Quabbin Newcomers 2024

A razor-thin margin of one hundredth of a second decided the premier event as the spring calendar hit high gear in Massachusetts. Derek White delivered a winning 7.95 average to hold off Ethan Zhuang by the narrowest possible separation in the 3x3x3 Cube final. That dramatic duel crowned a packed schedule of action as 91 competitors gathered to contest 12 rounds across five distinct disciplines. Held at Quabbin Regional High School, the single-day gathering provided an early-year snapshot of regional talent sharpening their form for the busy months ahead.

The 2024 campaign in New England continued to build momentum on March 30, 2024, at Quabbin Newcomers 2024 in Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Early-season fixtures often establish the competitive hierarchy for the year, and this cubing competition served as an ideal platform for both seasoned veterans and rising talents. With a diverse five-event lineup ranging from the standard Rubik's Cube to specialized twisty puzzles, every competitor found an opportunity to test their preparations in a serious tournament environment.

Derek White emerged as the standout performer of the day, securing two individual victories. Beyond his tight triumph in the 3x3x3 Cube, White captured the 4x4x4 Cube title with a 33.01 average and a top single of 31.57 across two rounds that featured 47 competitors. Curtis Chai took second place in that event with a 35.69 mark, while Margot Audero claimed third on a 36.99 average. White also found the podium in Skewb, taking the runner-up spot behind Saisabari Ramesh, completing an exceptional day across multiple categories.

The 2x2x2 Cube final delivered matching headline averages at the top of the standings. Ethan Zhuang took first place with a 1.76 average, edging Quinn Maloney, who posted an identical 1.76 mark in the final round. Chai joined them on the podium in third with a 2.09 average. The tournament also featured remarkable early-round speed cubing, highlighted by Zhuang turning in a blistering 0.95 single and a 1.41 average, while Maloney logged a 1.09 single and a 1.55 average during the three-round contest of 83 participants.

In the specialty categories, Curtis Chai set the pace in Pyraminx to claim victory among 73 competitors. Chai registered a 4.02 winning average and a 2.65 single, narrowly edging Maloney, who finished second with 4.09, and Levi Gibson, who secured third at 4.16. Meanwhile, the Skewb final belonged to Saisabari Ramesh, who navigated a field of 55 solvers to take first place with a 3.60 average and a 2.55 best single. Derek White finished second with 3.91, and Zachary Miller earned third with 3.99.

Away from the top of the podium, several competitors made substantial progress at Quabbin Newcomers 2024. James Morrison lowered his 2x2x2 Cube personal best to 6.28 seconds, cutting 60.4 percent off his prior 15.84 mark, while also posting a 31.51 in the 3x3x3 Cube and making a first ever attempt at Skewb with a 22.06. Liam J. Meredith took on all five events, improving his 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 52.6 percent down to 3.24 seconds, lowering his 3x3x3 mark to 20.16, and recording a first attempt at Skewb at 22.85. Thomas White tackled five events and dropped his 2x2x2 best by 51.7 percent to 2.79, alongside a 1:10.56 personal best in the 4x4x4 Cube and a 13.85 in 3x3x3. Asher Jiang shaved 49 percent off his Skewb personal best with a 16.97 and achieved a 5.00 personal best in 2x2x2.

Major individual milestones defined the experience for many others at Quabbin Newcomers 2024. Jake Santimore dropped his 3x3x3 Cube mark by 44.7 percent to 33.65 seconds, down from 1:00.88, while also recording his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with 13.33 and Pyraminx with 15.93. Adrian Chang improved his 4x4x4 Cube best by 35.7 percent to 1:22.93, lowered his 3x3x3 best to 16.12, and completed a first attempt at Skewb in 12.84. Henry Thrasher finished fifth in 4x4x4 Cube with a personal best of 36.83, a 19.6 percent drop, while taking his first crack at Skewb in 8.02 seconds. Silas Kinney stepped onto the stage for their first WCA competition, taking on all five events and logging initial marks including a 4.04 in 2x2x2, a 10.90 in Pyraminx, and a 1:36.10 in 4x4x4.

The 3x3 results underlined the exceptional depth across the region, with Sam Cooperman rounding out the main podium behind White and Zhuang with an 8.26 average. Across all twelve rounds of speedcubing, the gathering highlighted how early-season momentum can shape competitor trajectories. As the calendar shifts deeper into the competitive year, the accomplishments logged in Barre provide a sturdy foundation for the season ahead.