Eric Limeback, of Belwood, holds the record for second fastest Rubik’s Cube solver in Canada, with an average solve time of 9.86 seconds.
On July 7, he is bringing his expert speed skills and some solving tips to have fun with customers at Jester’s Fun Factory here.
“I’m going to be doing a lot of demonstrations, including blind-fold demonstrations,” Limeback confirms.
“I got my first Rubik’s Cube for Christmas when I was 14 years old,” Limeback explained, adding his fascination with solving the puzzle required a lot of studying. “The first time I solved it, it took me a good six or seven minutes.”
The 3-D mechanical puzzle first came to fame in the early ‘80s, and has returned to intrigue a new generation of puzzle solvers. Speedcubers has become a phrase for people, like Limeback, who continue to compete in events such as the World Cube Association’s competitions, where the official world records have been monitored since 2003.
“For the most part, the cube is making a big comeback,” Limeback confirmed. “The reason I like the cube is because it’s a really good brain teaser and are there are so many ways to solve it.”
By 16 years of age, Limeback had perfected his skills to achieve the second fastest in the nation. Now at 19, he still holds the title.
His ability to memorize helped him master the cube blind-folded. The year he earned his title, he also broke a record for solving the most Rubik’s Cubes consecutively by solving 11 out of 11, a record he held for two years.
“Doing the cube blind-folded, you have to do this differently,” he said, adding he uses a method that numbers and letters the colours of each square. “I look at one cube, see where it has to go, decide based on the letter and number, then decide how to get it there. It took an hour and a half to memorize and lots of practice.”
The Rubik’s Cube competitions have taken Limeback to competitions throughout Canada and the United States.
While Limeback used to practice daily for months at a time, the Wilfrid Laurier student admits he rarely practices now. But when he shows his friends he says, “people are definitely blown away.”
Jester’s Fun Factory has created an ongoing community one-sided challenge that will allow different generations to battle it out on the cube to see who can solve the puzzle fastest, vying for the generation to be declared the Rubik’s Rulers.
Age competitions will be as follows: 16 years and under are the Rubik’s Rookies; ages 17 to 32 are the Rubik’s Racers; 32 years and older are the Rubik’s Retro’s team. Limeback will act as the judge.
The challenge will begin at 2pm, with prizes for first, second and third place.
Limeback will be appearing on July 7 from 11am to 3pm at Jester’s Fun Factory, at 735 Tower Street S., in Fergus.
For more information, call Evelyn Gould at 519-843-8887 or email jesters@cogeco.net.
