2x2 Cube with a 5.23 mark during their first speed cubing appearance. Jotham Wagler made an official debut across two events with a 9th-place 23.96 in the 3x3x3 Cube and a 9.43 on the 2x2x2 Cube, while Allan Kibet recorded an initial 32.43 single in the 3x3x3 Cube. Across all three categories, all nine available podium positions were secured by Kenyan competitors, underscoring the strong local presence.

As the final timers were cleared at Kagaki School, Nakuru Twist and Turn 2026 concluded as a vibrant celebration of community connection and puzzle-solving skill. From first-time entrants discovering official competition to established contenders exchanging top podium spots, the event illustrated the steady momentum of regional cubing. Solvers packed away their puzzles with shared memories and fresh benchmarks, looking ahead to the upcoming season on the circuit.