Nýliðamót Kubbafélagsins 2024

Thirty-six competitors assembled for a fast-paced day of speedcubing at Háskólinn í Reykjavík / Reykjavík Univeristy as Nýliðamót Kubbafélagsins 2024 took over the venue on March 16, 2024. While the international circuit often showcases memory-intensive blindfolded solving where competitors study piece orientations before executing algorithms sight unseen, this single-day Icelandic schedule delivered pure, explosive solving speed across three classic events. Across nine total rounds, entrants put their reaction times and finger dexterity to the test, navigating high-pressure tournament conditions in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland.

The premier discipline brought intense drama to the tables, where classic Rubik's Cube solutions decided the day. In the 3x3x3 Cube, Óskar Pétursson of Iceland set the pace from the start, delivering the best single of the event at 7.46 seconds. Over three rigorous rounds featuring 33 competitors, Pétursson secured the title with a winning average of 8.21 seconds. Eugene Kong of Singapore took the second step on the podium with an average of 11.36 seconds, while Iceland's Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson locked down third place with a 13.35 average, capping off a remarkable set of 3x3 results in the 2024 season.

The smaller 2x2x2 Cube demanded blistering speed from the 21 entrants who contested its three rounds. Óskar Pétursson once again led the way, taking the tournament win with an average of 3.14 seconds and logging the event's top final single at 2.20 seconds. Behind him, Eugene Kong claimed second place with a 4.22 average, narrowly edging out Skírnir Þrastarson of Iceland, who captured third with a mark of 4.27 seconds. The fast-paced format gave the cubing competition crowd a spectacular display of rapid execution and lightning-fast turns.

The Pyraminx event closed out the triple header with equal intensity, featuring 21 competitors battling through three full rounds of triangular twists. Óskar Pétursson completed his clean sweep at Nýliðamót Kubbafélagsins 2024 by securing first place with an average of 4.63 seconds, alongside the event's best single of 2.54 seconds. Iceland's Steingrímur Ari Helgason earned the runner-up spot with an average of 6.91 seconds, while Eugene Kong collected his third podium finish of the day, finishing third with a 7.97 average.

Away from the top of the podium, Nýliðamót Kubbafélagsins 2024 provided a platform for massive individual breakthroughs and tournament debuts. Kjartan Pétur Hannesson registered a huge leap forward in the Pyraminx, logging a personal best of 6.73 seconds, which was 46.1 percent faster than his previous mark of 12.48, alongside a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 4.12 seconds and tenth place in that event. Bjartþór Ragnar Sigurbjörnsson also took major strides, shaving 43.3 percent off his Pyraminx personal best with a 6.48-second result and earning a ninth-place finish. Arnar Frosti Freysson took on three events, delivering his first ever attempt at Pyraminx with an 8.55, his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with a 4.52 for eighth place, and an improved 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 15.85 seconds, 32.2 percent faster than before.

The progress continued across the roster as competitors tackled new challenges across multiple disciplines. Birnir Hólm Bjarnason contested three events, finishing fourth in the 3x3x3 Cube with a personal best of 10.92 seconds, while also completing his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube in 3.19 seconds and his first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 5.10 seconds. Wojciech Bauer logged a 9.11 in his first ever attempt at Pyraminx to earn tenth place, alongside a 21.4 percent personal best drop to 4.64 seconds in 2x2x2 Cube. Ólafur Jan Bartoszek secured fifth in the 3x3x3 Cube while dropping his Pyraminx personal best by 30.7 percent down to 4.88 seconds. Meanwhile, Knútur Emmanuel Nunez Waage took part in his first WCA competition, recording a 21.87 on the 3x3x3 Cube and an 8.48 on the 2x2x2 Cube, and Gunnbjörn Kári Gunnarsson also completed his first WCA competition with initial marks of 1:06.28 in 3x3x3 Cube and 19.13 in 2x2x2 Cube.

By the conclusion of the event, the podium tallies illustrated the competitive balance of the day, with host nation Iceland taking six podium spots and Singapore claiming three. The smooth operation of the schedule highlighted the growing depth of talent in the local speed cubing community, showing that whether mastering short sprints or the cognitive rigor of memory disciplines, preparation remains paramount.

The successful staging of Nýliðamót Kubbafélagsins 2024 wrapped up a memorable day of competition at Reykjavík Univeristy. With 36 competitors testing their limits, setting personal milestones, and cheering on their peers across three dynamic events, the gathering showcased the enduring appeal of competitive solving in Iceland as the community looks ahead to the remainder of the calendar.