Jack Cai: National Rubik's Cube Champion
Okay, I confess. I have never actually finished the Rubik’s cube that has been sitting in my room since I was five.
I do take solace in that fact that I have completed one side.
But, to think that Monash student Jack Cai (Bachelor of Music) can solve one in under 20 seconds, while blindfolded, makes me question my intellect… or lack thereof.
Jack has broken multiple records on his way to becoming the National Champion.
At the recent 2018 Australian National Championships Jack won:
The blindfolded 3x3 Rubik's cube, with a time of 19.97 seconds.
And
The multiple cube blindfolded event, requires a competitor to memorise a certain number of cubes, before solving them, all while blindfolded. Jack solved 18 out of 19 cubes blindfolded in 59 minutes and 20 seconds - outrageous!
Jack also surprised himself as he placed third in the one-handed event with a 15.46 second average.
Jack solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded for Arnie. Photo: Jack Cai. |
Finding it captivating, he went home and tried to solve one on his own.
“I don't think I was even able to solve one side when trying it out myself sadly,” said Jack.
"But with the help of a YouTube tutorial, I managed to solve the whole cube using a layer-by-layer method.”
“From then onwards, I was pretty hooked and just kept on solving it, improving my times gradually through a lot of practice,”
The fascination with solving Rubik’s cubes never wavered as Jack learnt to solve other ‘twisty’ puzzles like the Pyraminx.
However, it was the appeal of solving the standard Rubik’s cube one-handed or blindfolded that would ultimately lead Jack to trying speedcubing.
Speedcubing, as the name suggests, is where you solve the Rubik’s cube and its variants as quick as possible.
Jack went to his first competition in 2014.
Unfortunately, nerves got the better of him and he failed all of his blindfolded attempts, but the experience was invaluable.
In July of 2017, Jack was able to rise above his nerves and break his first Oceanic record, solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded in 25.16 seconds.
Since then, he has smashed 10 more records, but highlighted that none matched the level of excitement he felt after breaking that first record.
Despite owning several records, Jack has his sights firmly on breaking a world record or becoming the World Champion in 2019 when the 2019 World Cube Association World Championships graces Melbourne’s shores.
When asked about his favourite aspect of Speedcubing Jack said:
“While I do find the aspects of cube solving such as memorisation and finger dexterity interesting, I think the thing that I love the most is the community behind the sport.
“Compared to certain other sports, I think cubers are a lot more supportive of each other.”
“Seemingly the biggest of rivals can also be the best of friends.”
It’s quite common for cubers to share their techniques and strategies with the betterment of the sport in mind, rather than personal gain.
Jack also loves that he has an excuse to travel to international competitions.
He has visited places like the New Zealand, Taiwan and France.
The next international event Jack will be attending is the Malaysian Cube Championship, held in November.
Jack has set his sights on winning at least three different events and breaking a few more Oceanic records or, maybe with a little bit of luck, Jack may even break a world record!
Either way, Monash University is right behind you Jack!
Written by: James Oana
Media Coordinator