Dolphin Coast speed-cubing comp well supported
Waseem Hoosain dominated, winning three categories.
More than 50 speed-cubers tested their algorithmic dexterity at the inaugural Dolphin Coast Autumn 2023 cubing event earlier this month.
From first timers who entered at the door to continental record holders and cubers who travelled from as far as Johannesburg, the event saw competition at all levels.
Competitive cubing is when players race to solve a variety of different Rubik’s Cubes as fast as they can, testing their ability to remember patterns and the speed of their fingers.
Organised by Salt Rock’s Jesse Tipton and Pietermaritzburg’s Waseem Hoosain, the event was held at Freedom House Church on May 1 and drew good competitive take-up and crowd attendance.
“We were already happy with the 40 or so who had pre-registered but as more and more bought tickets at the door it turned into a great day,” said Tipton, who also won his best discipline, the ‘skewb’.
The skewb (a cube that turns at its corners instead of faces) was one of six categories up for grabs.
Medals were handed out based on the average score, where the best three out of five times are averaged out and the lowest combined score wins.
Hoosain dominated, winning the 3x3x3 (best 6.89, average 8.53), 3x3x3 one-handed (best 12.37, average 14.63) and 4x4x4 (best 32.37, average 35.09).
The 3x3x3 is the most recognisable cube shape worldwide and is the premier event at most competitions.
For reference, the world record is 3.47 for a single solve and an average of 4.69.
Timothy Lawrance claimed the 3x3x3 blindfolded event in 2:15.44, with Maverick Pearson finishing second.
The duo acted as official World Cubing Association judges, ensuring that all scores counted towards records.
Andre Johannes Goosen won the pyraminx with a best of 3.80 and average of 4.82, while Tipton took home the skewb gold (best 4.82, average 5.48).
“I was really glad to come away with the win as I haven’t been practicing the skewb that much. I thought I’d probably end up near a six average but was happy to be lower than that,” said Tipton.
The South African Cubing Championships will take place in Johannesburg in June.
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