Rapidly Grand 2023

Inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport, the distinctive clack of plastic layers turning at full speed filled the tournament hall as competitors took their stations. Stopwatches reset, judges held inspection covers ready, and scorecards were stamped in steady succession. A busy schedule of five events across ten rounds set a purposeful tempo for the gathering in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. For several dozen solvers, the single-day competition on September 10, 2023 offered an arena to measure months of private practice against the strict regulations of the official circuit.

The atmosphere of a speedcubing meet often belongs to those stepping onto the stage for the first time. Stepping into a WCA competition brings an entirely new rhythm: standing behind the judging table, watching the timer illuminate green, and managing nerves through each turn. At Rapidly Grand 2023, a total of 74 competitors came together to test their skills across different puzzles, from the standard twisty puzzles to polyhedral challenges. Whether chasing a championship or simply completing a first official solve, each participant contributed to the energy of the room.

A major contingent of developing solvers delivered remarkable breakthroughs throughout the day. August Ridley entered four events and made an impact across multiple disciplines, recording a first official attempt of 1:01.33 in 4x4x4 Cube and an initial Megaminx solve of 1:29.30, while also earning nineteenth place in Megaminx. August Ridley also shattered a previous Pyraminx personal best with a 2.28 single, which was 76.2 percent faster than before. Ali Chehab logged three events and made a massive leap on Pyraminx, dropping their personal best to 4.04, an improvement of 67.9 percent. Leah Riley took on two events, registering a first Pyraminx mark of 13.96 and taking 32.8 percent off their 3x3x3 Cube personal best with a 33.97 finish.

Other competitors marked significant milestones across varied puzzles during the tournament. Zachary Shepherd entered five events, recording personal bests of 1:49.43 in Megaminx (48.7 percent faster), 1:07.44 in 4x4x4 Cube, and 15.23 in 3x3x3 Cube, alongside a twenty-seventh-place finish in Megaminx. Bronson Tracy logged three events, trying 4x4x4 Cube for the first time with a 2:11.80 while securing an 8.47 Pyraminx personal best. Josh Chapman trimmed their Pyraminx best down to 4.67 (44.9 percent faster) and their 3x3x3 Cube mark to 13.63. Debuts were equally sharp: Ryan Grevengoed completed four events at their first official meet, logging first-time results of 10.94 in Pyraminx, 18.50 in 3x3x3 Cube, and 1:30.64 in 4x4x4 Cube. Christian Jacques also attended their first competition, putting up initial marks of 1:18.60 in 4x4x4 Cube, 14.79 in 3x3x3 Cube, and 6.60 in Pyraminx.

At the front of the pack, the classic Rubik's Cube drew a field of 73 entrants through three full stages of play. Luke Garrett set the standard across the event, claiming the title with a winning average of 6.04 in the final, punctuated by an earlier best single of 4.67 and another fast attempt of 5.46. Brian Johnson finished as the runner-up with a 6.48 average, having registered a 5.65 single and a 6.08 average in prior rounds. Zeke Mackay took third place on the podium with an average of 6.63, supported by a rapid 5.66 single. The final 3x3 results confirmed the depth of talent competing at the highest level in Michigan.

Luke Garrett continued to dominate proceedings by capturing top honours in two additional categories at Rapidly Grand 2023. In the 4x4x4 Cube, Garrett secured first place among 54 competitors with a decisive average of 27.03 and a best single of 23.98. Brian Johnson claimed second place with a 29.14 average, while Zeke Mackay locked down third place with a mark of 30.19. The dodecahedral Megaminx event saw 37 entrants, where Garrett completed a personal sweep by taking the title with a 41.11 average and a 39.91 single, finishing ahead of Johnson's 46.50 and Carter Kucala's 49.74.

The triangular Pyraminx puzzle brought together 67 competitors across two rounds of speed cubing action. Ezra Shere produced a commanding performance to take victory, logging an average of 1.54 and an event-leading single of 1.33. Harsha Paladugu earned the silver step on the podium with an average of 2.08, followed closely by Luke Garrett, who added a third-place finish to his tally with a 2.39 average. The brisk, decisive turns on the Pyraminx kept the pace brisk as rounds advanced toward the podium deciders.

The Square-1 competition rounded out the programme with 32 entrants tackling the shape-shifting puzzle across two rounds. Brian Johnson captured the gold medal by posting a winning average of 7.71 and a best single of 7.30. Chris Chi secured the second spot on the podium with an 8.29 average, while Ivan Vanek took third place with an average of 8.74. With all fifteen podium places claimed by United States competitors, the event closed out a full day of racing in Grand Rapids.

As the timers were packed away and results finalised, Rapidly Grand 2023 highlighted both seasoned precision and the spirit of newcomers venturing into competitive solving. From initial solves to podium averages, the day captured the varied pursuits that define a full cubing competition. The participants now look forward to carrying their new benchmarks and competition experience into the next season of tournament play.