Ohio State Duos II 2024

Nolan Wood delivered the defining performance of the day in Columbus, Ohio, USA, securing victory in 3x3x3 One-Handed with an average of 13.11 seconds after laying down a stunning 9.54 single. His decisive display set the standard for a competitive schedule that brought 21 competitors together under one roof. The specialized meet proved that top-tier single-handed control remains one of the most demanding disciplines in all of speedcubing, giving fans at the venue a showcase of precision solving from the very first turn.

Held on February 15, 2024, Ohio State Duos II 2024 focused entirely on a streamlined dual-event format across four intense rounds of play. The Ohio Union served as the battleground for the single-day gathering, testing competitors in both single-handed technique and big-cube execution. While standard Rubik's Cube variants were absent, the pressure on each solve was magnified across the compact schedule. Competitors had to adapt immediately to the rapid turnaround between rounds, making consistency the ultimate currency throughout the afternoon.

The 3x3x3 One-Handed final proved to be a nail-biter right down to the final solves. Mason Langenderfer mounted a fierce challenge for the top step of the podium, posting a 13.27 average to claim the silver medal just behind Wood. Jacob Dyland Bennett earned third place with a solid 14.46 average of his own. The depth of the field was on full display as all three podium finishers produced steady turn rates, navigating complex algorithm sets with one hand while the rest of the venue watched the decisive rounds unfold.

Big-cube enthusiasts found plenty of excitement in the 4x4x4 Cube contest, where Braden Richards claimed the gold medal with a winning average of 34.44 seconds. Richards also registered the best single time of the event at 30.84 seconds, establishing a commanding pace from the outset. Jack Bohning followed closely behind to capture second place with an average of 35.01 seconds, while Mason Langenderfer completed a productive weekend by earning his second podium finish of the meet with a 36.02 average for third place.

Beyond the championship battles, Ohio State Duos II 2024 highlighted massive individual milestones across the 21-person lineup. Carson Stewart generated the biggest leap of the meet in 3x3x3 One-Handed, dropping his personal best to 38.78 seconds—an improvement of 52.2 percent over his previous mark—while also logging his first ever attempt at 4x4x4 Cube with a 2:13.43 result. Michael Stoops showed major progress as well, slicing 39.2 percent off his one-handed best to finish with a 48.25. Deacon Ericson stepped onto the stage for their first WCA competition, entering two events and recording an initial one-handed mark of 26.43 alongside a 2:01.20 in the 4x4x4 Cube.

Fresh milestones continued through the rest of the ranks as seasoned speed cubing participants expanded their repertoires. Tony Pugh took on both events, recording a first ever attempt at 4x4x4 Cube in 1:39.49 and a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed in 1:31.76. Alex Thernes registered his first official 4x4x4 Cube attempt at 1:53.96 and improved his one-handed mark by 4.9 percent down to 31.17. Emery McFeeter conquered his first ever 4x4x4 Cube attempt in 59.69 seconds while cutting his one-handed best by 34.6 percent to 36.31. Clara Litman advanced to an 8th-place finish in one-handed with a 16.32 personal best, improving by 16.4 percent, while trimming 22.6 percent off her 4x4x4 Cube mark to 56.96. Ricky Wu rounded out the surge by achieving an 11th-place finish in one-handed with a 21.61 personal best, shaving 11.6 percent off his previous record.

The tournament stood out as a premier cubing competition for the Midwest circuit in 2024, demonstrating how specialized dual-event fixtures can bring out the absolute best in competitors. The United States swept all six available podium positions across the two disciplines, underlining the strength of regional talent. By pairing the fast-paced coordination of one-handed solving with the technical complexity of the 4x4x4 Cube, the event gave every entrant an opportunity to test their limits against tough benchmarks.

As the final timers were cleared at the Ohio Union, Ohio State Duos II 2024 concluded having delivered outstanding individual breakthroughs alongside world-class podium finishes. While traditional 3x3 results usually dominate the headlines, this focused clash rewarded athletes who mastered alternate styles of solving. With the competitive calendar moving forward, the marks set in Columbus will serve as prime motivation for competitors preparing for their next major season of speedcubing challenges.