NxNebraska 2025

Sixty-four competitors gathered at the Waverly Community Foundation on November 15, 2025, bringing high-energy speedcubing action to Waverly, Nebraska, USA. The single-day schedule featured seven diverse events spanning 15 fast-paced rounds of solving. While experienced solvers battled for podium spots, the atmosphere was defined largely by the newcomers stepping onto the competitive stage. For those taking part in their very first cubing competition, every turn of the puzzle carried the distinct weight and thrill of making an official debut.

Stepping up to the timers for the initial time represents a significant milestone in any speed cubing journey. At NxNebraska 2025, several first-time participants made their marks across various disciplines. Blaise Peterie completed an ambitious four-event debut program, logging an initial 3x3x3 Cube mark of 26.71 seconds, a 9.54 in Skewb, and a 1:27.81 in the 4x4x4 Cube. Fellow newcomer Luke Bauman took on two disciplines, delivering an opening 21.95 in the classic puzzle alongside a 7.42 Skewb attempt.

The fresh faces continued to make an impression throughout the day across the tables. Nate Franke took on his first official challenge in two categories, finishing his first 3x3x3 Cube solve in 40.17 seconds and posting 3:22.97 in the 4x4x4 Cube. Meanwhile, Ryan Carruthers entered the official registry by recording a time of 1:09.78 during his initial attempt at the traditional Rubik's Cube. Each solve represented a hard-earned baseline for competitors beginning their path in World Cube Association events.

Beyond the brand-new arrivals, the competition floor was energized by seasoned entrants expanding their horizons and obliterating earlier marks. Robert Sherman secured a massive Skewb personal best of 10.47 seconds, an improvement of 52.4 percent over his previous best of 22.00, while also trimming 13.1 percent off his 4x4x4 Cube time with a 1:16.12. Bennett Welch made his first attempt at Megaminx with a 1:46.87, took 17th place in the event, and cut his Skewb personal best by 43.8 percent down to 8.48 seconds.

Other returning participants embraced new categories with notable success across the schedule. Bennett Kupzyk entered five events at NxNebraska 2025, taking 16th place in Megaminx with a debut time of 1:52.96, clocking his first 5x5x5 Cube mark at 2:56.92, and shaving 38 percent off his Skewb standard to hit 7.53. Clayton Berry tackled five disciplines, recording first attempts of 14.17 in Skewb, 4:34.22 in the 5x5x5 Cube, and 3:28.11 in Megaminx, while Dru Weimer took on seven separate events, posting an 8.27 debut in Skewb and cutting his 5x5x5 Cube best by 25.9 percent down to 2:32.18.

At the top of the standings, Ethan Cho produced a commanding performance by capturing four separate titles throughout the day. Cho swept the large cubes, winning the 4x4x4 Cube with an average of 29.48 seconds ahead of Zachary Johnson (33.69) and Hana Nakano (35.26). Cho repeated his winning form in the 5x5x5 Cube with a 48.81 average, besting Johnson (59.89) and Nakano (1:01.14), while also posting the round single of 45.85 seconds.

Cho continued his big cube supremacy into the largest puzzles of the meet. In the 6x6x6 Cube, he topped the 19-competitor field with a winning average of 1:24.64, besting Corey Bunger (1:53.51) and Hana Nakano (1:56.59). Cho then captured the 7x7x7 Cube title in 2:07.99, finishing ahead of Nakano (2:41.43) and Chaeli Baker (2:56.74). Nakano concluded a remarkably consistent day by earning podium finishes in all four big cube divisions.

The 3x3 results brought an exciting conclusion to the premier division across three rounds of solving. Alexander Gager clinched the 3x3x3 Cube victory with a winning average of 6.97 seconds, backed by a tournament-best single of 6.50. Anton Angeletti took second place with a 7.43 average, while Jayben Keene rounded out the top three in 7.93. Gager also demonstrated remarkable versatility by winning the 29-competitor Megaminx event with a 36.95 average, besting Cho (1:03.35) and Coleton Pleiss (1:08.74).

Short-puzzle action remained intensely competitive right to the final solves of the day. In Skewb, Logan Opp earned the top spot on the podium with a winning average of 4.57 seconds and a best single of 2.88, edging out Tyler Youlden, who matched the exact 4.57 average, and Alexander Gager in third at 5.31. Across every division, the USA contingent swept all 21 available podium places.

The action in Waverly demonstrated the continuous growth of regional speedcubing, offering newcomers their initial taste of tournament pressure and providing veterans a platform for personal breakthroughs. With all 15 rounds successfully completed, NxNebraska 2025 concluded as a memorable showcase of personal milestones and elite solving skill, setting an inspiring foundation for the participants heading into their next season of competition.