Mind Gaming
The Red Bull Rubik’s Cube World Cup in 2020 will be the first ever digital speedcubing competition. We ask the Weyer twins how the world’s fastest solvers will tackle the technology.
Could you be the world’s fastest speedcuber?
The Red Bull Rubik’s Cube World Cup is on the lookout for the best amateur and professional speedcubers and in a twist on the previous two editions, the third season will bring the first-ever digital speedcubing competition.
The competition, run in collaboration with the Rubik’s Brand, is split into three disciplines – speed cubing, fastest hand and re-scramble, with events for both men and women.
This year cube enthusiasts will use a ‘smart’ cube, which is still a physical object, that connects to your phone or tablet. Once synched to the Rubik’s Connected or the GoCube Digital app, you can track your moves in real time on the screen. It also times your solve.
Solving times are expected to be slower (the current record is 3.47 seconds set by Yusheng Du in 2018), as the digital cube is heavier and doesn’t have magnets to support speedy rotations and lock-ins.
However, with duels not taking place face to face on stage in front of an audience, there will be less pressure, which may benefit some.
Performing at home takes a bit of that pressure away
I think it's a cool idea and will help people to solve the cube for the first time
German player Philipp Weyer explains: “Performing at home takes a bit of that pressure away, which might potentially benefit other people more than myself. The fact that I won't be competing on stage might actually make it more difficult for me though, since I tend to perform really well under immense pressure.”
Twin brother Sebastian agrees: “I tend to do really well under pressure, which often gives me an advantage against others. I guess the main difference is mostly just getting used to utilising the app while competing.”
The digital qualifiers kick off around the world on August 15 and continue through October until the Red Bull Rubik’s Cube World Cup Final on November 7, 2020.
Winners of the global and local qualifiers will join the champions from the 2019 season, who have been awarded a wildcard, at the November showpiece.
The Red Bull Rubik’s Cube World Cup aims to develop more opportunities and visibility for the cubing community. With the latest technology, will we see a new generation of cube enthusiasts?
“I think it's a cool idea and will help people to solve the cube for the first time,” Sebastian says. “It will make them realise that it's not a beast and can be tamed and hopefully spark some interest and fascination in them.”