50 Years of Rubik's Cube
The Rubik's Cube, a global puzzle phenomenon for 50 years, boasts 43 quintillion possibilities. Notable events include Max Park's 3.13-second record and Spin Master's 2021 acquisition. From Ernő Rubik's prototype, it evolved into a cultural icon with spin-offs and educational programs, maintaining enduring popularity.
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In its 50-year history, the Rubik's Cube has become one of the best-selling puzzles globally, with over 43 quintillion possibilities in a single cube. Significant milestones include the 2023 world record solve of 3.13 seconds by Max Park and the 2021 acquisition of Rubik's by Spin Master. The cube's popularity led to events like the Red Bull Rubik’s Cube World Championship and appearances in pop culture, such as Justin Bieber solving it on TV. Stemming from Hungarian professor Ernő Rubik's 1974 prototype, the cube evolved into a cultural icon, with spin-offs like Rubik's Snake and Rubik's Magic. The cube's enduring appeal is showcased through various achievements, including the launch of educational programs and its integration into movies like Disney's Wall-E. As the Rubik's Cube continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide, its legacy as a timeless and challenging toy persists, inviting new solvers to join its rich history.
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9 commentsRubik’s cubes not only still exist and can be found in any decent toy section, the enthusiasts community is out there with speed cubing. The records show up on the news from time to time. Companies are making Bluetooth cubes.
It didn’t die like the pet rock or beanie baby. It found its niche and became a permanent part of the world like the frisbee or skateboard.
When I was in high school, 10-20 years ago, I had a 30 minute bus ride back, and it eventually became something I just did. I didn't learn a ton of patterns, but I did start solving the top two layers faster over time, and I was consistently under a minute for my solve time. I don't recall meeting others who could solve it.
At one point in HS, our local church had a multi-congregation multi-day event, and I participated in a the talent showing, solving the rubik's cube. There was a 2 minute limit, and friends coming up to "tackle" me and prevent me from finishing, and one of the local newscasters was a leader for the youth, and he narrated. I was surprised by how many of the girls liked the skit, and I didn't quite know what to do with myself then, ha ha.
My second experience is now, being a youth leader in the same congregation. I'm surprised by just how many of the youth know how to solve a rubik's cube. Probably upwards of half. I think I counted 14 people in our youth group, but that included me and a few parents.
Oh how the times change.
Always fun to play with these toys with my kids. If you don't have one, the 2x2 is surprisingly difficult. And the only one you can arrange so all sides do not have matched colors.
(My mom got me one after the Omni Magazine Games article came out in 1980)
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