Utah Summer Side Events B 2023

A blistering 8.46-second winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube by Eric Pesci set the pace at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, punctuating a dynamic day of competition. Hosted on July 1, 2023, Utah Summer Side Events B 2023 brought together 134 competitors in Ogden, Utah, USA for a packed single-day gathering. Speedcubing enthusiasts gathered to test their skills across 12 total rounds, and the atmosphere provided the ultimate introduction for newcomers taking their initial strides on the official stage.

Stepping into a WCA competition for the first time or taking on new disciplines carries a distinct kind of energy. Beginners and developing solvers found themselves sitting at the official stations, facing timers with judges monitoring every turn. For many in the room, navigating the schedule of this cubing competition was an exhilarating trial of nerve and focus. While experienced contenders pursued top honours, the sheer joy of logging verified marks under standard tournament regulations defined the heart of the event.

The broader field delivered compelling stories of progress and determination across five different disciplines. Coleman Kendall made a notable leap in the main event, securing a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 17.05 seconds, which was 59.1 percent faster than his previous best, alongside a 10.69-second Pyraminx personal best that improved by 40.6 percent and a first ever attempt at Skewb at 12.76 seconds. Landon Potter took on 5 events, recording a first ever attempt at 4x4x4 Cube of 1:11.24, dropping his Skewb mark to 7.84 seconds for a 58 percent improvement, and achieving a 9th place finish in Pyraminx. Grayson Harker contested 4 events, placing 10th in Pyraminx with a first ever attempt of 5.37 seconds, taking a first try at Skewb in 11.31 seconds, and cutting his 2x2x2 Cube mark by 41.6 percent to 2.11 seconds. Cache Oldham entered 5 events, completing a first attempt at 4x4x4 Cube in 2:00.39, while dropping his Skewb personal best by 43.2 percent to 8.30 seconds and his Pyraminx time by 36.2 percent to 11.64 seconds.

Equally impressive strides unfolded throughout the venue as other competitors logged major personal benchmarks. Laird Paskett tackled 5 events, logging a first ever attempt at 4x4x4 Cube of 1:05.51 and cutting 45.7 percent off his Skewb mark down to 4.51 seconds. James Travis Holt completed 5 events, delivering a first ever attempt at Pyraminx of 5.95 seconds, a 42.8 percent Skewb personal best of 7.49 seconds, and a 30.3 percent improvement in the 3x3x3 Cube to 20.82 seconds. Lincoln Sevy took on 5 events, setting a first ever attempt at 4x4x4 Cube of 1:51.15, an 11.87-second debut in Pyraminx, and a 38.7 percent 2x2x2 Cube improvement to 4.47 seconds. Evan Schmidt rounded out a solid four-event slate by logging a first attempt in Pyraminx at 13.93 seconds, an initial Skewb try of 17.06 seconds, and a 22 percent personal best in 2x2x2 Cube of 7.92 seconds.

At the top of the standings, the battle for hardware produced outstanding performances across every puzzle category. Alongside his triumph in the classic Rubik's Cube, Eric Pesci captured top spot in the 4x4x4 Cube with a winning average of 35.72 seconds, backed by a best single of 31.17 seconds. Peter Augustine claimed second place in the 4x4x4 Cube with a 39.69 average, while Jacob Levie completed the podium in 44.57 seconds. Pesci also earned podium spots with second place in the 2x2x2 Cube and Pyraminx, alongside a third-place finish in Skewb.

The shorter events yielded tight finishes across both preliminary heats and finals. In the 2x2x2 Cube, Peter Augustine secured the victory with a 2.26 average over 117 entrants, posting a best single solve of 1.87 seconds. Pesci followed in second place at 2.83 seconds, while Hudson Rockwell Bertola claimed third with a 3.57 average. Over in the Skewb final, Jacob Levie stood atop the podium with a 2.75 average, followed by Ace Schembri at 3.83 seconds and Pesci at 6.01 seconds.

Levie doubled his title count in the Pyraminx, navigating two rounds among 94 competitors to win with a 4.99 average and a best single of 4.56 seconds. Pesci took second with an average of 5.20 seconds, and Augustine joined the podium in third with 5.61 seconds. The premier event drew 125 entrants, and the final 3x3 results saw Pesci victorious over Levie, who averaged 10.06 seconds for second place, and Trenton Nelson, who secured third with a 10.34 average. Across all five disciplines, representatives of the United States swept all 15 available podium places.

The action at Utah Summer Side Events B 2023 highlighted how a single day can bridge the gap between seasoned championship contenders and emerging talent. With side events sharing the spotlight, competitors of every background found opportunities to establish new personal standards. As the 2023 calendar progresses, the speed cubing community in the region carries forward the momentum built from a memorable day of racing against the clock.