3 of The Best Cubes: Rubik's, GANCUBE, and MoYu

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Often seen as a show of intelligence, the Rubik’s Cube has shocked people for decades. What was once the hottest toy on the market when it was invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974 is now a worldwide organization with leagues and competitions. People see Rubik’s Cubes as a show of a high IQ, but what if I told you that one does not solve a Rubik’s cube because they have a high IQ and strong motor skills, instead they have those assets because they solve Rubik’s cubes.  

In 1974, two distinct but interestingly similar milestones were achieved that would greatly affect the lives of data engineers: the Rubik’s Cube was invented, and IBM released the first relational database. Since its original rise in the 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube has become the world’s most popular puzzle toy. Over 400 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold in the last four decades. The constant release of more complex variants, as well as the popularity of speedcubing competitions around the world, has kept the Rubik’s Cube just as challenging and relevant in 2022 as it was in 1982. 

Speedcubing builds problem-solving skills and social connections in schools. 

Like many youngsters, Sean Hartman remembers having a Rubik’s Cube around the house when he was growing up. He didn’t think much of it until the age of 11, when he discovered an entire world of online videos showing people doing amazing things with the iconic puzzle. “It’s so cool to see people solving these cubes so fast,” Sean says. “I looked at probably seven tutorials online, and every time I couldn’t remember how to do something, I would watch them over and over until I could do it myself.”

That was 2013. Sean has been a dedicated cuber ever since. Now a senior at Florida State University, he even started his own cubing club at the school last year. It is home to high-level speedcubers and newcomers alike.