A young Chinese speedcuber named Ziyu Ye solved a 2×2 Rubik’s Cube in just 0.39 seconds, setting a stunning new world record at the China Hefei Open 2025.
The moment happened on October 25, 2025, at the Hefei Open competition in Anhui Province, China. Judges from the World Cube Association watched closely as the pre-teen executed the solve under official rules. He broke the previous record of 0.43 seconds, which had been held by Poland’s young star Teodor Zajder. What makes this even more impressive is how Ziyu has been competing seriously since 2021, building experience across more than 40 sanctioned events.
During the official 15-second inspection period, Ziyu spotted an incredibly easy scramble that could be solved in just four moves. He used a popular magnetic 2×2 cube favored by top competitors and delivered the solve with lightning-fast finger tricks. The timer stopped at 0.39 seconds, a time so quick that slow-motion video review was needed to confirm every turn was clean. His focus and precision left fellow competitors and judges in disbelief.
Speedcubing continues to push the boundaries of what seems humanly possible. Modern cubes, such as the GAN 251 series, feature strong magnets that give solvers better control and faster turning without sacrificing stability. The sport blends sharp pattern recognition, muscle memory, and years of dedicated practice, and it sits in the same league as other recent boundary-pushing feats such as Brazilian skate legend Sandro Dias’s 229-foot building drop. For most people, even seeing the solve in slow motion feels surreal: a typical eye blink lasts longer than this entire puzzle solution.
Beyond the numbers, Ziyu Ye’s achievement highlights the rise of young talent from China in the global cubing community. These kids often balance intense training with schoolwork, supported by strong local cubing groups and families. His run not only raises the bar for the 2×2 event but also inspires thousands of beginners to pick up a cube and start practicing. In a world full of digital distractions, watching someone master something so tactile and pure feels genuinely refreshing.
Records in speedcubing tend to fall quickly as techniques improve, but this one stands out for its sheer speed, joining another recent Guinness World Record set by determined young competitors. It reminds us that with the right tools, mindset, and determination, extraordinary things can happen in the blink of an eye. Ziyu has shown the world what focused young minds are capable of achieving.
For full official results, check the World Cube Association rankings.
