Fun-Filled Rubik’s Cube Facts: An In-Depth Analysis
1. Global Popularity
Since the invention of the Rubik’s Cube, very few other puzzle games have matched or come close to its popularity. In 2021, over 450 million Rubik’s cubes were sold worldwide, making it the best-selling puzzle game of that year.
2. Records and Achievements
On December 13, 2023, the Dubai Knowledge Park created the biggest Rubik’s Cube, measuring 3m X 3m X 3m. Meanwhile, the world’s smallest Rubik’s Cube measures 1 centimeter and is fully functional.
3. Speedcubing
Speedcubing refers to a competition where an individual tries to unscramble a Rubik’s Cube puzzle as soon as possible. Competitors in speedcubing are called speedcubers or speedsolvers; most do it professionally nowadays.
4. Algorithms and Memorization
Contrary to popular belief, solving a Rubik’s Cube has nothing to do with one’s problem-solving skills; it mainly revolves around rote memorization. The more algorithms an individual knows, the faster they can solve a Rubik’s Cube combination.
5. Variations and Accessibility
Over time, Braille Rubik’s Cubes have been developed to allow visually impaired people to join in on the fun. Although these versions are usually marked with distinct and slightly elevated patterns in every block, they turn and twist like regular ones.
6. Movie Appearances
In the famous film The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith had to learn how to solve the Rubik’s cube. Interestingly, he perfected the art to the point that he could solve the puzzle in under 60 seconds.
7. Invention and Early Developments
After the invention of the Rubik’s Cube in 1974, the puzzles steadily grew and exceeded expectations. By the 1980s, everyone wanted a piece of it. The game was so popular that in 1981, a book on how to solve the Rubik’s Cube became a best-seller; it sold over 6 million copies.
8. Origins and Patents
Erno Rubik, the Hungarian architect who invented the Rubik’s Cube, was the first to successfully unscramble it. A Japanese engineer also applied for a patent for a cube with the same characteristics around the same time, while an American named Larry Nichols submitted a patent for the Rubik’s cube but his was held by magnets.
9. Teaching Aids and Awards
Before the Rubik’s Cube was a toy or a sports accessory, it was a teaching aid. The Hungarian architect Erno Rubik wanted to use Rubik’s Cube to teach about . However, after the Cubegained popularity, its dynamics shifted. Over time, The Rubik’s Cube has won Toy of the Year awards in various parts of the world.
10. Masterpiece Cube and Record Holders
The Masterpiece Cube is ever made, costing around $2.5 million. Created by Diamond Cutters International, it features an 18-carat gold frame, among other fancy features. The owner, Fred Cuellar, was always fascinated by the Rubik’s cube, prompting him to build his version in honor of Erno Rubik.
11. Youngest Solver
In 2013, Ruxin Liu set a world record for being the youngest person to solve the Rubik’s Cube. At only 3 years old, Ruxin completed the puzzle in 1.39.33 at a Weifang Open event.
12. Blindfolded Challenge
To add more spice to this puzzle game, some people play it when they are blindfolded. Usually, gamers are given a few seconds to memorize the scrambled cubes before they are blindfolded and asked to solve them.
13. Speedcuber Max Park’s Record
In 2021, in just 3.13 seconds, a slight (but significant) improvement of Yusheng Du’s time of 3.47 seconds. This was a phenomenal feat for Max Park, who could hardly unscrew a water bottle cap during his preteen days.
