The Last Game EC 2024

Santiago David Ulcuango Romero delivered the standout performance of the weekend in Quito, Ecuador, capturing the 3x3x3 One-Handed title with a decisive 16.76 average and a best single solve of 15.51. Managing turning speed and ergonomic table placement with only five fingers demands exceptional fingertrick control, and the one-handed final tested that discipline to the fullest. Anthony Gerard Álvarez Ludeña secured the runner-up spot with a 19.50 average, while Josué Ordóñez rounded out the podium at 24.18 across two rounds of intense one-handed action.

Held on December 21, 2024, at Salón de eventos, The Last Game EC 2024 brought together 56 competitors across five official disciplines and nine rounds. Speedcubing enthusiasts gathered for this WCA competition to test their dexterity across multiple formats, from classic three-layered challenges to fast-paced mini puzzles. The one-day cubing competition served as a dynamic platform for both seasoned veterans and rising talents seeking new benchmarks before the 2024 season came to a close.

Beyond his strong showing in the single-hand category, Anthony Gerard Álvarez Ludeña established himself as the most decorated solver at the meet. In the standard Rubik's Cube event, Álvarez Ludeña claimed the gold medal with a winning average of 9.73 over three rounds of 54 competitors, posting a best single of 8.73 along the way. Ulcuango Romero secured silver with an average of 12.01, and Sebastián Joel Herrera Manangon took bronze at 12.16 in a tightly contested top three.

Álvarez Ludeña extended his winning run across two additional events during the weekend. In the 2x2x2 Cube, he topped the 34-competitor field with a rapid 2.50 average and a single of 1.80, finishing ahead of Raúl Gómez and Emilio Andre Garzón Labre, who both logged 2.92 averages. Álvarez Ludeña also took the 4x4x4 Cube title with an average of 37.42 and a single of 32.81, beating Ariel Vacacela, who took second with 40.80, and Ulcuango Romero, who placed third with 47.01.

The Pyraminx bracket produced another exciting conclusion, won by Santiago Vacacela with an average of 5.81 and a single solve of 4.87 among 26 competitors. Juan Andrés Reyes Espinoza followed closely in second place with an average of 6.40, while Álvarez Ludeña collected another medal by earning third place with 6.44. Across every event held during the competition, all fifteen podium spots went to solvers representing Ecuador.

Away from the top of the podium, numerous competitors delivered massive personal breakthroughs and tackled new disciplines on the tournament stage. David Miranda cut his 3x3x3 One-Handed personal record down to 40.92, an improvement of 50.9 percent compared to his previous mark of 1:23.35. Luis Sigcho reduced his 2x2x2 Cube best to 1.93, slicing 49.1 percent off his prior time of 3.79, while Israel Roman Asquel Guamàn advanced his 4x4x4 Cube best to 1:20.00, running 48 percent faster than before. Juan Guillermo Freile Navas made a substantial leap in the 2x2x2 Cube with a 7.99 single, improving by 41.1 percent.

Several solvers also expanded their competitive range by registering their first official attempts across multiple puzzles. Mateo David Vergara Baño improved his standard three-by-three personal best by 37.7 percent to 12.35. Dario Matias Estrada Loor took on five events, earning eighth in the 4x4x4 Cube while recording a 25.07 single in his first 3x3x3 One-Handed round and a 6.48 mark in his first Pyraminx solve. Jordan Zuña also tackled five events, finishing seventh in the 4x4x4 Cube and notching a 14.63 in his first Pyraminx attempt alongside personal bests in two other disciplines. Bryan Geovany Tapia Rodríguez placed tenth in the main puzzle while posting an 11.49 single, 31.1 percent faster than his previous best, in addition to a first-ever one-handed attempt of 27.07.

The 3x3 results across the weekend highlighted the growing depth of speed cubing talent in Quito. From the technical requirements of the one-handed format to the rapid rotations of the shorter rounds, The Last Game EC 2024 delivered an engaging showcase of precision and speed. With dozens of individual records and milestones recorded in the books, the athletes closed out the year with strong momentum heading toward the upcoming calendar.