UTN Open 2025

Seventy-four competitors gathered at the Universidad Técnica del Norte on July 12, 2025, bringing the intensity of a major speedcubing meet to Ibarra, Ecuador. For dozens of solvers taking their seats behind the official timers, the day represented a first step into the structured environment of a World Cube Association gathering. Stepping onto the stage of an official cubing competition transforms solitary practice into a shared trial, where nervous hands learn to navigate inspection timers, judges, and the rapid pace of tournament rounds.

Across nine rounds in six official disciplines, UTN Open 2025 showcased both seasoned brilliance and the initial breakthroughs of first-time entrants. The energy inside the Universidad Técnica del Norte halls proved how vibrant the speed cubing scene remains across the region in 2025. Whether tackling the classic Rubik's Cube or branching out into multi-layered puzzles and blindfolded solving, the participants turned a single-day schedule into a relentless showcase of focus.

At the front of the pack, Anthony Gerard Álvarez Ludeña put together a staggering display of versatility by winning four separate events. In the premier 3x3x3 Cube, Álvarez Ludeña topped the field through three rounds, securing the title with a 9.52-second average and a single solve of 8.48 seconds. Ariel Vacacela took second place with a 10.83-second mark, while Fabrizzio Alejandro Peñafiel Mena earned third on an 11.45 average, anchoring a high-standard set of 3x3 results.

Álvarez Ludeña carried that momentum into the heavier puzzles and specialized formats. He captured the 4x4x4 Cube crown with a winning average of 34.68 seconds and a best single solve of 31.25, finishing ahead of Ariel Vacacela and Luis Fernando Aldás Cuestas. In 3x3x3 One-Handed, Álvarez Ludeña secured gold with a 16.20 average, while Simon Poldi of the USA took second in 21.69 and Peñafiel Mena claimed third in 24.10. Álvarez Ludeña completed his sweep of four titles in 3x3x3 Blindfolded, logging a winning single of 54.57 seconds.

Beyond the championship podiums, the heart of UTN Open 2025 resided in the personal milestones earned across the scorecards. Eduardo Alejandro Díaz Ruano delivered a massive surge in the 2x2x2 Cube, posting a personal best of 7.61 seconds that was 43.8 percent faster than his prior standard. Ángelo Luciano Hernández Cadena took on the 3x3x3 Cube and carved out a 47.58-second personal record, improving by 28.3 percent. Marely Tapie reached a best finish of 20th in Pyraminx while lowering her 3x3x3 Cube best to 26.98 seconds, a 24.4 percent improvement. Romina Calderón registered her first ever attempt at Pyraminx with a time of 17.86 seconds and slashed her 2x2x2 Cube best to 14.91 seconds.

Other solvers made their presence felt through major leaps and tournament debuts. Anthony Sebastián Carpio Mayancha recorded a personal best of 17.91 seconds in the 3x3x3 Cube, outperforming his old benchmark by 21 percent. Abril Cabezas Moreno tackled five separate disciplines, securing fifth place in the 3x3x3 Cube while dropping her Pyraminx personal best to 5.49 seconds. Meanwhile, first-time competitors experienced their inaugural WCA competition. Jhonatan Armando Salcedo Quishpe recorded his first ever official attempt at 3x3x3 Cube in 31.39 seconds alongside an 8.51 mark in 2x2x2 Cube. Carlos Gael Cabrera del Hierro debuted across two events, recording an 18th-place finish in 4x4x4 Cube with a first attempt of 3:27.96 alongside a 49.62 single in 3x3x3 Cube.

In the remaining events, quick turnarounds kept the standings shifting throughout the afternoon. The 2x2x2 Cube saw Raúl Gómez capture first place with an impressive 2.95-second average, followed by Álvarez Ludeña in second at 3.17 and Peñafiel Mena in third at 3.69. Simon Poldi took top honors in Pyraminx with a sharp 4.54-second winning average, outpacing Santiago Vacacela and Ivan Alexander Bonilla Morales in a tightly contested single-round bracket.

As the final tallies were confirmed, UTN Open 2025 concluded as a testament to the growth of Ecuadorian speedcubing. With sixteen podium finishes remaining in the host nation alongside two captured by the United States, the one-day gathering demonstrated how novice nerves quickly convert into tournament experience, setting the stage for every competitor who took their first solves into the official records.