Utah Puzzling for Awareness 2024

Eric Pesci delivered a dominant masterclass at the Cache County Event Center, sweeping three separate titles to headline Utah Puzzling for Awareness 2024. The seasoned competitor asserted control early and never let go, taking first place in the 3x3x3 Cube, 4x4x4 Cube, and 5x5x5 Cube. Across 11 rounds of action in Logan, Utah, USA on April 13, 2024, the gathering drew 80 competitors for a packed single-day programme. Pesci provided the defining performance of the tournament, showcasing the composure and technical execution typical of experienced hands at this level.

The classic Rubik's Cube drew a field of 77 solvers across three rounds of intense speedcubing. In the final, Pesci secured the title with an average of 8.76 seconds, backed by a best single solve of 6.45 seconds earlier in the event. Canyon Pettitt claimed the second step on the podium with a 9.06 average, while Skye Bateman completed the top three with an average of 9.34. The depth of the 3x3 results was evident throughout the day, as competitors traded low times round after round.

Big cubes provided the stage for Pesci to extend his commanding run. In the 4x4x4 Cube final, which saw 46 competitors whittled down over two rounds, Pesci took the win with a 35.57 average and a best single of 33.13. Canyon Pettitt finished runner-up at 38.25, while Brendan Bakker placed third with a 40.00 average. The competition on the larger puzzles demonstrated precision and stamina across demanding multi-stage solves.

That form carried directly into the 5x5x5 Cube, where Pesci completed his triple crown against 33 entrants. A winning average of 1:03.95 and a blistering single of 54.81 sealed top honours over two rounds. Brendan Bakker took second place with an average of 1:12.07, narrowly outpacing Canyon Pettitt, who locked up third place with a 1:13.75 average. Across both big-cube disciplines, Pesci set a standard that remained unmatched throughout the afternoon.

Side events brought variety and sharp finishes to the Logan venue. Canyon Pettitt captured the Pyraminx title ahead of 60 competitors across two rounds, delivering a winning average of 3.03 seconds and a best single of 2.59. Corbin Rodriguez took second place with a 3.76 average, followed by Colin Barney in third at 4.20. In Clock, Wilson Hettinger won across two rounds of 31 solvers, recording a 5.17 average and a 4.76 single, while Pettitt placed second at 6.35 and Jonah Pace took third at 8.60.

Away from the top of the standings, the tournament was defined by personal breakthroughs and ambitious debuts. Alan Fife produced a massive leap in Clock, clocking a personal best of 8.79 seconds to cut 62.7 percent off his previous benchmark. Ben Wichser tackled four disciplines and notched two substantial milestones, posting a 5x5x5 Cube best of 2:34.78 for a 46 percent improvement alongside a 1:32.44 in the 4x4x4 Cube that was 23.3 percent faster. Eames Nay entered five events, recording a first official attempt at Clock of 13.06 while dropping his 4x4x4 Cube personal best by 30 percent to 57.30 and his 5x5x5 Cube mark by 24.4 percent to 2:08.46. Caelan Pike Meter made a first appearance in Pyraminx with an 8.63 while trimming his 5x5x5 Cube best by 10.5 percent down to 1:39.20.

The scorecards showed solvers branching out across the schedule with equal ambition. Zekiel Wong took on all five disciplines, logging first official attempts in 5x5x5 Cube at 3:29.22, Clock at 21.56, and Pyraminx at 7.41. Logan James Rooney competed in four events, recording first marks of 3:23.21 in 5x5x5 Cube, 55.09 in 4x4x4 Cube, and 6.08 in Pyraminx. Benjamin Whitehead also tackled four events, setting debut marks in 4x4x4 Cube at 1:15.34, Pyraminx at 9.33, and 5x5x5 Cube at 2:57.91. Taylor Black contested their first WCA competition, entering four events and registering opening marks of 49.09 in 4x4x4 Cube, 7.69 in Pyraminx, and 9.99 in the 3x3x3 Cube.

With all 15 podium places earned by competitors from the United States, Utah Puzzling for Awareness 2024 served as a vibrant showcase of regional speed cubing skill. The 2024 cubing competition proved how deep the field runs across five distinct puzzles, pairing established winners with emerging solvers expanding their range. As the tournament concluded, the focus shifted naturally toward the next season of competition and the ongoing pursuit of faster times.

Every round delivered sharp execution, from the foundational 3x3x3 Cube to specialized hardware disciplines. The smooth progression of eleven rounds across eighty entrants highlighted the collective strength of the community assembled in Cache County. Whether logging a first attempt at an unfamiliar puzzle or sealing three event victories in a single afternoon, solvers left their mark on the Logan tables.