Remember trying to solve the Rubik’s Cube?
The competition carries on today as a part of the World Cube Association.
“It’s the act of solving a Rubik’s cube or other puzzles quickly. So it’s considered speed cubing. There are 17 total events in competitions,” says Spokesperson Tarandeep Mittal.
Competitions are held in communities across the country, including Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick, and thousands take part.
All competitions have official results, so your time applies wherever you go.
“Each competitor will have what’s called a World Association profile. So if you search a name on the website, all of the results are there along with every competition they have competed at,” Mittal adds.
Cubers range in age, anywhere from 6 years old, to in their 60s or older, many who enjoy the nostalgic feeling of speedcubing.
“We see children competing, and then their parents want to compete as well. It’s super cool,” Mittal says.
It all started for Mittal when he was in elementary school, and he purchased a Rubik’s cube, but he says with the new technology, the younger generations go online and figure the puzzles out.
“They watch tutorials on YouTube, and they get hooked. They can solve it, and then they just want to get faster and faster. Through forums and the like, you can find out about the WCA and competitions.”
A local competition is planned at the Moncton Boys and Girls Club in New Brunswick on April 6, and there are around 50 people taking part.
Mittal encourages anyone interested in finding out more about cubing, to go to a competition, and that’s where you’ll meet others who are also enthusiasts.
There are Rubik’s Cubes, and smaller cubes used as well. There are also puzzles for all types and skill levels.
The World Cube Association is a non-profit organization, so Mittal says most compete just for bragging rights, medals, trophies, ribbons or things like that.
“A lot of people don’t come to win but they come to improve their times and get better and then meet their friends and talk about cubing and their love for it,” Mittal stresses.
He adds that the WCA is in the process of becoming an official sport, but it’s a lengthy process.
“We’re just a community of people wanting to do the things we love most. I would say we’re a large community, very welcoming for anyone who wants to come and join or just hang out. I would say we’re more of a community than a sport,” Mittal says.
