The Rubik’s Cube has been famous since it hit the toy scene 30 something years ago. The fun puzzle has created cult-like following, including a world championship. This year (2011), they hosted it in Bangkok, Thailand and the first place winner was Michal Pleskowicz. He solved the puzzle in 8.65 seconds. A US competitor came in second place with 9.56 seconds. You will find the full press release underneath this post.

I have to say that I think seeing the Rubik’s Cube championship would likely be a lot of fun. I personally could never figure it out, but I never really even tried to spend much time on one. However, I know that the game cannot be too hard if they have enough people who can crack it within seconds. Hopefully I can learn it one day.

Do you think the Rubik’s Cube is something that more people should play with? I do since it promotes thinking and that is the best type of play. I wish more kids would want to play with it, however, they don’t and it’s a shame. I do think championships of the Rubik’s Cube might be what is needed to bring it back into the forefront. Anyways, here is the full press release.

New World Rubik’s Cube Champion Crowned in Bangkok, Thailand
at 2011 World Rubik’s Cube Championship

350 Competitors From 40 Countries Battled For A Place In Rubik’s Cube History

WHAT: Over the weekend, roughly 350 competitors from 40 countries raced the clock (and each other) in 19 hard-fought events at the 2011 World Rubik’s Cube Championship, October 14-16, 2011, to earn their places in Speedcubing history.

WHERE: The three-day event took place at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Thailand’s tallest building, and was the largest World Championship event ever.

WHO: This year’s main event, the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube competition, was won by Michal Pleskowicz from Poland with an average solving time of 8.65 seconds. The first runner-up of the main event was Rowe Hessler from USA with an average solving time of 9.56 seconds.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS / EVENTS: NAME / Country / Average Solve Time
2×2 Rubik’s Cube: Feliks Zemdegs/ Australia / 2.71 Sec
4×4 Rubik’s Cube: Feliks Zemdegs/ Australia/ 35.22 Sec
5×5 Rubik’s Cube: Feliks Zemdegs/ Australia / 59.94 Sec
One-handed 3×3 Rubik’s Cube: Arifumi Fushimi / Japan/ 15.56 Sec
3×3 Rubik’s Cube (fewest moves): Sebatsien Auroux / Germany / 28 Moves
3×3 Rubik’s Cube with Feet: Henrik Buus Aagaard/ Denmark / 43.05 Sec
Pyraminx: Jules Desjardin/ France / 4.67 Sec
Square-1: Dan Cohen/ USA / 16.42 Sec
Megaminx: Simon Westlund / Sweden / 51.23 Sec
Rubik’s Clock: Daniel Shepard / United Kingdom / 7.51 Sec
Rubik’s Magic: Balint Bodor / Hungary / 0.93 Sec
Master Magic: Mate Horvath/ Hungary / 2.21 Sec
3×3 Rubik’s Cube blindfolded: Zane Carney / Australia / 31.41 Sec
4×4 Rubik’s Cube blindfolded: Aldo Feandri / Indonesia / 5 Min 52.50 Sec
5×5 Rubik’s Cube blindfolded: Chris Hardwick / USA / 15 Min 6.06 Sec

For the full results of the 2011 World Rubik’s Cube Championship, visit the official website. For more information about the Rubik’s Cube, including fun facts, visit www.Rubiks.com or visit the official Rubik’s Facebook page.