Hundreds of the country’s fastest Rubik’s Cube solvers are set to face off at a national championship as the world-renowned puzzle marks its 50th birthday. 

The Rubik’s UK Championship 2024, presented by The UK Cube Association (UKCA), is the national championship for speedcubing in the UK and will take place at Coventry Building Society Arena.

It is being held at the Coventry venue for a third successive year from Friday 1 November to Sunday 3 November amid the 50th anniversary year of the invention of the Rubik’s cube.

The event will see 500 competitors battle it out across 15 different events, including the standard 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube, as well as other sizes, from 2x2 all the way up to 7x7. Those with the highest speed hands will take on challenges including “twisty puzzles” such as the Pyraminx, Megaminx, Clock, Skewb, and Square-1. 

Some competitors will also try for the fastest time in challenges such as completing the standard cube with one hand, and even blindfolded. All solvers from the competition will be officially recognised by the World Cube Association, the global governing body.

Sam Spendla, President of the UKCA, said: “We’re all set for another huge weekend at the national championship and it’s a particularly special year with the Rubik’s Cube turning 50.

“The standard improves year-on-year at the event, drawing the very best from the UK but also some of the top talent from across the globe.” 

The event is sponsored by the Rubik's brand. The iconic Rubik's Cube is one of the most influential toys in history, intriguing minds of all ages, and without Ernő Rubik's invention 50 years ago, the world of speedcubing would not be where it is today.

It is set to attract competitors from 32 different countries, however only competitors representing the United Kingdom will be able to win the coveted Champion title.

Reigning champion Nicholas Archer, 17, will be returning to the event in a bid to retain his crown.

Nicholas said: “Winning the UK championships last year was a great experience especially as it was so unexpected. I am really looking forward to this year's championship, to compete against the fastest solvers in the UK and to catch up with friends. My goal is to be on the podium again this year. I have been practising hard because everyone keeps getting quicker!"

Nicholas will receive stiff competition from the field, with 2022 champion James Alonso, 15, seeking to reclaim the title. Alonso recently set a new UK record for speedcubing, achieving the nation’s first ever average under six seconds. 

The UK Cube Association hosts weekly competitions across the UK. The annual UK Championship always stands out as a highlight, with more than double the number of competitors of most competitions in the UK this year.

Jenni Ford, Director of Sales and Marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “We’re excited to be welcoming the national championship back for a third successive year.

“This type of event underlines the wide variety of events that we can host at the Arena, and we are looking forward to welcoming Rubik’s Cube competitors from across the UK to our venue.”

Spectators will be permitted to attend across the weekend by paying a £5 fee whilst the competition is ongoing. The fee grants visitors access to all three days of the competition.

To find out more about the event and view the full schedule, visit the website.