Unorthodox Blocks CO 2 2024

A blistering 0.98 single solve on the 2x2x2 Cube by Raymos Castillo set an intense tone at Unorthodox Blocks CO 2 2024, proving how precise and razor thin the margins can be on the competition table. Held on November 23, 2024, at Douglas County Libraries - Parker, the one-day gathering drew 48 competitors to Parker, Colorado, USA. Across two fast-paced events, solvers traded turns in an environment where every fraction of a second demanded absolute clarity and unwavering focus.

While blindfolded events traditionally epitomize the extreme concentration of the discipline through intense memorisation before execution, that same mental stamina was on full display in the shorter disciplines throughout the competition. Speedcubing at this level requires competitors to visualize rotations and eliminate hesitation in an instant. The focused atmosphere inside the Parker venue reflected the steady nerves needed across every solve, from the quick bursts of the 2x2x2 Cube to the strategic depths of the standard Rubik's Cube.

In the flagship 3x3x3 Cube event, Kaemon Vita produced consistent excellence across the single round to capture first place with a winning average of 8.42 seconds and a best single time of 7.07 seconds. The 3x3 results remained competitive right down to the final solves, as Raymos Castillo took second place with an average of 8.50 seconds. Jack Roe rounded out the podium in third place with an average of 9.08 seconds, closing out a high-caliber round among the 48 entrants in the event.

The 2x2x2 Cube event saw Bryan B. Conrrado take the top spot on the podium after putting together a winning average of 2.13 seconds, bolstered by a best single of 1.85 seconds. Kaemon Vita followed closely in second place with an average of 2.88 seconds and a single of 1.76 seconds, while Raymos Castillo secured third place with an average of 3.20 seconds alongside his sub-one-second single. All three podium spots across both disciplines went to competitors representing the United States.

The depth of the field at Unorthodox Blocks CO 2 2024 was marked by numerous competitors achieving significant breakthroughs. Abigale Stickler dropped her 2x2x2 personal best down to 2.50 seconds, which was 80.7 percent faster than her previous mark, while also recording a personal best of 37.23 seconds in the 3x3x3 Cube. Connor Newcomb delivered a massive improvement in the 2x2x2 Cube with a personal best of 1.74 seconds, 76.1 percent faster than before. Colton Nance took on both disciplines and registered a 2x2x2 personal best of 6.29 seconds, a 64.1 percent drop, alongside a 29.76 personal best in the 3x3x3. Edward Shen also logged major gains, earning a 2x2x2 personal best of 4.00 seconds, which was 44.7 percent faster, and a 3x3x3 personal best of 33.96 seconds.

Other competitors made their marks through personal bests and event debuts at this WCA competition. Jameson Jensen secured a 3x3x3 personal best of 12.16 seconds, cutting 47.6 percent off his previous record. Abraham C. Turner took on his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with a time of 24.33 seconds and improved his 3x3x3 mark to 59.44 seconds. Corbin Curtis Younker notched a 2x2x2 personal best of 2.39 seconds, an improvement of 37.8 percent, and JP Grace similarly took 37.8 percent off his 2x2x2 record by posting an 8.90 personal best.

First-time participants also stepped onto the official floor in Parker, Colorado, USA, to post their inaugural marks in competitive speed cubing. Will Minnig completed his first official attempts with times of 8.05 seconds in 2x2x2 and 30.68 seconds in 3x3x3. Lucas French recorded an opening 3x3x3 mark of 27.22 seconds and a 2x2x2 solve of 9.71 seconds. Parker Humphreys finished his first attempts with 1:02.19 in 3x3x3 and 17.40 seconds in 2x2x2, while Nirobhro Neel Iqbal notched debut times of 55.56 seconds and 16.94 seconds across the two formats.

With 48 competitors and two rounds completed in a single action-packed day, Unorthodox Blocks CO 2 2024 highlighted the technical skill and sharp discipline present across the Colorado scene. Solvers navigated tight margins, new personal bests, and competitive podium races from start to finish. As the 2024 season continues, the performances across both events demonstrated the steady progress of new and returning competitors at every tier of the cubing competition circuit.