Two FMC Ohio State 2024

Evan Brown put together a commanding victory in 3x3x3 Fewest Moves at Two FMC Ohio State 2024, locking down a winning average of 24.00 moves and a single of 22 to take the top spot on the podium. Held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University on December 8, 2024, the focused single-day cubing competition brought together 11 competitors for four rounds of action across two events. The gathering in Columbus, Ohio, USA, offered dedicated specialists a stage built specifically for technical problem solving and concentration.

Stepping into a WCA competition for the first time or testing uncharted events brings a special kind of tension. For newcomers and veterans alike tackling unfamiliar territory, the initial inspection and the ticking timer create an intense atmosphere. That drive to step outside familiar routines was on full display throughout the weekend, as solvers took their places to decipher scrambled layers and push beyond their comfort zones in front of judges and peers.

The 3x3x3 Blindfolded final provided gripping moments where pure spatial memory and execution decided the podium. Braden Richards captured first place with a winning single of 1:58.13. David Miguel-Santiago followed in second place with a single of 2:02.29, while Daichi Halphen claimed third with a mark of 2:10.89. In blindfold disciplines, competitor averages often finish as DNF due to unsolved attempts, putting all the weight onto securing a clean single solve.

Across the two rounds of blindfold solving, competitors pushed the boundaries of their speed cubing routines. In the earlier round, Braden Richards registered a best single of 1:31.06, David Miguel-Santiago turned in a 1:36.57 single, and Daichi Halphen recorded a 1:54.82. Zach Baruch also posted a single of 2:34.09 during the event, demonstrating the high-risk, high-reward nature of blindfolded Rubik's Cube solving in competitive environments.

The competition floor also saw remarkable personal breakthroughs and first-time ventures that defined the spirit of the day. Keenan Darkins took on the 3x3x3 Blindfolded event and achieved a massive personal best of 5:28.95, improving upon a previous best of 11:02.00 to finish 50.3% faster. In that same event, Elliott Perkins ventured into a first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Blindfolded, locking in a successful single of 3:03.82 to secure a 5th place finish.

Other dedicated competitors made their mark across the boards in Columbus. Jack Bohning tackled two events on the schedule, earning a best finish of 4th place in 3x3x3 Fewest Moves, while Chris Nankervis contested the 3x3x3 Blindfolded discipline and achieved a best finish of 4th place with a 5:54.14 single. These gritty performances highlighted the deep commitment of solvers pushing for milestones beyond the medal stand.

The 3x3x3 Fewest Moves contest rounded out the schedule at Two FMC Ohio State 2024 with tight battles behind Evan Brown. Zach Baruch claimed second place overall with a solid average of 31.33 moves, while Braden Richards earned his second podium finish of the day by placing third with an average of 31.67 moves. Elliott Perkins also found success in the event, logging a personal best single of 33 moves during the proceedings.

With all six podium places going to United States competitors, Two FMC Ohio State 2024 delivered high-level execution in disciplines that demand extraordinary patience and intellectual rigor. As the 2024 season progressed, the focused speedcubing meeting in Columbus proved that whether chasing sub-25 FMC marks or mastering blindfold memory, every competitor found room to grow.