Speedcubing

Speedcubing, also known as speedsolving or simply cubing, is the competitive practice of solving combination puzzles as quickly as possible. It is recognized as a mind sport in which competitors, known as speedcubers or simply cubers, solve mechanical puzzles under standardized conditions to achieve the fastest times or, in some events, the fewest moves. The 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube is the most prominent puzzle in speedcubing and serves as the sport's flagship event. Competitive solving relies on pattern recognition, memorization of algorithms, inspection, and efficient finger movements known as finger tricks. Speedcubers commonly employ established solving methods such as CFOP, Roux, ZZ, and Petrus to reduce solving times. International speedcubing competitions are governed by the World Cube Association (WCA), a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that standardizes regulations and maintains official rankings and world records. The WCA currently recognises 17 official events, including 2×2×2 through 7×7×7 cube events, Pyraminx, Megaminx, Skewb, Square-1, Rubik's Clock, 3×3×3 One-Handed, 3×3×3 Fewest Moves, 3×3×3 Blindfolded, 4×4×4 Blindfolded, 5×5×5 Blindfolded, and 3×3×3 Multi-Blind. Official competitions are held in more than 100 countries and attract hundreds of thousands of registered competitors worldwide. The first international Rubik's Cube championship was held in Budapest, Hungary, in 1982. Following the establishment of the WCA, competitive speedcubing expanded rapidly, becoming a global sport with hundreds of sanctioned competitions organized annually. As of August 2026, the official WCA world record for the fastest single solve of the 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube is 2.76 seconds, set by Teodor Zajder from Poland. The world record average of five consecutive solves is 3.51 seconds, set by Chinese speedcuber Yiheng Wang at Hefei Cubing League 3×3 III 2026. Official world records for all speedcubing events are recognized and maintained by the World Cube Association.