Uzbekistan Nationals 2024

Timofei Tarasenko delivered a masterclass in single-handed solving at the Uzbekistan Nationals 2024, taking the 3x3x3 One-Handed title with a blistering 12.91-second average and an 11.27-second single. In an event where dexterity, specialized algorithms, and turning style are pushed to the limit, Tarasenko outpaced a field of 26 competitors. His victory was the centerpiece of a spectacular weekend in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where the speedcubing community gathered from December 27 to 29 at the Interhouse school. The 2024 competition attracted 61 participants eager to test their mettle across 17 different events.

The 3x3x3 Cube event, the classic Rubik's Cube challenge, saw Tarasenko secure another decisive win. Against 58 competitors over three rounds, the Russian speedcuber recorded a winning average of 6.02 seconds, bolstered by an incredible 5.06-second single attempt. The 3x3 results demonstrated a high level of competition, with Kyrgyzstan's Chyngyz Sultanbekov finishing a close second at 6.10 seconds on average, and local talent Umidjon Zafarov claiming third with an 8.65-second average. The sheer volume of 3x3 results underscored the enduring appeal of speed cubing in the region.

Tarasenko's dominance extended well beyond the standard cube. He swept the big cubes, winning the 4x4x4 Cube with a 24.36-second average, the 5x5x5 Cube at 39.66 seconds, the 6x6x6 Cube in 1:19.95, and the 7x7x7 Cube in 2:02.20. In the shorter, faster puzzles, he was equally unbeatable, capturing the 2x2x2 Cube title with a 1.50-second average, the Pyraminx crown at 3.14 seconds, the Clock event at 8.39 seconds, and the Megaminx with a 26.91-second average. His sweep of so many events defined the competitive narrative of the weekend.

The blindfolded events at the Uzbekistan Nationals 2024 brought a completely different kind of tension to the venue. Igor Aipkin emerged as the standout memory athlete, securing victories in the 4x4x4 Blindfolded and 5x5x5 Blindfolded with singles of 8:13.03 and 16:08.00, respectively. Aipkin also claimed the 3x3x3 Multi-Blind title by successfully memorizing and solving 9 out of 10 cubes in 52:07. In the standard 3x3x3 Blindfolded, Akram Usarov took the win with a best single of 56.46 seconds, highlighting the intense mental discipline required for these specialized challenges.

Beyond the headline-grabbing wins, the weekend was defined by remarkable personal progress deeper in the field. Hasan Qodirjonov set a Clock personal best of 14.36 seconds, an incredible 47.4 percent faster than his previous mark, while also securing a fifth-place finish in Pyraminx. Aleksey Xusnutdinov slashed his 3x3x3 One-Handed best by 34.1 percent to 33.67 seconds and improved his 4x4x4 Cube time by 29.1 percent to 1:33.99. Fayozbek Erkinov impressed with a Skewb personal best of 3.10 seconds, a 33.9 percent improvement, alongside a fifth-place finish in Square-1. Abdullah Bahromov similarly dropped his Skewb time by 33.9 percent to 4.36 seconds.

The spirit of trying new things was equally present. Leonid Tarasenko entered eight events, venturing into the 5x5x5 Cube for the first time with a 1:53.64 and making his debut in Clock with an 11.90-second solve. Ayub Asatullaev also tackled the Clock for the first time, posting a 30.48-second result, and debuted in the 6x6x6 Cube at 3:18.98 while improving his 5x5x5 Cube best by 22.4 percent. Saxibjamal Kalbayeva chose this WCA competition as her first, competing in seven events including a 1:03.68 debut in 3x3x3 One-Handed, and Shuxratjon Alimjonov made his first WCA appearances in Pyraminx and 3x3x3 One-Handed during his own inaugural competition.

The overall podium distribution at the Uzbekistan Nationals 2024 reflected the strong regional turnout and the exceptional performances of visiting competitors. Competitors representing Uzbekistan secured 28 podium places, demonstrating the depth of local talent. Russian competitors, led almost entirely by Timofei Tarasenko, took home 15 podiums. Representatives from Kyrgyzstan earned five podium spots, largely through the efforts of Chyngyz Sultanbekov, while Italy claimed two places thanks to Vincenzo Maria Gammino. The diverse mix of nationalities added to the vibrant atmosphere of the cubing competition.

Other notable victories included Tolibjon Tokhirov winning the Skewb event with a 3.67-second average and Igor Aipkin taking the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves title with a 24-move solution. Umidjon Zafarov secured the Square-1 victory with a 13.37-second average. While no official regional or national records were broken this weekend, the sheer number of personal bests and first-time attempts highlighted a community that is constantly pushing its limits. As the competitors packed up their puzzles and departed Tashkent, they left behind a weekend that truly celebrated the art and sport of speedcubing.