Speedcubing

World Cube Association

The World Cube Association (WCA) is a non-profit organization which organizes speedcubing competitions and ratifies results. The WCA consists of the WCA Board, WCA Committee, and the WCA Council. The WCA Board is the head or leader of the entire WCA, and is responsible for fulfilling tasks not completed or done by the WCA Committee and WCA Council. The WCA Appeals Committee (WAC) is responsible for ensuring right and fair decisions in accordance with the WCA Regulations. The WCA Committee is also responsible for reviewing and resolving appeals regarding the decisions of other WCA Staff members. The WCA Council is a special type of team that serves as an advisory role to the WCA, and consists of community members, and not WCA Staff Members. These WCA Staff Members are part of a cubing community, which consist of organizers, who organize and manage cubing competitions, and delegates, who help in managing competitions and help competitors who are unfamiliar with the competition environment, and to decide whether a competitor's solve should be penalized or not. WCA Regulations are required to be followed by competitors and can be found on the official WCA website.

Methods

3x3x3

The standard 3x3x3 can be solved using several methods. The most commonly used methods for speedcubing are CFOP, Roux, and ZZ, which are generally considered to achieve the fastest times. An emerging method, named ZB, is currently being adopted by the fastest cubers. It consists of learning 400+ algorithms and is incredibly dependent on pattern recognition and memorization. The CFOP method is used by the majority of cubers and employs a layer-by-layer system with numerous algorithms for solving the final layer. The method starts by creating a cross on any side of the cube, followed by F2L where 4 corner edge pairs are inserted into the cross, followed by OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer) where the top side is solved in 1 of 57 algorithms, and finally PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) where you do 1 of 21 algorithms to solve the rest of the cube. Roux, the second most popular method, which starts by forming a 1x2x3 block on one side of the cube, repeating it on the other side, and solves the middle and top layer last, uses fewer algorithms. ZZ uses a unique step called Edge Orientation to improve the ergonomics of turning by removing the amount of rotations during a solve. Another notable method is Petrus, which has been popular at times in the past; however, it is now considered sub-optimal to CFOP and Roux and was abandoned due to its unfavorable finger tricks.

Solving larger cubes, such as 4x4x4 and 5x5x5, is most often done by reducing them to 3x3x3 and solving them like so, while 2x2x2 can be solved with the same or similar methods as 3x3x3. However, specialized 2x2x2 methods are quicker, and are regarded as superior to 3x3x3 methods. These methods include Ortega, CLL, and the EG method (which can allow users to plan the entire solution during inspection).

CFOP

The CFOP (abbreviation for Cross – F2L – OLL – PLL) method, also known as the Fridrich method after one of its inventors, Jessica Fridrich, who finished second in the 2003 Rubik's Cube World Championships, is the most commonly used method in speedcubing today. Its origins are credited to David Singmaster, who was one of the first to publish a layer-by-layer method of solving in 1980, and Guus Razoux Schultz, who built upon this and developed a more efficient system for the first two layers (F2L). Jessica Fridrich then finished developing the method and published it online in 1997, an event that was very influential in the revival of competitive speedcubing. The first step of the method is to solve a cross of edge pieces on the first layer. The remainder of the first layer and all of the second layer are then solved together in what is referred to as "corner-edge pairs," or slots. Finally, the last layer is solved in two steps – first, all of the pieces in the layer are oriented to form a solid color (but without the individual pieces always being in their correct places on the cube). This step is referred to as orientation and is usually performed with a single set of algorithms known as OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer). Then, all of those pieces are permuted to their correct spots. This is also usually performed as a single set of PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) algorithms. OLL and PLL use 57 and 21 algorithms, respectively. Cross, First 2 Layers, Orientation, Permutation (CFOP) is the most popular method for speedsolving the Rubik's Cube. It is the method used by all 3x3 world record holders in the last decade.

The CFOP method can be used as a less advanced method by dividing the steps into more steps, reducing the number of algorithms that need to be learned but sacrificing time. It is usually known as the beginner method or layer by layer (LBL). Most people start learning CFOP with 4LLL (Four-Look Last Layer), which is the less advanced, slower, and algorithm-reducing (from 78 algorithms to 16) way to learn CFOP. The 4 steps are divided into edge orientation, corner orientation, corner permutation, and edge permutation (which can be called EO, CO, CP, and EP). Later on, full OLL, which has 57 algorithms, and full PLL, which has 21 algorithms, can be learned. An average CFOP user that solves with full OLL and PLL, along with an efficient cross (which takes 8 moves at maximum) and efficient F2L (which takes almost 30 moves), consists of 55–60 moves, which means that it has a higher move count than Roux and ZZ. However, finger tricks and algorithms are more researched with CFOP than any other method, which explains why the majority of the fastest speedcubers use CFOP as their main speedcubing method.

The CFOP method is the most widely used speed-solving method. It is a more efficient version of the Layer-By-Layer method (also known as the beginner's method). It is very popular due to the vast amount of resources that teach and improve upon the CFOP method. Many top speedcubers, including two-time World Champions Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park, learn additional sets of algorithms for the last slot and layer, such as Corners of Last Layer (COLL), which orients and permutes the corners when the edges are oriented, or Winter Variation (or the larger Valk Last Slot algorithm superset, or VLS), which finishes OLL while inserting the last pair, and ZB, when the solver has one pair left he needs to use an algorithm set to solve the top color cross while solving the last pair (ZBLS: Zborowski Bruchem Last Slot). And after ZBLS comes ZBLL to solve the rest of the cube. This method is used for both world records.

Pseudoslotting is a technique that allows advanced CFOP solvers to be more creative with efficient solutions. It is an alternative method to F2L, where instead of creating and inserting pairs with matching colors, the bottom layer is intentionally misaligned to allow different pieces to be paired together. This provides more freedom while pairing pieces during F2L. Pseudoslotting is similar to keyhole, a technique in which the bottom layer is misaligned to allow a piece to be inserted independently of its solved counterpart. It is widely believed that Tymon Kolasiński (the second best in Europe) is the best speedcuber who uses pseudoslotting. With practice, recognition becomes easier and the execution is done by muscle memory.

The ZB method, a variation of CFOP, has become more popular among top solvers. The ZB method combines the ZBLS and ZBLL algorithm sets with the Cross and F2L steps, which together allow the solver to complete the last F2L pair and all of the last layer in just 2 algorithms. Solvers like Xuanyi Geng, Qixian Cao, and Tymon Kolasiński are among the first and best to adopt this method. The ZB method requires the solver to memorize 795 unique algorithms, which makes this a major barrier to entry, especially for older solvers. However, there is debate as to whether the ZB method is actually faster overall, since by cutting down on the steps required to solve the cube, solvers decrease the possibility for luck in their solves.

Roux

The Roux method was invented by French speedcuber Gilles Roux. The first step of the Roux method is to form a 3x2x1 block, usually placed in the lower portion of the left layer. The second step is creating another 3x2x1 on the opposite side, so each block shares a bottom color. The creation of these blocks is commonly known as "block-building". The remaining four corners are then solved using a set of algorithms known as CMLL (Corners of the Last Layer, without regard to the M-slice), which leaves six edges and four centers that are solved in the last step, L6E or LSE (Last Six Edges).

This method is not as dependent on algorithm memorization as the CFOP method since all but the third step is done with intuition as opposed to predefined sets of algorithms. Because of the frequent use of M moves, the Roux method can be performed without any rotations (unlike the CFOP method), which means it is easier to look ahead (solving pieces while at the same time looking for the solution to the next step) while solving. It is also considered one of the most efficient speedsolving methods, with its average move count being between 45 and 50 moves for experienced solvers. However, the Roux method of speedcubing has been criticized over the years because, unlike CFOP, ZZ, or Petrus, Roux requires M (middle layer) slices to solve LSE. Using M slice moves makes it harder to achieve higher TPS (turns per second) because the finger tricks are almost always flicks, but high TPS is achievable through training.

One of the users of this method, Kian Mansour, broke the one-handed (OH) world record average with a time of 9.54 seconds. Sean Patrick Villanueva is the first Roux user to achieve a sub-6 average of five in competition and is currently ranked twenty-sixth in the world by 3x3 average. He also podiumed in 3x3 at the WCA World Championship 2019 (2nd Place). On May 25, 2024, he broke the OH WR average with the largest margin in nearly 10 years, bringing it down from 8.62 to 8.09 seconds. He also broke the WR single with a 6.05 a few weeks later, though he lost this to Dhruva Sai Meruva, a CFOP one-hand solver on October 6, 2024.

ZZ

The ZZ method (short for Zbigniew Zborowski) is a speedcubing method proposed by Zbigniew Zborowski in 2006 and subsequently refined by the speedcubing community. It combines blockbuilding and layer-by-layer techniques, with an emphasis on movement ergonomics to enable high turning speeds. The method begins with EOCross, its defining step, in which all edges are oriented while the cross pieces are solved. A variation, EOLine, orients all edges while solving only the front and back cross edges, and is commonly used for one-handed solving.

The remaining first two layers are then solved using only left, right, up, and down face turns, eliminating the need for cube rotations. Because all edges are oriented during EOCross, the last-layer edges are already correctly oriented once F2L is complete. The last layer can then be solved using a variety of techniques, including those used in the CFOP method. An advanced variant, ZBLL (Zborowski–Bruchem Last Layer), completes the last layer in a single step with an average of just over 12 moves, but requires memorizing 493 algorithms.

Compared with the CFOP method, ZZ typically requires fewer moves, averaging about 53.5 compared with CFOP's 55–60. Its emphasis on edge orientation also makes it move-efficient, and some of its techniques are used in the Fewest Moves Challenge (FMC).

Corners-first methods

Corners-first methods involve solving the corners and then finishing the edges with slice turns. Corner-first solutions were common in the 1980s. It was used by the 1982 world champion Minh Thai. Currently, corner-first solutions are rarely used among speedsolvers. Dutch cuber Marc Waterman created a corners-first method in the cube craze and averaged 18 seconds in the mid-late 1980s.

Fewest Moves Challenge

At the highest level, there is typically not a standard method used for Fewest Moves solving. Rather, competitors attempt to solve the cube intuitively using solving techniques such as blockbuilding, Normal-Inverse-Scramble-Switch (NISS), commutator insertions, and Domino Reduction after its rise to popularity in 2019. Most solves use multiple of these techniques in order to generate a solution.

Blindfolded

In 2003, when the first blindfolded competitions were organized, world record solvers would use the 3OP (3-Cycle Orientation Permutation) Method, which orients and then permutes pieces using 3 cycles. As of today, methods such as 3-Style and M2 are among the fastest and most popular blind-solving methods. The Old Pochmann Method, which is a method that solves one piece at a time, is a method typically used by beginner blindsolvers. Blindfolded solvers use letter patterns to help memorize sequences of moves in order to solve the cube.

The lettering scheme that blindfolded solvers use is called the Speffz lettering scheme, and each sticker or individual color is given a letter. The letters are assigned starting with the top edge of the top face, going clockwise, and beginning with A. The top edge of the top face is A, the right edge is B, the bottom edge is C, and the left edge is D. The same process is done on the other sides in the order top, left, front, right, back, and bottom to get every edge lettered from A to X. The same process is applied to all of the corners, starting with the top left corner and going clockwise in the same face order. A cycle of piece swaps is then used with the letter E being used as a buffer location for corners and D commonly being used for edges in the Old Pochmann method.

As of 2026, the world record single holder is Tommy Cherry with a time of 11.56. The average world record is tied between Charlie Eggins and Tommy Cherry both having achieved a 14.05 average.

Competitions

Speedcubing competitions have been held every year since 2003. The WCA was formed in 2004 to govern all official competitions. For a competition to be official, it must be approved by the WCA and follow the WCA regulations. Included in the regulations is the necessity of having one or more WCA delegates in attendance. A delegate's main role is to ensure all regulations are followed during the competition. Once the competition is finished, results are uploaded to the WCA website. Judges oversee the round, delegates help the judge, runners give the scrambled or solved cube to the competitor/scrambler, and a scrambler scrambles the cube using moves generated by a computer.

Format

The majority of puzzle competitions are held using a trimmed mean of five, or, as almost all cubers call it, an "Average of 5". This involves the competitor executing five solves in the round in question, after which the fastest and slowest solves are disregarded and the mean of the remaining three is used. The 6x6x6 and 7x7x7 events are ranked by a straight mean of three—only three solves, none of which are disregarded. In 3x3x3 blindfolded and 3x3x3 fewest moves challenges, either a straight mean of 3 or the best of 3 is used, while 4x4x4 blindfolded, 5x5x5 blindfolded, and multiple blindfolded challenges are ranked using the best of 1, 2 or 3, depending on the competition.

When a round begins, competitors turn in the puzzle they will use. Puzzles are scrambled using a computer-generated scramble. In each round, five, three, or one (depending on the format mentioned above) scrambles are used. Every competitor in the round will receive each scramble once. Before starting a solution, a competitor has up to 15 seconds to inspect the puzzle (inspection is removed for blindfolded events). This is monitored by a judge with a stopwatch. Once the solution is complete, the judge records the time on the competitor's scorecard, which is signed by both. If the puzzle is unsolved and the timer is stopped, the time is recorded as either a Plus 2, indicated by +2 on scorecards, and basically adds 2 seconds to your time, or as a"DNF" (Did Not Finish). There are also numerous reasons why the solver can receive a two-second addition to the solve time, such as a face being more than 45 degrees off or the competitor going over the allowed inspection time. A competitor can also receive an extra solution to replace the one just completed, for example in the case of a timer malfunction or a duplicate scramble.

The official timer used in competitions is the StackMat Gen 4 or Gen 5 timer, which was originally designed for sport stacking. This device has touch-sensitive pads that are triggered by the user lifting one or both of their hands to start the time and placing both their hands back on the pads after releasing the puzzle to stop the timer.

Only two WCA recognised events are not "speedsolving" events (i.e. are scored by means other than time taken for solves), these being: Fewest Moves Competition, or FMC, which is scored using the number of moves for a competitor's solution, with a lower number of moves being better, and multiple blindfold solving, or "multi-blind", where a competitor's score is calculated by subtracting the number of unsolved cubes from the number of solved cubes.

Official competitions are currently being held in several categories.

Competitions will often include events for speedsolving other puzzles as well, such as:

• Pyraminx, a pyramid-shaped puzzle.
• Megaminx, a twelve-sided dodecahedral puzzle solved similarly to a 3x3x3.
• Skewb, a cube-shaped and corner turning puzzle added in 2014 as an official WCA event due to its growing popularity and the ease of its regulations.
• Square-1, a cube puzzle that changes shape as it is solved
• Rubik's Clock is a double-sided, round puzzle with nine clock faces. It is considered solved when all the clock hands point to 12 o’clock. On June 24, 2026, the WCA announced that after the 2027 World Championship, the organization will no longer recognize this puzzle as an official event.

The following are no longer official events:

• 3x3x3 with Feet was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2020.
• The Rubik's Magic, a folding puzzle with 8 connected tiles, was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2012.
• The Rubik's Master Magic, a folding puzzle with 12 connected tiles, was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2012.
• The Rainbow Cube, a cuboctahedron-shaped puzzle, was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2007.
• The Siamese Cube, two connected 3x3s, was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2007.
• 3x3 with No Inspection was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2006.
• 3x3 Multiple Blindfolded Old Style was removed from the list of official WCA events in 2009.

Additionally, starting in 2027, the face turning octahedron (FTO) will be an official event.

World Rubik's Cube Championships

The WCA sanctions the Rubik's Cube World Championship as the main international competition once every two years. The latest championship was held in Seattle, United States from 3 to 6 July 2025.

World Records

The following are the official speedcubing world records approved by the WCA as of 6 October 2026.

Note: For averages of 5 solves, the best time and the worst time are dropped, and the mean of the remaining 3 solves is taken. For events where only 3 solves are done, the mean of all 3 is taken. (Times in parentheses are not included in the average calculation)