On August 8–9, cubers gathered at UC Davis in California for Davis Big Summer 2026, a two-day World Cube Association competition built around something we care deeply about at GAN: progress.
From first-time competitors entering an official competition to experienced cubers chasing new personal bests, the event brought together different generations of the speedcubing community in one place.
GANCUBE was proud to support the competition alongside SpeedCubeShop and the Davis cubing community.
Highlights
Dan Pastushkov won with an average of 7.49 seconds in the 3x3x3 Cube event. Alessandro Diomampo finished second (7.51) and Jusun Choi (최주선) finished third (7.57).
| Event | Name | Best | Average | Representing | Solves | ||||
| 3x3x3 Cube | Dan Pastushkov | 6.91 | 7.49 | United States | 6.91 | 7.37 | 8.36 | 8.12 | 6.98 |
| 4x4x4 Cube | Dan Pastushkov | 24.92 | 29.12 | United States | 32.18 | 24.92 | 34.95 | 26.8 | 28.38 |
| 5x5x5 Cube | Emily Nguyen | 44.08 | 49.7 | United States | 51.34 | 44.08 | 53.42 | 50.14 | 47.63 |
| 6x6x6 Cube | Emily Nguyen | 1:24.04 | 1:31.87 | United States | 1:38.65 | 1:24.04 | 1:32.91 | ||
| 7x7x7 Cube | An Le | 2:28.59 | 2:31.77 | United States | 2:33.31 | 2:28.59 | 2:33.40 | ||
| 3x3x3 Blindfolded | Naomi Solnick | 25.13 | DNF | United States | 28.55 | 58.65 | DNF | DNF | 25.13 |
| Clock | Sebastian Stone | 2.67 | 3.3 | United States | 3.31 | 2.67 | DNF | 2.79 | 3.81 |
| Megaminx | Alessandro Diomampo | 34.63 | 37.83 | United States | 38.11 | 37.66 | 37.72 | 34.63 | 38.71 |
| Skewb | Dean Jacob Adamo Susskind | 1.14 | 1.82 | United States | 1.84 | 1.14 | 4.9 | 1.51 | 2.1 |
More Than a Competition
A WCA competition is about official results, but the experience goes far beyond the timer.
For many cubers, competitions are where online practice becomes a real community experience. They are a place to meet other solvers, compare setups, learn new techniques, try different puzzles and discover how much fun improvement can be when it happens together.
Davis Big Summer 2026 embraced that spirit with official WCA events as well as community activities including unofficial 8x8 and Face-Turning Octahedron competitions.
The event also featured an $88 challenge connected to the unofficial 8x8 event, adding another layer of excitement for competitors and spectators.
Rewarding the Moments That Make Cubing Special
For the GANCUBE raffle at Davis Big Summer, every competitor had the opportunity to enter for a selection of GAN puzzles.
But the event also created additional ways to participate.
Cubers could earn extra raffle opportunities by:
Attending their first competition
Achieving a new personal record
Helping as a staff member
Competing in an unofficial event
We love this idea because speedcubing is not only about winning.
A first official solve matters.
A new personal best matters.
Helping the community run a competition matters.
Trying something new matters.
Those moments are part of what keeps speedcubing moving forward.
GAN Puzzles Across the Community
A range of GAN puzzles was included in the event raffle, from flagship 3x3 speedcubes to smart cubes and other WCA-event puzzles.
Products included models from the GAN16, GAN15, GAN V100, GAN 562, GAN smart cube and other GAN series.
For us, the goal of supporting events like Davis Big Summer is not simply to put products on a prize table. It is to give more cubers the opportunity to experience different hardware, explore their preferred setup and continue developing their own style of solving.
Your First Competition Can Be the Start of Something Bigger
One of the best parts of local WCA competitions is seeing new competitors become part of the community.
You do not need to be an elite speedcuber to attend a WCA competition. If you can solve the puzzle within the event time limit, there is often a place for you.
Your first competition may begin with nerves and an official average.
It can also lead to new friends, new goals and an entirely different relationship with speedcubing.
If you have been practicing at home and wondering whether you are ready to compete, consider finding a WCA event near you.
Bring a cube you trust, enjoy your solves and focus on your own progress.
Keep Chasing Your Next Solve
Congratulations to everyone who competed, volunteered and helped make Davis Big Summer 2026 possible.
At GAN, we believe every solve is an opportunity to understand your cube—and yourself—a little better.
Whether your next goal is your first official result, a new personal best or a championship final, keep turning.
Explore GANCUBE speedcubes and find the setup that fits your next challenge.
