Viljandi Open 2026

Inside the quiet halls of Viljandi Linnaraamatukogu, the rhythmic clatter of plastic mechanisms filled the library atmosphere on July 25, 2026. A focused roster of 31 competitors gathered in Viljandi, Estonia, arranging timers and inspection mats across eight different events spanning 14 total rounds. Spectators and participants watched closely as the fastest disciplines took center stage, delivering high-speed drama from the opening scrambles to the final podium presentations.

The 3x3x3 Cube competition featured three rounds of rigorous turning, culminating in an emphatic victory for Remo Pihel. The Estonian standout secured first place with an impressive 9.11 winning average after dropping a best single solve of 8.63 seconds. Artur Udatsnoi clinched the second position on the podium with an average of 10.29, while Maksim Zemtšihhin rounded out the top three with an 11.05 average. These decisive 3x3 results underlined the sheer pace at the top of the field throughout Viljandi Open 2026.

Short-format sprinting was equally intense during the 2x2x2 Cube rounds. Pelle Mandel commanded the tables with lightning-quick execution, securing the gold medal thanks to a 2.11 winning average and an event-best single of 1.26 seconds. Remo Pihel finished closely behind in second with an average of 2.26, while Mike Vidrik Rätsep claimed third place with an average of 2.45 across the two rounds. The tight margins between the top three finishers made the 2x2 contest one of the purest tests of raw speed at the tournament.

Remo Pihel carried his rapid momentum over to the 4x4x4 Cube, taking another tournament title by posting a 30.64 winning average and an outstanding single of 28.34 seconds. Kazakhstan competitor Yeskendir Kenzhebolat earned second place with a 35.43 average, while 2x2 champion Pelle Mandel added a third-place finish to his tally with a 37.66 average. The blend of lookahead and fast turning required for the larger Rubik's Cube variations showcased the versatile skill present across the venue.

Yeskendir Kenzhebolat demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout the day, winning three separate events for Kazakhstan. He took the title in 3x3x3 One-Handed with an average of 15.86, followed by Maksim Zemtšihhin at 17.53 and Remo Pihel at 18.95. Kenzhebolat also topped the Clock discipline with a 5.77 average ahead of Ukraine competitor Ivan Berestovoi at 6.17 and Pihel at 6.85, before closing out his gold medal haul in Pyraminx with an average of 3.55, where Pihel took second at 3.90 and Zemtšihhin third at 5.92.

Beyond the championship battles, several competitors achieved meaningful individual milestones away from the podium spotlight. Armin Kikkas made substantial strides at the table, taking on his first ever attempt at 3x3x3 One-Handed with a time of 38.33 while dropping his Pyraminx personal best down to 7.07, an improvement of 68.9 percent. Klaus Nellis handled eight events and secured a Skewb personal best of 5.65, which was 35.9 percent faster than his prior mark, alongside a debut Square-1 effort of 1:01.03. Justinas Gudavičius reached 9th place in Clock with a first attempt of 8.89 and lowered his Skewb best by 42.1 percent to 4.02.

Other athletes embraced steep challenges across multiple puzzles during the gathering. Kaspar Pohlak entered six disciplines, recording a 12th place finish in Pyraminx and making initial attempts in three events including a 1:01.32 in One-Handed. Romi Graf tackled eight events, setting a 13.86 on Clock and reaching 13th in Square-1. Arti Rästas delivered a 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 13.99, cutting 16.9 percent from his previous standard. Hugo Hendrik Vinnal lowered his Skewb best by 33 percent to 7.17, while first-time tournament participant Matteus Markus Raja logged his first official solve of 41.81 on the classic puzzle.

The single-round events brought distinct puzzle challenges to the Viljandi Open 2026 program. In Skewb, Finland competitor Aapo Ilveskero took first place with a 4.29 winning average, staying ahead of Estonia competitor Hans Saar at 4.64 and Yeskendir Kenzhebolat at 5.15. Square-1 saw Maksim Zemtšihhin seize the top spot on the podium with a 12.65 average, holding off Remo Pihel at 15.74 and Lithuania competitor Nojus Radionovas at 16.39 in a competitive final scramble.

The day concluded with Estonia leading the medal count with 16 total podium placements, accompanied by strong showings from Kazakhstan, Finland, Ukraine, and Lithuania. The vibrant gathering of speedcubing enthusiasts highlighted both seasoned expertise and emerging talent across every bracket. With records refreshed and new personal benchmarks established, this speed cubing showcase inside the library served as another memorable WCA competition as racers look ahead to upcoming meets in the 2026 season.