🏆 The GOAT Takes Gold! Yiheng Wang Clinches 3×3 World Title!!!

Yiheng Wang Clinches 3×3 World Title in Unforgettable Final!

From 2023 heartbreak to 2025 triumph, Yiheng Wang delivered a masterclass in pressure, skill, and redemption, cementing his legacy in a 3×3 final for the ages.

Source : WCA YT

🧩 The Pinnacle of Cubing: Yiheng Wang’s Redemption in a Legendary 3×3 Final

The Rubik’s WCA World Championship 2025 culminated in its marquee event: the 3×3 final. Sixty-one days of waiting, 43 years of history, and countless hours of practice boiled down to this one moment, with 16 of the fastest solvers on the planet vying for the most coveted title in all of cubing. The atmosphere was electric, with organizers anticipating a full house and thousands of spectators eager to witness history.

🔥 Pre-Final Hype & Finalist Profiles

The build-up was immense. Yiheng Wang of China, the reigning world record holder for average (3.91s—the only sub-4 average in official competition), entered as the overwhelming favorite. After a heartbreaking performance at the 2023 Worlds, this final was more than a competition—it was a test of mental fortitude and redemption.

Other top contenders included:

Xuanyi Geng (China): A sub-5 average machine and consistent podium threat.
Tymon Kolasiński (Poland): Fresh off a 5×5 world record and known for his explosive reactions.
Max Park (USA): The defending champion, aiming for a historic third 3×3 world title.
Qixian Cao (China): Rising star and new female world record holder (5.07s average).
Teodor Zajder (Poland) and Matty Hiroto Inaba (USA): Seasoned veterans with unique solving styles.

The diversity of methods—from CFOP to Roux—added strategic intrigue to the showdown.

⏱️ Solve Breakdown & Turning Points

The final consisted of five breathtaking solves. Yiheng Wang, starting on the blue stage, had already stunned with a 4.80s average in the semi-finals—a preview of what was to come.

His final round was a rollercoaster:

Solve 1: A shaky start.
Solve 2: A blistering 3.80s—critical in setting the tone.
Solves 3–4: Steady and composed under immense pressure.
Solve 5: The moment of truth. Just like in 2023, it all came down to the final solve.

With the crowd holding its breath and flashes going off despite repeated warnings, Yiheng delivered. A flawless execution under pressure secured him the title.

🙌 Crowd Reactions & Final Results

Commentators Manu Singal and Katon Ellis captured the tension perfectly: “We’re nervous just sitting here.” The silence during inspections was deafening, followed by explosive cheers after each solve.

The final standings were historic—all sub-5 averages:

🥇 1st Place: Yiheng Wang (China) – 4.23 seconds
🥈 2nd Place: Xuanyi Geng (China) – 4.49 seconds
🥉 3rd Place: Tymon Kolasiński (Poland) – 4.98 seconds

📊 Analysis: A Champion’s Composure

Yiheng’s victory wasn’t just about speed—it was about resilience. His mastery of ZBLL algorithms and ability to execute under pressure were unmatched. As Timon Kosinski noted, “He’s not just fast—he’s fearless.”

This final showcased the incredible depth of talent in modern cubing. The bar for winning has never been higher, and Yiheng’s performance will be remembered as one of the greatest in WCA history.

After two years of intense preparation, Yiheng Wang’s redemption arc is complete. His 2025 victory is not just a title—it’s a legacy.

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