Southern Utah Summer 2023

Eric Pesci set the standard in St. George, Utah, USA on May 27, 2023, delivering a commanding 8.20 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube to anchor a weekend of remarkable speed. The Dixie Convention Center served as the backdrop for the single-day gathering, drawing a vibrant field of 85 competitors across five distinct events. Pesci managed to hold off stiff opposition throughout two rounds of classic speedcubing action, posting a best single solve of 7.56 on his way to securing the marquee title.

The 3x3 results formed only one part of Pesci's dominant run at Southern Utah Summer 2023. At the 2x2x2 Cube tables, he once again set the pace, topping a field of 71 entrants with a 2.26 final average and a lightning single of 1.65. His dual victories underscored an exceptional level of consistency, claiming two top steps on the podium in the premier twisting puzzle disciplines and dictating the competitive momentum across all nine rounds scheduled for the tournament.

Dan Tran provided fierce competition in both short-format events, claiming the runner-up spot in 2x2x2 with a 2.47 average and second place in 3x3x3 with an 8.49 mark. Tran found his own championship breakthrough in the 3x3x3 One-Handed event, navigating a field of 46 entrants across two rounds. Tran posted a 12.38 winning average, highlighted by an impressive 10.97 single solve, leaving Isaac Myers in second at 14.94 and Canyon Pettitt in third at 15.26.

Canyon Pettitt enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign of his own, collecting three top-three finishes over the course of the day. In addition to taking third place in the main 3x3x3 Cube and third in One-Handed, Pettitt dominated the 65-competitor Pyraminx bracket. He took the Pyraminx victory with a swift 3.83 average, anchored by a best single effort of 3.59. Preston Schwartz followed closely behind with a 4.18 average for second, while Jaden Thompson secured third place with 4.69.

In the technical discipline of 3x3x3 Blindfolded, Bradley Sampson demonstrated mastery under memory pressure across two rounds of play. Solving without visual feedback requires intricate memorisation and precise execution, and Sampson delivered the fastest successful attempt of the 18 competitors with a single time of 1:26.18. Ty Baird claimed second place with a mark of 1:31.94, while Max Fairbanks rounded out the podium at 1:49.17.

Away from the top steps of the podium, the Dixie Convention Center floor was filled with breakthrough moments from competitors making major statistical strides. Kezman Jensen cut huge margins across multiple disciplines, reducing their 3x3x3 One-Handed mark to 22.80 for a 71 percent improvement and shaving their 3x3x3 Cube best by 36.6 percent down to 10.00. Evan Javage dropped their 2x2x2 Cube best by 69.3 percent down to 4.43 and improved their Pyraminx best by 43.7 percent to 11.78. Jensen Robison trimmed 43.7 percent from their 2x2x2 Cube best with a 3.29 solve while also recording a 10.12 in their first ever attempt at Pyraminx. Carter Champagne dropped their 2x2x2 Cube mark by 39.8 percent to 4.49 and also logged a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed with 45.23.

Fresh faces and expansive event schedules brought additional energy to the WCA competition. Ayden A. Luistro took on four events, completing their first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 6.91 and their first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed in 35.60 while securing a 25th place Pyraminx finish. Jason James Brunson lowered their 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 27.2 percent to 2.52 and logged their first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed with 21.45. First-time tournament entrants also made immediate marks, as Alex Nielsen tackled five events including a 22.47 initial Rubik's Cube solve, and Jace Mende debuted across four events, logging an initial Pyraminx solve of 8.34 alongside a 3.07 2x2x2 single.

All fifteen podium positions across the tournament went to competitors representing the USA, reflecting deep regional talent in the speed cubing scene. The fast-paced, nine-round schedule offered non-stop action from the morning heats to the evening finals. Between the multi-event triumphs of established contenders and the rapid progress of newcomers, Southern Utah Summer 2023 offered a complete showcase of precision solving as the community looks forward to the next season.

The 2023 event served as a testament to the growth of speedcubing in the region, offering a balanced mix of rapid solves, technical blindfold puzzles, and specialized side events. As the competitors packed up their gear in St. George, the standard for regional excellence was set high, with Pesci's twin titles headlining an unforgettable day at the tables.