Chongqing - On August 2nd, the First China-Hungary Youth Rubik's Cube International  Open finals took place in Chongqing, marking a significant event in celebrations commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. Nearly 60 top Rubik's Cube enthusiasts from China and Hungary faced off in this ultimate test of intellect and speed after intense competitions and selection rounds.

On August 2nd, the First China-Hungary Youth Rubik's Cube International Open finals occurred in Chongqing. (Photo/Huang Zhuoyue)

The Rubik's Cube, invented in 1974 by Hungarian architect and professor Ernő Rubik, symbolizes Hungarian ingenuity. Despite the geographical distance, China and Hungary have a long history of friendly relations, and the Rubik's Cube enjoys widespread popularity in China.

The competition comprised three stages: city qualifiers, regional contests, and the grand finals, drawing participation from over 10,000 people. After fierce competition, the finals recognized approximately 50 outstanding city-level organizers and awarded first, second, and third-place winners in six categories across three events: 3x3 Blindfolded, 3x3 Cloned, and 3x3 Speedcubing. An overall champion for the 3x3 Speedcubing event was also crowned.

On August 2nd, the First China-Hungary Youth Rubik's Cube International  Open finals occurred in Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Cube Association)

Eleven-year-old Chao Qian from Hong Kong shared his excitement about the competition. He began learning the Rubik's Cube at the age of eight through online videos. Far from feeling nervous, he was thrilled to compete against top cubers from various regions. "Competing here in Chongqing not only exposed me to more techniques and strategies but also reminded me that there are always greater challenges and talents out there," he said.

The presence of a group of elderly women from the Taikang Yuyuan Nursing Home drew significant attention at the event. These Rubik's Cube enthusiasts, all over the age of 80, with the eldest being 91, posed for photos with many participants. Liu Xianfeng, one of the senior participants, shared her perspective, "Most people associate the Rubik’s Cube with young people, but it's a fantastic mental exercise for the elderly too. We practice for at least an hour daily, which not only enhances our dexterity but also effectively delays memory decline."

The presence of a group of elderly women from the Taikang Yuyuan Nursing Home drew significant attention at the event. (Photo/Chongqing Cube Association)

Dan Yanzheng, Vice Mayor of Chongqing, said, "Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Chongqing and Hungary have engaged in diverse exchanges and collaborations in sports and cultural fields. This year, marking the 75th anniversary of China-Hungary diplomatic relations, interactions between our two regions have become even more vibrant. Events such as the Third Chongqing Changshou Canoe Invitational and the China-Hungary International Youth Rubik's Cube Open Finals have brought our people closer, adding new dimensions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Hungary."

(Huang Zhuoyue, as an intern, also contributed to the report)