Ōtepoti Big Cubes 2024

One hundred and twenty-five seconds can make or break an entire weekend when the format shifts to a mean-of-3. In long-format disciplines like the 6x6x6 and 7x7x7 Cubes, the standard average-of-five safety net vanishes entirely. Every single solve counts toward the final mark, meaning one locked layer, one parity hesitation, or a single misaligned face cannot be discarded. Across 24 rounds of intense speedcubing action, the pressure of flawless execution was on full display in Dunedin, New Zealand, where nineteen competitors gathered across June 15 and June 16.

The 2024 program at the Green Island Bowling Club leaned heavily into these demanding disciplines. In the 7x7x7 Cube final, Dwyane Ramos delivered a masterclass in pacing, capturing first place with a winning average of 2:32.71 alongside a best single of 2:24.91. James Dyer claimed the second step on the podium with a 2:42.03 average, while Henry Eyles finished third with a 3:11.64. The unforgiving three-solve structure meant that any slight stumble could derail an entire round, elevating every single turn into a high-stakes calculation.

That razor-thin margin for error continued in the 6x6x6 Cube, where Ramos secured another victory with a 1:33.62 mean. Eyles followed in second place with a 1:42.55 average, and Dyer locked up third place at 1:54.43. The six-layered puzzle presents immense physical and mental hurdles, especially under the mean-of-3 rule set where a single slip-up ruins an entire sequence. Ramos paired his average with the fastest single of the weekend in the event at 1:25.12, showing absolute control from start to finish.

The broader cubing competition expanded well beyond the largest puzzles, featuring 12 events that tested everything from quick-fire turning to multidimensional geometry. Ramos proved virtually unstoppable across the board, capturing top honors in the 5x5x5 Cube with a 49.94 average, ahead of Eyles at 57.14 and Dyer at 1:00.64. Ramos also claimed the 4x4x4 Cube crown in 29.26 seconds, besting Eyles at 33.98 and Dyer at 34.10, cementing an extraordinary run across every multidimensional puzzle on the schedule.

The classic 3x3x3 Cube delivered thrilling moments as well. Across three rounds, competitors chased top times, but Ramos set the standard with a 6.28 winning average and a single of 4.98 seconds to lead the 3x3 results. Eyles took the second podium spot with an 8.29 average, and Daniel Fraser secured third place at 10.65. The weekend offered the full spectrum of speed cubing, extending to Megaminx, Square-1, Pyraminx, Skewb, Clock, and 3x3x3 One-Handed, where Ramos took victory in each event.

Behind the top podium spots, several competitors delivered massive improvements that defined the heart of the tournament. Oscar Childs tackled all 12 events and sliced 49.3 percent off their Square-1 personal best with a 13.54, also earning a fourth-place finish. Cristian Nita posted a 21.97 in the Rubik's Cube, improving their personal best by 47.6 percent. Kian Jones achieved a 10.68 single on the 3x3x3 Cube for a 41.1 percent reduction, while also dropping substantial time on the 4x4x4 and 5x5x5 Cubes to take seventh in the main event. Rory Bailey dropped 23.3 percent in the 7x7x7 Cube with a 4:39.21 and took on Clock for the very first time with a 10.63 single.

New milestones arrived across the board for emerging talent. Thomas Clark completed their first official attempts in the 5x5x5 Cube with a 2:05.33 and Megaminx with a 2:31.71, while dropping their 3x3x3 One-Handed best by 12.7 percent to 39.20. Jacob Davey took on nine events, finishing fifth in the 2x2x2 Cube while logging debut marks in Pyraminx at 7.42, Skewb at 11.94, and the 7x7x7 Cube at 4:52.12. Sienna Childs and Dan Childs both stepped onto the stage for their very first WCA competition, recording initial 3x3x3 Cube times of 57.97 and 2:34.32 respectively.

The sole event to escape Ramos went to Henry Eyles in the 2x2x2 Cube. Eyles navigated two competitive rounds to secure first place with a 2.83 average, edging out Fraser at 3.27 and Dyer at 4.08. Across the 14 competitors in the event, fast single times flooded the scorecard, but Eyles maintained the composure needed to capture the top prize. Eyles also stood out with multiple runner-up finishes across the weekend, providing stiff competition across nearly every format.

When the final solves concluded at Ōtepoti Big Cubes 2024, the gathering in Dunedin highlighted both the punishing nature of mean-of-3 events and the depth of dedication across the local scene. From grueling big cube sessions to rapid sprint puzzles, the competitors embraced the pressure of every round. Ōtepoti Big Cubes 2024 provided a showcase of poise, technical precision, and enduring speed across two action-packed days.