Fifteen-year-old Soham Ronav has made history by becoming the national speedcubing champion of Fiji, emerging triumphant at the inaugural Fiji Nationals 2025 Rubik’s Competition held at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi. Soham’s remarkable achievement was showcased during the event held on Sunday, where he dominated the competition by winning all six contested events, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of speedcubing.
The final results saw Vincent Huang from Suva take home the second place, while Penaia Ratumaitavuki from Nadi secured third place. This significant event marked a successful launch for speedcubing within Fiji, drawing a total of 44 participants from nine countries, including delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and various European nations. However, only competitors from Fiji were eligible for national titles, emphasizing the event’s focus on fostering local talent.
The competition featured a diverse range of events—including the Rubik’s Cube (3×3), 2×2 Cube, 4×4 Cube, Pyraminx, Skewb, and One-handed Rubik’s Cube—where participants were assessed based on their average time over five attempts. The enthusiasm and skill displayed by Fijian cubers were commendable, as they consistently made it to the finals, showcasing the potential within the local speedcubing community.
This event was especially noteworthy as it was Fiji’s first official World Cube Association (WCA) sanctioned competition, a feat made possible with the support of international delegates such as Ron van Bruchem from The Netherlands and Peter Hugosson-Miller from Sweden. The introduction of this formal structure not only highlights an increase in interest in speedcubing across the nation but also serves as a step toward establishing a vibrant competitive culture for the sport.
Historical perspectives surrounding the Rubik’s Cube, first introduced in 1980 and having sold over 400 million units worldwide, adds depth to the excitement surrounding the sport’s competitive side, which has continued to grow since the establishment of the WCA in 2004. As speedcubing garners attention, enthusiasts like Soham and his fellow competitors inspire hope for a thriving future in this captivating discipline, showcasing Fiji’s potential in the global sports arena.
The success of the competition reflects ongoing efforts within Fiji to cultivate enthusiasm for a variety of competitive sports, indicating that the country’s athletes are increasingly ready to represent on international stages. By developing local sports talent through events such as the Fiji Nationals, the nation is making strides toward building a stronger sports culture that can lead to future successes across multiple disciplines.
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