13-year-old Ningbo cubing prodigy breaks world record

Chen Zhen at the competition site. [Photo/Yongpai App]

At just 13 years old, Ningbo student Chen Zhen has broken the world record for the average time in the 3×3 Rubik's Cube one-handed event.

Competing at the 2026 WCA Wuhu Open on July 25, Chen achieved an average time of 6.99 seconds, setting a new world record. He also completed a single solve in 6.12 seconds, breaking his own national record.

Chen first picked up a Rubik's Cube at age nine and quickly became fascinated by the challenge of turning chaos into order. Since entering his first competition in 2023, he has taken part in nearly 40 events and won around 30 championships.

For Chen, however, cubing is about more than medals. Competitions have introduced him to fellow enthusiasts from across China, creating a community where they share solving techniques, compare speeds, and pursue their passion together.

Just days after setting the new record, Chen was already looking ahead—his next goal: breaking the world record for the fastest single-handed 3×3 solve.