Crimson Arradaza Claims One-Handed World Record Time at Non-WCA Event
The Filipino speedcuber’s 5.33 solve was faster than the current WCA record, but the non-WCA event leaves its Guinness status uncertain.
Filipino speedcuber Crimson Arradaza claimed a 3x3x3 one-handed world record time with a 5.33-second solve at the inaugural Philippine National Speed Cubing Open 2026, a non-WCA competition held May 27-28 in Tagaytay City, Philippines.
The result is faster than the current World Cube Association world record of 5.66 seconds, set by Switzerland’s Dhruva Sai Meruva at Swiss Nationals 2024. However, because the Philippine National Speed Cubing Open was not sanctioned by the WCA, Arradaza’s solve will not be recognized as a WCA world record.
Guinness World Records currently lists Meruva’s 5.66-second solve as the fastest one-handed 3x3x3 solve. Sources who competed at the Philippine National Speed Cubing Open told Speedcuber’s Digest that organizers are expected to pursue Guinness recognition for Arradaza’s result, though that process has not yet been confirmed publicly.
Watch Arradaza’s 5.33-second solve below.
The event was organized by the Asian Mind Sports Association, in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee. AMSA’s own event announcement said the competition was run under AMSA’s official competition rules, with certified referees and training around scrambling standards, event rules, and competition procedures.
Arradaza, a 15-year-old Roux user, was one of the standout names from the event, which brought a larger mainstream spotlight to speedcubing in the Philippines. The competition was framed by AMSA and the Philippine Olympic Committee as part of a broader push to build speedcubing as a more formal mind sport in the region.
The tournament also featured a notable prize pool. Brenton Angelo Lo Wong won the 3x3 event and received $1,200 USD, roughly ₱73,000, a significant prize by speedcubing standards.
The Philippine National Speed Cubing Open included 3x3, 2x2, Pyraminx, 3x3 one-handed, and 3x3 blindfolded. AMSA has said it plans to continue developing regional competitions, referee systems, livestream infrastructure, youth programs, and international exchanges as part of its speedcubing efforts in Asia.
For now, Arradaza’s 5.33 stands as a major claimed world-record time outside the WCA system, with potential Guinness recognition still an open question.