Filipino Teen, 15, Shatters One-Handed Rubik's Cube Record

The day after turning 15, Crimson Arradaza gave himself the ultimate birthday present: a world record that experts thought was nearly impossible to break.

At the Philippine National Speed Cubing Open in Tagaytay City, the teen from Baguio completed a 3x3x3 Rubik's cube solve using only one hand in 5.33 seconds. That shattered the previous world record of 5.66 seconds set by Switzerland's Dhruva Sai Meruva in 2024.

Arradaza traveled eight hours with his parents to compete in the tournament, which was organized by the Asian Mind Sports Association and the Philippine Olympic Committee on May 27-28. The event was the first major nationally-backed speed cubing competition under the Philippine Olympic movement.

"I have been speed cubing for the past four years and this is the best birthday gift for myself," Arradaza said after his historic solve. The moment electrified the speed cubing community and placed the Philippines firmly in the spotlight of global mind sports.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino witnessed the record live. "Sports is not only about physical strength," he said. "It is also about mental sharpness, discipline, and focus."

The Ripple Effect

Arradaza's achievement means more than just one teenager's triumph. It signals Southeast Asia's rising power in competitive mind sports and proves the region can compete at the highest levels globally.

The Asian Mind Sports Association is building on this momentum by expanding referee training programs, youth development pathways, and livestream infrastructure across the region. Director-General Jim Yu called it "not just a Philippine achievement" but "an Asian achievement."

The organization plans to continue growing regional competitions and international exchanges to bring mind sports into the mainstream. Events like the Tagaytay tournament are creating opportunities for young athletes across Southeast Asia to showcase their talents on the world stage.

For Arradaza, four years of dedication paid off in 5.33 seconds that will inspire countless young cubers across Asia and beyond.