WCC FMC Leap Day 2024

Across the quiet tables, the familiar clatter of standard speedcubing gave way to the soft scratching of pencils against paper and the slow, deliberate turning of puzzle layers. While traditional cubing matches emphasize raw physical speed, 3x3x3 Fewest Moves demands deep analytical endurance, patience, and meticulous planning under a strict time limit. Solvers sat hunched over scramble sheets, evaluating block building options and inverse scrambles rather than racing against a stopwatch.

Held across Multiple cities, USA, on February 29, 2024, the WCC FMC Leap Day 2024 brought together 22 competitors in a single, focused round of FMC competition. The rare quadrennial date provided a memorable setting for this dedicated speed cubing challenge. Every participant engaged in the methodical search for efficient sequences on the standard Rubik's Cube, turning what is usually a frantic sprint into a contemplative test of spatial reasoning and algorithmic mastery.

The standout performance of the entire tournament belonged to Kyeongmin Choi of Korea, who delivered a world-class display of efficiency. Choi secured first place in the 3x3x3 Fewest Moves contest with a winning average of 21.00 moves across the attempts. Along the way, Choi registered an extraordinary single solve of 17 moves, a mark that etched a new Asian record into the history books alongside a Korean national record average.

The remaining spots on the podium went to two competitors representing the USA, who put together solid solutions of their own over the course of the day. Michael Young earned second place overall with an average of 31.00 moves, bolstered by a best single solve of 26 moves. Calvin Nielson completed the top three with an average of 31.67 moves, anchored by a best single of 29 moves to close out the medal positions.

Beyond the top ranks, the tournament proved deeply meaningful for several dedicated participants navigating the complexities of the event. Young He produced a remarkable performance, claiming 14th place with a personal best single of 36 moves, representing a substantial 23.4 percent improvement over their previous mark of 47. Caleb Suh also made huge strides, securing a 9th-place finish with a personal best single of 39 moves, which was 15.2 percent faster than their prior record of 46. Wilson Li achieved 15th place after finding a 38-move personal best, trimming 7.3 percent off their old best of 41, while TJ Kelly earned 17th place by logging a personal best of 40 moves, improving by 4.8 percent on an earlier 42.

Other solvers achieved significant milestones by exploring new territory or securing standout finishes on the official scorecards. Daniel Cho undertook their first ever attempt at 3x3x3 Fewest Moves at an official WCA competition, recording a solid 40-move solution to finish in 17th place. Matthew Dickman secured 7th place while establishing a personal best single of 32 moves, a 3 percent improvement on their earlier 33. Evan Millsap climbed high up the final standings to take 5th place, while August Barnard delivered steady results to finish in 11th place.

The depth of the field in Multiple cities, USA, was evident throughout the single round of play as several other competitors posted complete averages. Michael Larsen registered a single of 25 moves on the way to a 32.00 average, while Elijah Brown logged a 32-move single and a 42.00 average. Evan Millsap concluded with a 41.00 average, Matthew Dickman finished on 42.33, Jason Ostdiek posted a 43.67 average with a best single of 41, Caleb Suh registered 46.00, and Jeremy Benik concluded the day with a 50.00 average.

By the time the final solution papers were collected and scored, this specialized cubing competition demonstrated the depth of talent within the FMC community. The WCC FMC Leap Day 2024 showed that whether searching for an elusive sub-twenty solution or building confidence on a first attempt, the deliberate art of the fewest moves solve remains one of the most compelling aspects of the sport, setting the stage for future competitive seasons.