New Zealand’s fastest speedcubers are on pace following speedcubing’s GAN NZ Nationals 2026. The three-day event, held in Wellington, showcased talented speedcubers across 17 disciplines such as the classic 3x3 cube, Pyraminx, Clock, one- handed and blindfolded rounds. Nationals precedes GAN WCA Oceanics 2026, which will be held in New Zealand for the first time.

After a nail-biting head to head final, Dwyane Ramos is the GAN NZ Nationals 2026 champion. Dwyane, from Christchurch, had an average solve time of 6.46 seconds after five 3x3 cube solves. His fastest single solve was a blistering 4.90 seconds. Dwyane last won the National Champion title in 2024.

“I was so happy as the rest of the day wasn’t ideal, but I kept my head up and that had a big role in my performance today,” he said. Regarding his 4.90 final solve, “I was just relieved to get Best Possible Average. I had an initial solution but saw something else at last minute and that change paid off.”

Dwyane also set three National Records on Day 1 during his 6x6 and 7x7 solves (one of which was broken on Day 3 by Dunedin-based Henry Eyles). Dwyane, the current Oceanic Champion, has been involved in the sport for seven years and still enjoys the competition atmosphere.

“The speedcubing community has always been supportive,” says Dwyane. “The fast cubers celebrate everyone, regardless of their skill level. It’s a great community to be around. If you haven’t been to a competition, you should just give it a try. You never know how it will turn out.”

Nine year old newcomer, Manuwatu-based Albie Ferris, competed in five disciplines after being introduced to cubing by his dad, Matt, a year ago. With no local competitions available, Albie was keen to register for NZ Nationals because he wanted to have fun. “I was really nervous at first, but I’ve had a lot of fun and got some good solve times. I also learnt how to judge other people’s solves.”

GAN Cube provided an exclusive opportunity for cubers to try out the exclusive GANZone, completing solves using GAN’s Smart Cube. “The GANZone was a lot of fun. I had never used a smart cube before,” said Albie.

Eleven first-time competitors aged from nine to 58 competed in NZ Nationals 2026. “Speedcubing attracts people of all ages and abilities - we’re thrilled with the number of new speedcubers giving it a go today,” says Speedcubing NZ (SNZ) President, Wee- Yeong Eyou. “Speedcubing is the perfect sport where everyone feels welcome to compete seriously or socially and meet new people. It’s the best alternative to screen time and it’s family friendly.”

GAN WCA Oceanics 2026 will be the biggest competition hosted by New Zealand this year. “SNZ is so proud to bring a premier international event to New Zealand,” says Wee- Yeong. “We are so excited that more of our local speedcubers can access this event – we’ll have the GANZone again and an action-packed schedule for seasoned and new speedcubers to experience.”

RECORDS SET AT GAN NZ NATIONALS 2026

• Dwyane Ramos (CHCH) NR mean, 6x6 cube 1:23.98 (1 minute, 23.98 seconds)
• Dwyane Ramos NR single, 7x7 cube 1:59.81 (first NZ sub-2 minute)
• Dwyane Ramos NR mean, 7x7 cube 2:07.53
• Henry Eyles (DND) NR mean, 7x7 cube 2:07.38
• Jack McDougall (WGTN) NR single, 3x3 blindfold 16.66 seconds
• Connor Johnson (CHCH) NR average, 2x2 cube 1.27 seconds
• Jasper Murray (CHCH) NR average, Pyraminx 1.27 seconds (WR3)
• Yuki Gao (China, NZ based) Female WR, 2x2 cube 1.13 seconds
• Lachlan Gibson (AKL) WR average, Clock 2.14 seconds

GAN WCA OCEANIC CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

10-13 December 2026

Auckland Netball Centre

7 Allison Ferguson Drive

St Johns

Auckland

Media are welcome to attend and cover this premier event.