Ocean State Cubikon 2024

Six distinct disciplines and 13 rounds of intense tournament play brought 50 competitors together in Wakefield, Rhode Island, USA on September 22, 2024. Ocean State Cubikon 2024 showcased an eclectic mix of events inside the South Kingstown Elks Club, giving niche specialists and classic speedcubing contenders equal footing. From the rapid mechanical turning of Clock to the pure concentration required for unassisted memory solves, the single-day gathering pushed participants through a demanding schedule that tested precision across unconventional puzzles and traditional formats alike.

The specialised disciplines provided some of the most compelling narratives of the weekend. In 3x3x3 Blindfolded, where contenders must commit the puzzle layout entirely to memory before donning an eye cover, Thiago Han of Brazil delivered the winning mark. Han registered a single solve of 23.36 seconds across the 10-person field to secure victory, leading second-place Patrick Collins who posted 37.72 seconds, and third-place Ryan Durette with 2:16.55. It was the sole podium finish of the event that went outside the United States, proving how sharp execution in memory events can define a tournament.

Clock was another technical puzzle that demanded absolute rhythm and pin-manipulation dexterity. Ethan Zhuang claimed the title among 26 entrants, putting together a winning average of 4.82 seconds along with a tournament-best single of 4.32 seconds. Aaron Jake Wong took second position with an average of 4.92 seconds, while Clem Tucker completed the top three with an average of 5.92 seconds. Zhuang showed remarkable adaptability throughout the schedule, balancing the two-sided geared puzzle alongside the standard twisty puzzles.

The one-handed category tested isolated dexterity on the classic Rubik's Cube across a single round of 25 entrants. Charles Amarello managed the ergonomic demands of 3x3x3 One-Handed best, securing first place with a 12.42-second average and an 11.53 single. Parker Trager claimed second place with a 13.71 average, while Aaron Jake Wong captured third on a 14.38 average. The precision required for single-hand turning made it one of the most technical demonstrations of the day at this sanctioned cubing competition.

Behind the top podium spots, several competitors delivered massive improvements across multiple categories. Asha Ramcharran produced significant progress at Ocean State Cubikon 2024, lowering her Pyraminx personal best to 8.04 seconds, which was 60 percent faster than her prior benchmark, alongside a 7.26 in 2x2x2 Cube that was 52.9 percent faster, and a 28.98 in 3x3x3 Cube that improved by 51.4 percent. Alexander Vassilev tackled four events, making his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed with a 24.25, while lowering his 3x3x3 Cube best by 30.4 percent to 7.48 on his way to a ninth-place finish.

The personal breakthroughs continued across the roster throughout the afternoon. Josh Sanderson contested six events, registering a 0.86 personal best in 2x2x2 Cube that was 46.3 percent faster than before and earning a fifth-place event finish. Praveen Prabaharan cut 39.2 percent off his 3x3x3 Cube best with a 6.08 mark and secured fifth place in 3x3x3 One-Handed with a 14.32 personal record. Luke Conroy dropped his Clock best to 22.29 seconds, an improvement of 32.8 percent, while Sebastian Luu-Missios logged his first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 10.02 seconds. First-timer Wesley Sanchez took on four events, highlighted by a 7.70 initial mark in 2x2x2 Cube, and fellow debutant Colton Clarke posted a 16.00 single in his first 3x3x3 Cube attempt.

The triangular Pyraminx puzzle saw a remarkably tight finish at the conclusion of three competitive rounds among 37 entrants. Steven Wintringham captured the victory with a 2.31-second average and a best single of 1.85 seconds. Clem Tucker was separated by only a single hundredth of a second, finishing runner-up with a 2.32 average, while Parker Trager earned third place at 2.97 seconds. The slim margin highlighted the unforgiving nature of short-format sprint puzzles at this WCA competition.

Ethan Zhuang returned to the top of the podium in the 2x2x2 Cube, earning his second victory of Ocean State Cubikon 2024. Zhuang averaged 1.51 seconds in the finals to lead Ethan Mai, who took second with 1.80, and Levi Gibson, who finished third with 1.85. The rapid-fire format tested explosive turning speeds, with Zhuang also securing the event best single of 1.31 seconds across the two rounds of competition.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube event drew 45 competitors through three rounds of speed cubing action. Aaron Jake Wong delivered consistent sub-seven turning to secure first place with a 6.99 average and a 6.29 single. Parker Trager followed in second with a 7.64 average, while Levi Gibson rounded out the podium at 8.54. The official 3x3 results served as a fitting culmination to a diverse schedule, rounding out an eventful tournament in Wakefield that celebrated puzzle diversity across all disciplines.