International Rubik’s Cube Competition at the Exploratorium
Sunday, January 18, 2009
10am-4:30pm

Come watch the world’s greatest solvers of the Rubik’s Cube compete for the fastest times under improbable circumstances. New World Records have been set at the last four Exploratorium-hosted Rubik’s Cube events. Will it happen again? The International Rubik’s Cube Competition returns to the Exploratorium on Sunday, January 18th, from 10am-4:30pm. This event is included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium.

Entry into the competition is open to anyone, although only the very fastest solvers will advance to the final round. Registration is from 10-11am. Competition begins at 11am.

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Main events will include the 3×3x3, 4×4x4, and 5×5x5 speed solves, the 3×3x3 blindfold solve, and the 3×3x3 one-handed solve. Side events will include the 2×2x2 speed solve, the 5×5x5 speed solve, Fewest Moves, Magic, Master Magic, 4×4x4 blindfold solve, 5×5x5 blindfold solve, 3×3x3 multiple blindfold solve, Square-1, Rubik’s Clock, and Pyramix.

Possible competitors in San Francisco who have held world records include:

– Toby Mao (Fastest single 3×3x3 solve, 10.48 seconds, set at the Exploratorium in 2006)
– Leyan Lo (Fastest single 3×3x3 solve, 11.13 seconds set at the Exploratorium in 2006; fastest 3×3x3 blindfold solve, 1:28:82)
– Frank Morris (Fastest 5×5x5 Average, 1:58:66, set at the Exploratorium in 2006)
– Ryan Patricio (Fastest 3×3x3 one-handed solve, 20.09 seconds)
– Bob Burton (Fastest Rubik’s Magic Average, 1.34 seconds, set at the Exploratorium in 2006)
– Dan Dzoan (Fastest 3×3x3 one-handed solve, 17.90 seconds, set at the Exploratorium in 2007)
– Mirek Goljan (3×3x3 fewest moves, 28, set at the Exploratorium in 2005)

Other notable competitors:

– Tyson Mao, Cube-loving cast member of the TV show “Beauty and the Geek Two”
– Andy Tsao, who currently holds the third-fastest average in the world
– Michael Gottlieb, notable 5×5x5, 6×6x6 and 7×7x7 solver
– Top female solvers Patricia Li, Stephanie Chow, Connie Chen, Ambie Valdes and Shelley Chang

The Exploratorium has been bringing the Caltech-sponsored Rubik’s Cube Club competition to the Bay Area since 2005. Today’s event is presented in conjunction with the Rubik’s Cube clubs of CalTech, U.C. Berkeley, and Stanford.

For more information, or to pre-register, please go to www.exploratorium.edu/rubiks

Video’s from past competitions: