Vancouver Newcomers Morning 2024

Michele Cavezza posted a decisive 7.38 winning average in the 3x3x3 Cube to take the top spot on the podium at the Scottish Cultural Centre. The morning gathering brought an influx of fresh talent onto the official floor, giving rising solvers an ideal arena to make their competitive marks. Taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on March 16, 2024, Vancouver Newcomers Morning 2024 served as a high-tempo showcase for the next generation of speedcubing talent alongside seasoned local contenders.

A total of 66 competitors converged in Vancouver to take on a streamlined program spanning two core disciplines across four total rounds. For dozens in attendance, this was their first official WCA competition, creating a busy schedule centered around the classic Rubik's Cube and its compact sibling. The energy remained high throughout the morning as new participants learned the flow of official timing equipment, running stations, and judging procedures while chasing their initial personal marks in the 2024 speed cubing calendar.

The premier 3x3x3 Cube competition featured 64 competitors pushing through two competitive stages to reach the final podium. Cavezza led the field with his 7.38 average, backed by the best single solve of the event at 7.06. Brian Sun secured second place for Canada with a consistent 7.78 average, while Zimo Li of China rounded out the top three by claiming bronze with a 9.18 average. The final 3x3 results demonstrated remarkable depth across the field, with Canadian solvers securing two of the three podium steps.

The 2x2x2 Cube event unfolded at a blistering pace, drawing 56 competitors into a contest decided by fractions of a second. Eeshir Pannun captured the victory with a 3.23 average, narrowly edging Jimbo Cai who took second place with a 3.28 average. Jimmy Zhang finished close behind in third with a 3.34 average to complete an all-Canadian sweep of the podium. Across both rounds of play, the fastest individual attempt of the event belonged to Pannun, who recorded a swift 1.76 single.

Away from the top steps of the podium, Vancouver Newcomers Morning 2024 delivered massive breakthroughs for developing competitors across the board. Gyuheon Lee achieved a stunning personal best in the 2x2x2 Cube with a time of 3.60, representing an improvement of 78.6 percent over their previous best of 16.80, while also lowering their 3x3x3 Cube mark to 16.55. David M. T. Martin took on two events, logging a first ever attempt at the 3x3x3 Cube in 1:27.62 and dropping their 2x2x2 Cube personal best by 39 percent down to 20.67. Inaaya Nathoo registered an initial official 2x2x2 Cube solve of 8.63 and improved their 3x3x3 Cube mark by 27.6 percent to 32.05, while Race Li entered two events, posting a first attempt in 2x2x2 Cube of 5.05 alongside a 23 percent improvement in 3x3x3 Cube to finish at 15.62.

The momentum among emerging solvers continued with Seungheon Lee, who competed in two events and earned a personal best of 3.11 in the 2x2x2 Cube, cutting 35.7 percent from their former record to secure a 16th-place finish alongside a 12.93 in 3x3x3 Cube. Duey Le took 15th place in the 3x3x3 Cube with a personal best of 11.88 and improved by 32.6 percent in the 2x2x2 Cube down to 3.53. Yunyi Li achieved a top-ten placement by taking 10th in 2x2x2 Cube with a 3.63 personal best, improving by 23.7 percent, while also setting a 12.29 personal best in 3x3x3 Cube. Adding to the list of debuts, Samuel VanWinkle completed a first ever attempt in the 2x2x2 Cube with a time of 5.79 across two events.

The morning concluded with Canada earning five of the six total podium positions awarded at the Scottish Cultural Centre, with China taking the remaining position. The brisk competition allowed solvers to gain vital stage experience in an encouraging atmosphere, providing a welcoming environment for debutants while offering contenders sharp head-to-head practice. The blend of introductory solves and rapid final rounds highlighted the steady growth of the regional community.

As the final timers stopped at Vancouver Newcomers Morning 2024, the event stood as a benchmark for local development and competitive achievement. Solvers of all backgrounds departed with fresh personal milestones, new event completions, and valuable round experience. With the 2024 season underway, the performances logged in Vancouver established an exciting foundation for these competitors as they look ahead toward future fixtures on the national cubing competition circuit.