Are there speedcubing competitions in the Netherlands?

Dave Vinke
Leestijd: 5 min
Laatst geüpdatet: 26/03/2026

The Netherlands has a thriving speedcubing community, with regularly organized competitions for cubers of all levels. From local tournaments to official World Cube Association events: there are plenty of opportunities to test your speedcube skills against other enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about competitive cubing, or an experienced speedcuber looking to participate in official competitions: this guide answers all the important questions about speedcubing competitions in the Netherlands.

What are speedcubing competitions and how do they work?

Speedcubing competitions are organized contests where participants try to solve Rubik’s Cubes and other twisty puzzles as quickly as possible. These events are officially recognized by the World Cube Association (WCA) and follow strict international rules and procedures.

During a competition, participants get multiple attempts (usually five) to set their best time. For most categories, the average of the middle three times counts as the official result. Before each attempt begins, cubers get 15 seconds of inspection time to study the cube without turning it.

Competitions consist of different categories, such as 3x3x3 (the standard Rubik’s Cube), 2x2x2, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, and special events like blindfolded solving and one-handed cubing. Each category has its own world records and rankings, which are maintained by the WCA.

What speedcubing competitions take place in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands organizes approximately 15 to 20 official WCA competitions annually, spread across the entire country, in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Groningen. These competitions range from small local tournaments with 50 participants to large national championships with more than 200 cubers.

The Dutch Nationals is the highlight of the Dutch speedcubing year and usually takes place in autumn. This prestigious event attracts top talent from across Europe and determines the official Dutch champions in all categories.

Additionally, local speedcubing clubs regularly organize informal competitions and meet-ups. Popular recurring events include the Amsterdam Open, Rotterdam Cube Day and the Zonhoven Open (just across the Belgian border, but popular with Dutch cubers). Most competitions are announced on the WCA website and in Dutch speedcubing communities on social media.

How can you participate in a speedcubing competition in the Netherlands?

Participation in a Dutch speedcubing competition requires registration through the official WCA website, where you create a free WCA ID and register for specific events. Most competitions have entry fees between 15 and 25 euros, depending on the number of categories you participate in.

You don’t need any minimum speed or experience to participate. Beginners are always welcome, and many organizers offer special guidance for first-time participants. However, you must bring your own speedcubes that comply with WCA rules regarding dimensions and functionality.

Note that popular competitions often fill up quickly, especially the Dutch championships. Keep an eye on the WCA website and Dutch cubing forums for announcements of new competitions. Some events have waiting lists you can join if registration is full.

What can you expect from your first speedcubing competition?

Your first speedcubing competition usually begins with registration and picking up your name tag, followed by a tutorial for new participants explaining the procedures. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, with experienced cubers happy to share tips and help beginners.

During the event, you’ll be called according to a schedule for your categories. You sit at a table opposite a judge who measures your times and monitors the procedures. Between rounds, you can practice, meet other participants and enjoy the friendly speedcubing community.

Expect a long day with lots of waiting time between your own attempts, but this gives you the chance to socialize and learn from other cubers. Most competitions end with an awards ceremony for the winners of each category. Even if you don’t win, you receive official WCA times that contribute to your worldwide ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which speedcubes are allowed at official WCA competitions?

WCA competitions have strict rules for permitted puzzles. Your speedcube must fall within the official dimensions (maximum 57mm for a 3x3x3), may not contain electronics, and must be fully functional. Popular brands like GAN, MoYu, and QiYi usually meet these requirements, but always check the WCA regulations before buying a new cube.

How do you best prepare for your first competition?

Focus on consistency instead of top speeds. Practice daily with a timer, learn the official WCA procedures (like the 15-second inspection time), and train under pressure by tracking your times. Watch YouTube videos of competitions to become familiar with the atmosphere and procedures. Also make sure your cube is well-tuned and bring backup cubes.

What are the costs of participating in speedcubing competitions?

Besides entry fees (€15-25), you need to account for travel costs, possible accommodation, and purchasing good speedcubes (€20-50 per cube). For beginners, a budget of €100-150 for your first year is realistic. Many clubs also organize free practice sessions where you can train without competition costs.

Can you still start competitive speedcubing as an adult?

Absolutely! While many top performers are young, there are competition categories and rankings for all ages. Many Dutch competitions have participants from 8 to 60+ years old. The community is very inclusive and welcoming to new members, regardless of age or skill level.

What happens if your cube breaks during a competition?

If your cube becomes defective during an official attempt, you can request an 'extra attempt' from the head judge. You'll then get a new chance to complete that solve. That's why it's important to always bring backup cubes to competitions. Some organizers also have loaner cubes available for emergencies.

How do you find local speedcubing clubs and practice groups in the Netherlands?

The Dutch Speedcubing Community has active Facebook groups and Discord servers where clubs announce their activities. Many cities have weekly or monthly meet-ups in libraries, schools, or community centers. Also ask during competitions about local clubs - other cubers are happy to share information about training groups in your area.