Almería hosts Rubik’s Cube Speedcubing Championship

Sixty individuals gathered in Almería recently to show off their quick reflexes and speedy problem-solving skills, competing in the 2026 IndalOpen O’Clock Speedcubing Championship, the largest Rubik’s Cube competition in the province. Held at the Huércal de Almería Multiuse Theatre across Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, the tournament attracted competitors from across Spain and around the world.

Speedcubing continues to grow in popularity

Before videogames and smartphones, many people entertained themselves by matching the colourful sides of a Rubik’s Cube. For some it was a way to waste an afternoon, while for others it became a difficult challenge they were determined to master. Over the years, that simple puzzle evolved into an international competitive discipline known as Speedcubing.

As such, solving a Rubik’s Cube in record time has become a major competitive challenge. Competitors race against the clock to solve complex puzzles, including the traditional Rubik’s Cube and several advanced variants, as quickly as possible. It is a sport that prioritises brain over brawn, with competitors relying heavily on pattern recognition, concentration, memory and muscle memory.

Organised by the Asociación Almeriense de Speedcubing with support from the local council and the Provincial Council of Almería, the championship has grown into one of Andalucía’s leading events for cube-solving enthusiasts.

Competitors from around the world

The event saw rising talents competing against past champions from across the globe, including participants from Australia, Colombia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Several Spanish champions and runners-up also attended, helping to create one of the strongest fields ever assembled in the province.

Although the traditional 3×3 Rubik’s Cube remained one of the headline attractions, competitors also battled across nine different categories, including 2×2, 4×4, Megaminx, Pyraminx, Square-1 and Clock, the event’s featured discipline.

Visitors also enjoyed side activities throughout the weekend, including raffles, specialist speedcubing stalls and a unique challenge inspired by the current 3×3 world-record scramble.

Marcos Caballero Marsilla Claims Victory

While several categories were contested during the weekend, the main race against the clock was won by Marcos Caballero Marsilla from Spain, who achieved a remarkable average time of 3.9 seconds. His performance capped an intense weekend of competition that showcased the extraordinary skill, focus and dedication required to compete at elite speedcubing level.

Local organisers praised both the international turnout and the growing popularity of the discipline among younger competitors, with many believing the event has firmly established Almeria as an important destination on the European speedcubing circuit.