The last time I handled a Rubik’s cube was, oh, maybe two years ago. And even then it was to look at it helplessly and place it back meekly on the shelf. Despite that, I have an unusual fascination with the colorful cubed puzzle, and even more fascination with those who are able to solve it in no time flat. This is why I’m particularly excited to see that the Rubik’s Cube competition has come to San Francisco this year, to be held at the Exploratorium (natch) today, Saturday January 14 2006. Here are the details, as per SF Station:

“Come watch the world’s greatest solvers of the Rubik’s Cube compete for the fastest times under improbable circumstances in the 2nd Northern California competition since 1981. In past years, many world records have been set at such tournaments including the 3x3x3 cube single solve (11.75 seconds), the one-handed solve (23.76 seconds), and the blindfold solve (1:58:32).

Among the Rubik’s Cube elite expected to attend are Jessica Fridrich, the creator of the most popular speed cubing system, the Fridrich Method; Lars Petrus, 4th-place finisher in the 1982 Rubik’s Cube World Championships representing Sweden; Shotaro Makisumi, a 14-year-old freshman from Japan attending high school in Pasadena and number one in the world of the 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube, average solve at 14.52 seconds; and Tyson Mao, holder of the blind solve record at 1: 58:32.

Entry is open to anyone. Event is included in the price of admission.”

Yeah you read that last part right — if you think you have the cajones to beat these speed cubers, you can actually challenge them to a Rubik’s Cube showdown. A puzzle-duel, if you will. Registration is free, as long as you pay the price of admission to the Exploratorium. I still don’t know how this competition will apparently last 4-6 hours (especially if these Rubik’s stars are so talented), but it might make for an interesting Saturday nonetheless.

Exploratorium
415-561-0360
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Sat 01/14/06 (10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) » Registration 10-11am