What Is Speedcubing?
Speedcubing is all about solving puzzles — mainly the classic 3x3 cube — as quickly as possible using efficient methods, lots of practice, and lightning-fast finger movement (known as finger tricks). Most speedcubers don't rely on luck. Instead, they follow planned solving methods, learn advanced techniques, and train like athletes.
Speedsolving Methods
Here are some popular methods cubers use:
- CFOP (Fridrich Method) - Most widely used by top cubers. Based on Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL.
- Roux Method - A block-building technique used by some world-class solvers.
- ZZ Method - Less common, but great for smooth turning and fewer rotations.
Most beginners start with the CFOP method — it's powerful and well-documented.
Speed Timeline: Breaking the Cube Barrier
Here's a quick look at how the world record for 3x3 has evolved:
Timeline of 3x3 World Records (Single Solve)
Date | Time | Cuber | Competition |
---|---|---|---|
13 Apr 2025 | 3.05s |
|
Shenyang Spring 2025 |
15 Feb 2025 | 3.08s |
|
XMUM Cube Open 2025 |
11 Jun 2023 | 3.13s |
|
Pride in Long Beach 2023 |
24 Nov 2018 | 3.47s |
|
Wuhu Open 2018 |
6 May 2018 | 4.22s |
|
Cube for Cambodia 2018 |
28 Oct 2017 | 4.59s |
|
ChicaGhosts 2017 |
21 Nov 2015 | 4.9s |
|
River Hill Fall 2015 |
25 Jun 2011 | 5.66s |
|
Melbourne Winter Open 2011 |
13 Nov 2010 | 6.77s |
|
Melbourne Cube Day 2010 |
12 Jul 2008 | 7.08s |
|
Czech Open 2008 |
5 May 2008 | 8.72s |
|
Kashiwa Open 2008 |
5 May 2007 | 9.86s |
|
Spanish Open 2007 |
24 Feb 2007 | 10.36s |
|
Belgian Open 2007 |
4 Aug 2006 | 10.48s |
|
US Nationals 2006 |
16 Oct 2005 | 11.75s |
|
Dutch Open 2005 |
3 Apr 2004 | 12.11s |
|
Caltech Spring 2004 |
23 Aug 2003 | 16.53s |
|
Caltech Spring 2004 |
5 Jun 1982 | 22.95s |
|
World Championship 1982 |
World Record: Hyman Solve
On April 13, 2025, 7-year-old Xuanyi Geng set a new 3x3 Rubik's Cube world record with an incredible 3.05-second solve at Shenyang Spring 2025 — the fastest solve ever recorded by a human!
Meet Some Cube Legends

Xuanyi Geng
At just 7 years old, Xuanyi Geng stunned the cubing world by setting the 3x3 single solve world record of 3.05 seconds at the Shenyang Spring 2025 competition on April 13, 2025. Not only did he become the youngest cuber ever to hit the top of the podium, but he did it with a stunning mix of speed, precision, and maturity far beyond his years. His record-breaking solve quickly went viral and made him an overnight sensation in the global cubing community.

Feliks Zemdegs
Widely considered one of the greatest cubers of all time. He burst onto the scene in 2009 and quickly became a legend, winning his first competition with ease. Over his career, Feliks has broken over 100 world records across multiple events and once held all major 3x3 records at the same time — single, average, and world titles. Known for his smooth turning style and incredible consistency, he inspired a whole generation of speedcubers.

Max Park
A true powerhouse in modern speedcubing. Starting young with cubing as part of his autism therapy, Max became a global sensation thanks to his unmatched determination and skill. He holds numerous world records across multiple cube sizes, including an incredible 3.13 second 3x3 single solve. Max is also a multiple-time WCA World Champion and a fan favorite for his energy, focus, and positive impact on the cubing community.
World Record: Robot Solve
In May 2025, Purdue University students set a new world record by building Purdubik's Cube, a robot that solved a standard 3x3 Rubik's Cube in just 0.103 seconds — faster than a blink. The solve took only 18 moves, meaning it executed about 174.8 turns per second !
What Makes It So Fast?
- Vision system: Two high-speed cameras captured cube colors in 10 microseconds using cropped 128x124 pixel images and raw RGB data — no extra processing.
- Smart solving: The robot used the Rob-Twophase algorithm, optimized for speed and robot control.
- Reinforced hardware: A strong nylon core, tight tensioning, and lubrication helped the cube survive extreme acceleration.
- Powerful motors: Industrial motors hit 12,000,000°/s² acceleration, with trapezoidal profiles for control.
Why It Matters
This breakthrough shows what's possible at the intersection of robotics, AI, and mechanical design — far beyond human speed. Purdubik's Cube now holds the Guinness World Record for fastest cube-solving robot.
Want to Get Faster?
Whether you're just starting or aiming for sub-20 solves, here are some tips:
- Practice finger tricks - smoother, faster turning.
- Time your solves - use tools like cstimer.net or a physical stackmat timer.
- Upgrade your cube - modern speedcubes (magnetic, smooth-turning) make a huge difference.
- Learn more algorithms - especially for OLL and PLL.
Did You Know?
- There's a blindfolded event where cubers memorize the cube before solving.
- Speedcubers compete in over 18 official events, including 2x2, 4x4, 5x5, one-handed, and even with feet (although that one was retired!).
Copyright & Credits: Some data and images on this website, including competition records and players photos, are sourced from worldcubeassociation.org. All rights belong to their respective owners. Used for educational and non-commercial purposes only.