Buzz
Puzzles have always intrigued people, blending entertainment with challenge. From the famous Rubik's Cube to complex jigsaw puzzles, these brainteasers have evolved beyond simple pastimes into fierce competitions. Watching people solve them at record speeds is exhilarating, displaying human creativity and resourcefulness.
In the competitive world of puzzling, some individuals have achieved extraordinary accomplishments. These champions have honed their skills through relentless practice. Their stories aren't just about speed but about perseverance and an unwavering passion for puzzles.
This list showcases ten remarkable puzzle solvers who have triumphed over their respective challenges with incredible speed. From Max Park's swift Rubik's Cube solutions to Shiyao Wang's Sudoku expertise, these puzzlers have done what many of us can only dream of. Their feats are not only remarkable but also motivational, demonstrating that with determination and focus, even the most difficult challenges can be conquered.
10. Max Park and the Rubik’s Cube
Max Park is a well-known figure in the speedcubing world. On June 11, 2023, he made history by solving the Rubik's Cube in an astounding 3.13 seconds at the Pride in Long Beach 2023 event. This momentous achievement is just one of many in his career, which began when he used the Rubik's Cube as a therapeutic tool to assist with his autism.
The world record-breaking solve by Max Park was captured on video, showcasing his swift and precise movements. He is renowned for his consistent performances, having participated in numerous competitions and set multiple records. His success is the product of countless hours of dedicated practice and a profound passion for the puzzle.
Max’s journey is an inspiring story for many. It demonstrates how a simple hobby can transform into an extraordinary skill. His accomplishments have earned him a respected place in the speedcubing community, inspiring others to pursue their passions with persistence and commitment.
9. Shiyao Wang – Sudoku Prodigy
Shiyao Wang has left an indelible mark in the Sudoku world with her remarkable speed and accuracy. At the 2018 Sudoku World Championship, the 14-year-old set a new world record by solving an extreme Sudoku puzzle in just 54.44 seconds. This incredible feat solidified her reputation as one of the world’s top Sudoku solvers, a testament to her exceptional talent and commitment to mastering the game.
Shiyao's calm and methodical approach has been essential to her success in the world of Sudoku. Her record-setting performance in 2021 is a true reflection of her profound understanding of the game and her unwavering pursuit of perfection. She continues to motivate and guide aspiring Sudoku enthusiasts, sharing her strategies and insights to help others enhance their skills.
8. Dan Feyer – American Crossword Champion
Dan Feyer is recognized as one of the fastest crossword solvers in the United States, earning his place through a series of impressive, high-speed performances. He began his competitive career by winning the B Division of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in 2009, having previously triumphed in the C Division in 2008. Dan’s exceptional skill in swiftly solving puzzles is the result of his rigorous daily practice, where he tackles 20-25 crosswords on average.
Dan's strategy for speed-solving involves capitalizing on the letters already filled in the grid, which helps direct his mind towards the correct words. He rarely seeks external assistance, preferring instead to revisit particularly tough puzzles at a later time with a fresh perspective. His remarkable achievements and systematic approach have made a lasting impact on crossword enthusiasts across the globe.
7. Alejandro Clemente León – World Jigsaw Puzzle Champion
Alejandro Clemente León is a celebrated speed puzzler, known for his unmatched precision and speed. At the 2023 World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, he set an extraordinary record by completing a 500-piece puzzle in just 32 minutes and 41 seconds. His journey into speed puzzling began in 2019 when he competed in a pairs puzzle contest with his father. Since then, he has rapidly ascended through the ranks to become one of the top competitors.
Alejandro’s approach to puzzling is both systematic and strategic. He starts by organizing pieces based on color and shape, assembling the puzzle with a focus on both speed and accuracy. His achievements are a direct result of dedicated practice and his deep passion for the art of puzzling. Beyond personal success, Alejandro is also known for sharing his skills and inspiring others in the puzzle community, earning him a respected place in the world of jigsaw puzzles.
6. Lim Kai Yi – Record-Breaking Puzzle Prodigy
Lim Kai Yi, a remarkable young talent from Butterworth, Malaysia, has shattered over 60 world records, demonstrating his extraordinary skill and versatility in numerous feats. One of his standout achievements is setting the world record for the fastest time to build a 15-cup pyramid, completing it in just 2.40 seconds. His passion for puzzle-solving and breaking records began in his early years, propelling him to become a global phenomenon.
Lim’s success can be attributed to his innovative approach and tireless practice. He values creativity and seeks out unconventional methods to reach his goals, rather than relying on standard techniques. His record-breaking performances, including assembling a Mr. Potato Head in just 5.43 seconds, showcase his exceptional abilities and commitment to his craft.
Lim continues to motivate the puzzle-solving world with his goal of breaking 1,000 records in his lifetime, encouraging others to think creatively and pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
5. Aidan Grainger – Holder of the Megaminx European Record
Aidan Grainger, a gifted 16-year-old from the UK, made a name for himself by securing the European record for solving the Megaminx—a 12-sided puzzle. At just 16, Aidan achieved this impressive accomplishment by solving the puzzle in an average of 30.91 seconds over five attempts during a 2024 competition. His speedcubing journey began in his early teenage years, rapidly progressing from local events to breaking records on the international stage.
Aidan’s approach combines strategic planning with swift execution, skills refined through countless hours of practice. His ability to stay focused and maintain precision under competitive pressure has earned him a distinguished place in the speedcubing community. This record not only demonstrates his expertise but also his dedication to mastering one of the most complex puzzles.
Beyond his record-breaking achievements, Aidan actively contributes to the speedcubing community, often sharing his techniques and advice with fellow enthusiasts. His accomplishments have inspired many young cubers to challenge themselves and strive for excellence in competitive puzzling.
4. Simon Kellum – Pyraminx Speedcubing Champion
Simon Kellum has become a prominent name in the world of speedcubing, especially in Pyraminx competitions. The Pyraminx, a 3-layered tetrahedron-shaped twisty puzzle, features four triangular faces with nine smaller triangles each. Since his first appearance in 2016, Simon has participated in numerous World Cube Association (WCA) events, consistently showcasing outstanding performances. His skill and determination have earned him top placements in multiple Pyraminx events, where he solves the puzzle with impressive speed and accuracy.
Simon’s rise to success can be credited to his rigorous practice regime and profound grasp of advanced cubing strategies. He regularly competes in various competitions, consistently achieving excellent results. His approach to speedcubing blends swift execution with tactical planning, making him a tough competitor in the Pyraminx division.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Simon is a key figure in the speedcubing community, sharing his expertise and encouraging others to pursue their cubing passions. His ongoing journey continues to inspire up-and-coming cubers to reach for greatness in the world of competitive puzzling.
3. Niklas Aasen Eliasson – Rubik’s Clock Master
Niklas Aasen Eliasson is a distinguished name in the speedcubing scene, especially renowned for his skill in solving the Rubik’s Clock, a unique puzzle with two sides, each containing nine clocks. Niklas achieved an impressive world record by solving the Rubik’s Clock in just 2.25 seconds at the Vännäs & Friends 2024 event in Vännäsby, Sweden, on June 15, 2024. He began his speedcubing journey in 2021, quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the leading competitors in this specialized puzzle category.
Niklas Aasen Eliasson’s method for solving the Rubik’s Clock is defined by his careful preparation and strategic thinking. He uses advanced solving techniques and maintains exceptional accuracy even under the intense pressure of competition. His commitment to mastering the puzzle has earned him a series of top-tier rankings in official World Cube Association (WCA) events, reinforcing his position as one of the premier solvers in the world.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Niklas actively contributes to the speedcubing community by sharing his knowledge through tutorials and mentoring. His efforts have inspired countless aspiring cubers to pursue excellence in solving the Rubik’s Clock, establishing him as a respected and influential figure in the world of puzzle-solving.
2. Ryan Pilat–Master of Square-1 Solving
Ryan Pilat is a well-known name in the speedcubing world, celebrated for his expertise in solving the Square-1 puzzle, a variant of the Rubik’s cube that changes shape as it’s solved. Ryan has consistently displayed his remarkable skill, setting a world record with a solve time of just 3.41 seconds at the Wichita Family ArtVenture 2024. Starting his speedcubing journey in 2016, Ryan has emerged as one of the leading competitors in the Square-1 category.
Ryan’s method for solving the Square-1 puzzle is rooted in a profound understanding of the mechanics behind the puzzle and the implementation of sophisticated algorithms. His commitment to excellence and strategic mindset have earned him numerous top spots in official World Cube Association (WCA) competitions. In addition to his competitive success, Ryan is an active member of the speedcubing community, where he shares his insights and techniques to inspire and mentor aspiring cubers from all over the world.
1. Carter Kucala – Skewb Speedster
Carter Kucala is a distinguished figure in the speedcubing scene, particularly known for his remarkable ability to solve the Skewb—a six-sided puzzle that twists at an angle. In June 2024, Carter set the world record for the fastest average Skewb solve time, completing five solves with an astonishing average of 1.52 seconds. Additionally, in March 2024, he achieved a mind-blowing single solve time of 0.75 seconds. Carter’s journey into speedcubing started at a young age, and his rapid rise to mastery of the Skewb has made him one of the world’s leading competitors.
Carter’s impressive success is the result of his commitment to practice and his strategic approach to solving the Skewb. He rigorously trains using advanced algorithms and methods that allow him to solve the puzzle with extraordinary speed and precision. His ability to stay calm under the immense pressure of competition has led him to secure multiple top rankings in official World Cube Association (WCA) events.
In addition to his competitive accolades, Carter plays an active role in educating the speedcubing community. He offers tutorials and mentorship to help others improve their solving techniques, inspiring countless young cubers to aim for greatness in the sport. His record-breaking performances and contributions to the community continue to influence and motivate aspiring speedcubers around the world.
