Competitive speedcubing gains traction in PH
MANILA — Competitive speedcubing continues to grow in the Philippines, with more than 6,000 registered competitors nationwide, according to World Cube Association (WCA) delegate, Yuji Yoshida.
Speedcubing is the competitive practice of solving twisty puzzles, specifically Rubik’s Cubes, in the shortest time possible. Unlike casual solving, competitions follow standardized rules and procedures, with results recorded on the WCA website.
Speaking at the Makati Speedcubing Open IX 2026, Yoshida said the Philippine speedcubing community had expanded since the country’s first WCA competition in 2007, with social media and local Rubik’s Cube retailers helping introduce the sport to more people.
“I believe that we are over 6,000 registered competitors nationwide,” he said, attributing the growth partly to organizers’ social media activities and initiatives of local cube retailers.
Competitors participate in different events, including the 2×2, 3×3 and larger cubes as well as puzzles such as the Pyraminx and Megaminx. Each event requires specific solving techniques, which participants develop through practice, pattern recognition and memorized sequence of moves called algorithms.
Competitions use specialized timers to record solved times, while judges oversee attempts to ensure that participants follow the rules. Depending on the event, results may be based on individual solves or averages calculated from multiple attempts.
Under the standard average-of-five format, the fastest and slowest times are removed before the remaining three are averaged. Competitors may also receive penalties or a “Did Not Finish” result for certain mistakes or rule violations, depending on the applicable regulations.
“The responsibility of the delegate is to oversee the competition, make sure that all of the rules are followed, even by the first-time competitors,” Yoshida said.
He added that orientations are conducted before competitions to familiarize participants with the rules and procedures.
Yoshida, who has served as a delegate for more than three years and overseen over 100 competitions nationwide, said participants can approach him if they encounter problems during an event.
Beyond competition rankings, Yoshida said personal improvement is a major motivation for speedcubers. Their results are recorded on the WCA website, allowing them to track their performances and aim for faster times in subsequent competitions.
He added that the community’s accessibility contributes to its appeal, particularly among younger participants and students.
“The Rubik’s Cube itself, you can just carry it around everywhere, you can practice everywhere without electricity,” Yoshida said.
Yoshida also described the community as welcoming, saying that participants continue to return as competitions provide opportunities to improve their personal records.
“If they fail to do so, there’s always next time,” he added.
With more competitions being held nationwide and increased visibility through social media, Philippine speedcubing continues to provide participants with opportunities to develop their skills, track their progress and compete against others while pursuing their personal bests.