UNSA Speedcubing Pre-Nationals 2023

Inside the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, the clatter of turning plastic filled the air before a single timer started. Puzzles of all shapes and sizes sat on the competition tables, waiting for the 104 registered competitors to take their seats. It was June 24, 2023, and the speedcubing community had gathered in Arequipa, Peru, for a one-day test of skill across a wide range of events. From the standard three-layered cube to more complex challenges, the schedule demanded versatility. This cubing competition, officially named UNSA Speedcubing Pre-Nationals 2023, offered six different events over twelve rounds of play, challenging attendees to adapt their techniques and problem-solving strategies throughout the day.

The 3x3x3 Cube remained the centrepiece, testing the core fundamentals of speed cubing. Edson Bryan Béjar Román emerged victorious in this premier event, securing the win with a winning average of 8.20 seconds and a best single of 7.29 seconds. The 3x3 results showed Nathaniel Zakhor taking second place with an average of 9.97, while Leithian Riggenbach claimed third with 11.34. The event drew the entire field of 104 competitors over three rounds, highlighting the enduring popularity of the classic Rubik's Cube. Béjar Román demonstrated consistent execution across his solves, cementing his position at the top of the podium in the most heavily contested event of the day.

Beyond the classic cube, the competition featured a variety of other puzzles. In the 2x2x2 Cube, Marcelo Omar Quispe Cutipa took first place with a winning average of 3.61 seconds and a best single of 2.43 seconds, followed by Ramiro Merino Muñoz and Paúl Alexis Urrutia Turpo. The Pyraminx event, a tetrahedron-shaped puzzle, was won by Leithian Riggenbach with an average of 5.10 seconds and a best single of 3.45 seconds. These events, requiring different algorithms and turning styles, showcased the breadth of talent in the field. Urrutia Turpo also set notable times in the early rounds of the 2x2x2 Cube, contributing to the competitive atmosphere of the WCA competition.

Edson Bryan Béjar Román continued his strong performance by winning two additional events. In the 4x4x4 Cube, he achieved a winning average of 35.47 seconds and a best single of 32.32 seconds, outpacing Fernando Ticona and Pedro Luis Mamani Suclla. He also dominated the 3x3x3 One-Handed event, finishing first with an average of 13.04 seconds and a best single of 12.40 seconds. The ability to excel across multiple puzzle types, from the larger 4x4x4 to the single-handed challenge, highlights the comprehensive skill set required to be a top contender at UNSA Speedcubing Pre-Nationals 2023.

Further down the standings, the weekend was defined by substantial personal achievements. Bruno Ramiro Huamaní Huallpachoque made his first ever attempt at Pyraminx, logging a time of 12.27, and improved his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 46.5 percent down to 25.26. Luis Yoseph Alaya Lázaro took on three events, recording his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with 4.63, while his 4x4x4 Cube personal best dropped 29.6 percent to 1:06.85. Matías Benavente entered five events, achieving a best finish of fifth in the 2x2x2 Cube and dropping his personal best in that event by 43.6 percent to 2.88, alongside first ever attempts at 4x4x4 Cube and 3x3x3 One-Handed. Luis Fernando Ymata Canchary also tackled five events, improving his 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 42.3 percent to 3.02.

The determination to conquer new challenges was a common theme. Ruben Rivera Cáceres made his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with a time of 15.30, and saw his 3x3x3 Cube personal best improve by 33.3 percent to 37.87. Moisés Adriano Alaya Lázaro also debuted in the 2x2x2 Cube with 9.63, while lowering his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 25.6 percent to 21.52. Yoseppi Manuel Pérez Sulla recorded his first ever attempt at 2x2x2 Cube with 2.89 and improved his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 23.1 percent to 12.22. Mauricio Montes joined the group debuting in the 2x2x2 Cube with 9.41, and improved his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 18.1 percent down to 26.14.

The 3x3x3 Blindfolded event presented a unique test of memory and spatial awareness. Jael Riggenbach won the event with a best single of 1:03.42, navigating the sole round of competition successfully. Helar Gomez Chalco secured second place with 2:08.02, while Natán Riggenbach rounded out the podium with a time of 2:51.49. Blindfolded solving requires competitors to memorize the puzzle's state before donning a blindfold and executing the solution entirely from memory, adding a layer of cognitive difficulty distinct from the purely speed-focused events.

By the end of the day, all 18 podium places were claimed by competitors from Peru, reflecting the strength of the local talent pool. With 104 competitors taking part across the six events, the 2023 edition in Arequipa successfully showcased the variety inherent in modern puzzle solving. From the rapid execution of the 2x2x2 to the deliberate memorization of the blindfolded event, the competition tested every aspect of a speedcuber's repertoire. The gathering served as a comprehensive display of skill, setting a high standard for future regional events.