Xuanyi Geng: The New-Gen "Cube Prodigy"

 

In September 2023, Xuanyi Geng first made his mark at the Singapore Cube Competition, and since then, he has consistently shattered records at major competitions, quickly earning attention across the cube community.

 

Just recently, at the WCA Shenyang Spring Cube Competition, he set a new world record in the 3x3 single solve with a time of 3.057 seconds, becoming the youngest world record holder in the history of this event. Curious about how he achieved such speed? Let’s hear his story.

 

Xuanyi Geng's Cubing Path

Xuanyi Geng has only been learning the Rubik’s Cube seriously for three years. He first encountered it at age 4 and taught himself the layer-by-layer method, but didn’t dive in seriously. As for how he felt the first time he solved it, he candidly says, “Honestly, I’ve forgotten.”

 

In March 2022, he received a GAN cube as a gift from his father for his fifth birthday. From that point on, he began learning the CFOP method and officially started his journey to becoming a professional speedcuber.

 

 

In just three years, from CFOP to ZBLL, from joining Speed Ace to becoming part of GAN GURUS, from a beginner to a world-class cuber—Xuanyi Geng’s progress has been lightning fast. So, what’s his secret?

“Probably just hard work. And, I really like the cube,” he answered with two seemingly ordinary, yet most vital reasons.

Backed by dedication and passion, He made his debut at the Singapore Open and ranked among the world’s best.“I was really happy,” he said.

 

 

Making a splash on his first appearance brought joy and pressure. He used to join with a relaxed mindset, just wanting to have fun. Now, he feels a bit nervous, he admits, because I’ve started setting higher expectations for myself.”

 

Among all the competitions he’s attended, the most memorable was an unofficial event in Hangzhou. “I made a mistake, but it made me realize how important it is to think ahead for every move.”Think ahead of every move has become a key to his breakthroughs and victories. When asked to share a tip for getting faster, he responded,“Think ahead more. Take every solve seriously.”

 

 

So far, Xuanyi has competed in 3x3, 2x2, and Fewest Moves events. His favorite and best event is 3x3. “Because it’ s more challenging,” he says. In the future, he wants to try more.“ When I grow up a bit more and my hands get bigger, I want to try one-handed and other cubes.”

 

The "Bittersweet" Third Place

Talking with Xuanyi, you’ll notice an interesting contrast — he says the most confident things in the cutest voice. It mirrors his performance: a childlike face with intense focus and power when holding the cube.

In the summer of 2024, Geng made his first appearance in the Smart Cube Super League Finals and walked away with a third-place trophy.

In a top16 global showdown, securing third was no small feat. Still, he felt "a little disappointed." Why? Because his goal was higher, he was aiming for the top two. In the final round, he narrowly lost to Tymon and missed out on second place.

However, losing to Tymon didn't encourage him, Tymon is actually one of his favorite cubers. "I really like his solving method, it's amazing." He said.

He shared that he has studied Tymon's solutions and is also refining his approach to eventually surpass this formidable opponent.

We look forward to Xuanyi Geng continuing to shine in future competitions, keeping that fearless spirit of a young challenger alive.

That confidence is backed by consistent training. “On weekdays, I train about two hours a day. On weekends, at least four hours a day.”

When he occasionally felt less focused during practice, Xuanyi Geng shared his secret—he switches up his practice routine, like focusing on solving method or practicing stop timer after solving, then returns to his original exercises and repeats them.

Xuanyi Geng says his biggest supporters are his parents, who practice with him and record moments from his training.
He also attributes his growth to his mentor, Wang Yinghao. “Coach Yinghao has helped me a lot. He often comes to our house to train with me and sometimes even travels to Suzhou to play soccer with me.”

The Rubik’s Cube is a highlight of Geng Xunayi’s life, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Outside of cubing, he enjoys soccer, traveling, and reading.

His reading interests are full of exploration—he loves astronomy and geography. He even recommended a book series, A Day in Space, and said, “My favorite planet is Earth, of course, because it’s the only one with life in the universe.”

 

 

In his free time, Xuanyi also enjoys hanging out with his teammate Cao Qixian. They train together, and Qixian holds both the 3x3 single and average world records for females—she is equally an impressive talent cuber to admire.

 

 

Their journeys with the Rubik’s Cube have just begun, and the future holds limitless possibilities. We can't wait to see what they achieve next!