43-quintillion combinations: Speedcubers solve Rubik's Cubes in record breaking times

Barrie is testing the abilities of some of the fastest cube solvers from across the province and around the world on Dec., 28, 2024. (Supplied)

Imagine 43-quintillion—43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible combinations. That’s an insanely large number for our brains to comprehend.

Now picture this, the world fastest speedcubers can look at any one of those quintillion combinations and solve a puzzle in just under 10 seconds.

On Saturday, Barrie is hosting a showcase of speed and skill as 100 competitors gather for “Wrap It Up Barrie,” a Rubik’s Cube competition at the Southshore Community Centre.

This event will test the abilities of some of the fastest cube solvers from across the province and around the world—organized by Speedcubing Canada and the World Cube Association (WCA).

The original 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube, invented by Hungarian professor Ernő Rubik, offers an endless number of possible combinations. Yet, top competitors can solve it in as little as six to 10 seconds, according to Speedcubing Canada.

Some of Saturday’s challenges include solving the cube one-handed, with top times under 15 seconds, decoding the cube blindfolded, where competitors memorize the puzzle before taking off their their blindfolds to complete the solve.

Barrie's record breaking time of the day sits just under five seconds, shared a local at the event.

This close-to-home event is a part of a global series of WCA competitions, and it will be taking place all around the world on Dec., 28.

This mind-puzzling series will feature seasoned solvers—some with over 70 competitions under their belts—as well as 20 first-timers, according to Speedcubing Canada.

This competition will touch down in countries such as the USA, Denmark, South Korea, China, and more. If you are interested in watching live puzzle solvers take it to the colourful cubes click here.