North Idaho Newcomers 2024

Ethan George Hayes delivered a clinic in poise under pressure, securing the 3x3x3 Cube title with a decisive 8.56 winning average in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA. While single-solve speed often grabs the spotlight in competitive speedcubing, Hayes relied on rock-solid execution across every round to separate himself from the field. That steady control set the tone for the entire gathering on March 30, 2024, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, where 45 competitors assembled for a fast-paced day of puzzle solving.

Across seven rounds in three featured events, North Idaho Newcomers 2024 proved that sustained precision across a five-solve average invariably tops isolated moments of brilliance. Hayes proved this truth twice over, capturing two distinct championships by refusing to let erratic solves derail his rounds. His steady rhythm in the marquee 3x3x3 Cube contest kept him comfortably ahead of Kyle Polage, who took second place with a 9.83 average, and Clément Cherblanc of France, who claimed third at 10.07.

The 2x2x2 Cube event presented another showcase of relentless pacing, as 39 competitors battled through two tight rounds. Ethan George Hayes emerged on top once more, locking in a winning average of 2.92 to outpace Kyle Polage, who secured runner-up honors with a 3.02 average. Henry Maurer earned the final podium spot with a 3.45 mark. The event generated intense activity on the scoreboards, as competitors throughout the brackets converted high-percentage turn sequences into rapid, consistent results.

In the Pyraminx bracket, Kyle Polage turned the tables to claim an undisputed title of his own. Facing 29 competitors across two rounds, Polage navigated the tetrahedral puzzle with clinical regularity, posting a winning average of 3.80. Clément Cherblanc earned his second podium finish of the weekend with a 5.34 average for second place, while Caius Vasconcelos took third place with a 5.70 average. The discipline displayed on the Pyraminx matched the overarching theme of the North Idaho Newcomers 2024 tournament.

Beyond the championship finals, the heart of the speed cubing weekend emerged in the massive breakthroughs recorded by competitors quietly rewriting their personal marks. Preston Bright made immense progress across all three events he entered, cutting his Pyraminx personal best down to 6.04, which was 53.1 percent faster than his previous best of 12.89, while also improving his 2x2x2 Cube mark by 51.4 percent to 3.72. Parker Bright demonstrated similar gains, dropping his Pyraminx personal best by 51.4 percent down to 5.40 and achieving an eighth-place finish. Jax Krogh lowered his 2x2x2 Cube best to 4.05, an improvement of 38.5 percent over his previous 6.59.

Other competitors took on brand new disciplines or attended their very first cubing competition with remarkable poise. Jaxon Davis secured a sixth-place finish in Pyraminx with a personal best of 6.34, 27.8 percent faster than before, while also logging a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube of 4.61. Elijah Swofford tackled three events, posting a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube of 11.35, a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Cube of 1:02.75, and an 8.69 Pyraminx personal best that improved his prior mark by 38.2 percent. Asher Johnson entered three events, recording a first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube of 7.06, a first ever attempt at Pyraminx of 14.43, and a 27.22 3x3x3 Cube personal best that was 36.6 percent faster than before. Caleb Cloninger took on his first WCA competition, entering three events with a 5.08 in 2x2x2 Cube and a 23.13 in 3x3x3 Cube, while Timothy Kearney also debuted at his first WCA competition, completing three events and securing 14th place in Pyraminx with a 5.90 finish.

International representation added depth to the standings, with podium places spread between seven United States entrants and two French finishes. While the classic Rubik's Cube drew the largest crowd with 43 competitors, the side events highlighted the broad tactical range required across the sport. Every round rewarded competitors who could minimize mistakes rather than chase risky turn counts, underscoring how vital round-to-round consistency remains on the official stage.

As the final 3x3 results entered the database, North Idaho Newcomers 2024 concluded having delivered top-tier competition and exceptional individual progression. From Hayes' dual titles to the dozens of personal milestones achieved across the venue floor, the gathering celebrated the rewards of patience and preparation in Coeur d'Alene, leaving competitors well prepared for the next season of tournament play.