The Chongqing Stadium witnessed an extraordinary display of mental athleticism on Monday as the 2025 National Rubik’s Cube Open regional competition concluded with unprecedented participation. A remarkable assembly of 1,520 puzzle enthusiasts from across China converged for the Chongqing leg of the national tournament, showcasing exceptional speedcubing prowess across multiple age categories.
Among the standout participants was six-year-old prodigy Yu Niannian from Xiamen, Fujian province, who demonstrated remarkable composure alongside seasoned competitors. The young cuber’s dedication was captured by his mother, who documented his competitive journey through her mobile device from the spectator area.
The event highlighted China’s growing fascination with precision sports that combine mathematical reasoning, pattern recognition, and manual dexterity. Participants engaged in various cube-solving disciplines, with some competitors achieving solve times under ten seconds amid intense concentration and rapid finger movements.
Organizers noted that this year’s regional competition saw a 23% participation increase compared to previous editions, reflecting the sport’s expanding popularity as both competitive endeavor and educational tool. The tournament followed World Cube Association regulations, with official judges monitoring solves for compliance with international standards.
The Chongqing qualifiers served as preliminary rounds for the national championship finals scheduled for early 2026, where top performers will compete for national titles and potential representation in international speedcubing competitions.