New Rochelle at Nite 5 2024

A blistering 9.06 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube final by Kymberlyn Calderon delivered the defining performance in New Rochelle, New York, USA. The fast-paced action took place on August 22, 2024, at Hotel NoMa, drawing a focused field of 20 competitors. Across five total rounds spanning three distinct puzzles, the evening showcased high-stakes speedcubing drama. Calderon set the standard in the main event, posting a decisive run that held off a determined chasing pack in the final round of the WCA competition.

The competition began with an intense opening round of the classic Rubik's Cube, featuring the entire 20-person lineup. Parker Trager set an early benchmark with a swift 7.08 single and a 7.66 average to top the first phase. Calderon stayed within striking distance, posting a 7.48 single and 7.72 average. Evan Liu turned in an 8.08 single and 8.89 average, while Chris Chi, Austin Reed, Alex Hauben, and Steven Wintringham all secured passage to the next stage with sub-10 singles, establishing high expectations for the later rounds.

As the schedule progressed into alternate disciplines, the 3x3x3 Blindfolded event took center stage with eight competitors stepping up to the tables. Memorisation and precise tactile execution defined the two-round contest, where Evan Liu earned victory on the strength of a 55.93 single solve. Parker Trager secured second place on the podium with a clean 1:35.08 single, while Austin Reed claimed third with a time of 1:38.61. The blindfolded event pushed concentration levels to the absolute limit under the tournament lights.

The single-round Skewb competition quickly followed, featuring 18 entrants battling for podium spots in rapid succession. Parker Trager dominated the event, capturing first place with a winning average of 2.58 seconds and the tournament's best single of 1.35 seconds. Chris Chi secured the runner-up position with an average of 3.06, while Can Uzun from Turkey locked in third place with a 4.75 average. The dynamic event added intense variety to the overall evening of speed cubing in Westchester County.

Away from the top steps of the podium, several competitors logged major personal breakthroughs across the evening. Davin Hyde produced massive leaps forward, lowering his Skewb personal best by 44.2 percent down to 11.08 seconds after previously standing at 19.84, while also cutting his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 25.5 percent to 16.35. Simon Steinberg also made major strides on Skewb, dropping his personal best by 41.1 percent to 12.70 seconds. Aidan Cunniff improved his 3x3x3 mark by 7.2 percent to 14.85 seconds, and Kenta Fujii logged a fresh 3x3x3 personal best of 18.11 seconds while earning 15th place in Skewb.

First-time event appearances also highlighted the competitive spirit inside the room. Filip Simic tackled two events, posting a first attempt of 14.01 in Skewb to take 14th place alongside a first 3x3x3 effort of 26.31 seconds. Cameron Lee entered three disciplines and made his debut in Skewb with a 17.12 mark while finishing ninth in the 3x3x3 Cube. John Punzone also recorded his first official Skewb mark with a 17.47, finishing 17th. Meanwhile, Tamar Bober-Tsafrir secured a solid 10th-place finish in Skewb across her two-event schedule at New Rochelle at Nite 5 2024.

The climactic final round returned to the classic puzzle, bringing the full focus back to the definitive 3x3 results of the meet. Calderon rose to the occasion, putting together five steady solves to log a 9.06 average and an 8.32 best single to seal the championship. Austin Reed secured second place with an average of 9.74, while Chris Chi took third on the podium with a 10.18 average. The United States claimed eight total podium spots across the three disciplines, alongside one podium finish for Turkey.

The single-evening gathering at New Rochelle at Nite 5 2024 concluded having delivered top-tier competition and remarkable personal milestones across all three disciplines. From Calderon's composed title run on the main stage to Trager's fast Skewb marks and Liu's sub-minute blindfolded victory, the cubing competition proved memorable for veterans and developing solvers alike. As the 2024 season continues, the performances in New Rochelle stand as a testament to the depth and dedication present across the community.