Reno Mini Spring 2024

Michael Larsen delivered an exceptional 8.07 second winning average on the 3x3x3 Cube to anchor a fast-paced day of action at the University of Nevada, Reno. The collegiate hall provided a focused, vibrant atmosphere as 25 competitors gathered for Reno Mini Spring 2024 on May 4, 2024. Across seven intense rounds, the venue proved to be an ideal proving ground for both experienced speedcubers and eager newcomers looking to leave their mark.

The one-day WCA competition showcased four distinct events in Reno, Nevada, USA, spanning classic puzzles and technical disciplines. Speedcubing enthusiasts arrived ready to tackle everything from standard Rubik's Cube rounds to blindfolded solves requiring precise memorisation. The structured space within the university setting gave participants the room and rhythm needed to post top-tier marks on official timers.

Larsen proved to be the day's dominant presence, securing two event victories and a trio of podium finishes. In addition to his 3x3 results, which featured a rapid 6.06 single, Larsen captured the 4x4x4 Cube title with a 35.00 average, posting the day's fastest single in that discipline at 28.67. His consistent turning and smooth executions set a high benchmark across both multi-round bracket structures.

The 3x3x3 Cube final delivered tight margins, with Sebastian Stone securing second place on an 8.68 average and Jacob Vincent Vicente Mangosing completing the podium in third with a 9.73 mark. Stone also achieved the single fastest mark in the opening round with a 7.69. The depth of talent in the field kept the Reno, Nevada crowd fully engaged throughout the afternoon.

A major storyline at Reno Mini Spring 2024 belonged to the rising talent making measurable leaps on the scoresheets. Wyatt Park produced one of the sharpest drops of the weekend in the 4x4x4 Cube, setting a personal best of 1:20.26 to finish 17.6 percent faster than their previous mark of 1:37.43 across three events. Mason Forster also generated strong momentum, taking on three events and establishing a new 4x4x4 Cube personal best of 56.39 along with a 14.25 single in the 3x3x3 Cube. Gabriel Sianez demonstrated steady composure across three events, earning a 5th place finish in the Pyraminx final.

For several participants, the gathering served as a memorable introduction to competitive speed cubing. Ethan Chan took on four events in their first WCA competition, recording a best finish of 4th in 3x3x3 Blindfolded, alongside a 10.62 initial attempt on the 3x3x3 Cube and a 51.22 on the 4x4x4 Cube. Trevor Steuermann launched their competitive journey across three events, notching a 22.95 first attempt in the 3x3x3 Cube. Rylan Cierley also completed their inaugural three-event slate with an 18.54 opening solve on the main puzzle. Avery Lyons logged first-ever attempts in three events, opening with a 25.98 on the 3x3x3 Cube, while Quin Mueller tackled three events, posting an initial 21.06 single.

Pyraminx brought high-speed rotation and tactical precision to the floor as Sebastian Stone claimed the championship title with a 2.87 average, supported by a 2.47 single. Jason Ostdiek claimed second place with a 4.79 average, while Larsen rounded out the top three at 5.97. The triangular puzzle saw 21 competitors vie through two rounds of brisk competition.

The technical challenge of the 3x3x3 Blindfolded event rounded out the four-discipline slate at Reno Mini Spring 2024. Jason Ostdiek captured the victory among seven entrants with a clean single solve of 45.62 seconds. Jeremy Benik followed in second place with a 1:25.73 single, and Kenji Gipson-Nahman secured third with a time of 4:37.39. Benik also added a podium finish in the 4x4x4 Cube, taking third with a 45.27 average behind Larsen and runner-up Ostdiek at 38.53.

The successful conclusion of the 2024 gathering at the University of Nevada, Reno highlighted the ongoing vitality of the regional cubing competition scene. With 12 total podium finishes distributed among skilled local competitors and a wave of new competitors logging their first official times, Reno Mini Spring 2024 delivered a memorable and well-rounded day of sport.