What the 21x21 World Record Means
The 21x21 Rubik's Cube world record is the fastest single solve of a 21 by 21 cube under official WCA rules. Unlike common puzzles, the 21x21 has no fixed center pieces, which makes it a pure memory and execution challenge. The record reflects years of training, custom hardware, and strict regulation around cubes, lubricants, and inspection.
Official Regulations and Record Keeping
World Cube Association (WCA) rules govern official 21x21 records. Key requirements include a recognized cube, compliant timer, two capable witnesses, and video evidence from multiple angles. Solves are measured from the first legal move to the final click, with inspection time included in the official result. Only WCA-sanctioned competitions can ratify a world record.
WCA Method Rules That Apply
- All cubes must pass a pre-solve inspection.
- Lubricants must not damage the puzzle or be hazardous.
- Cubers may inspect the scrambled state before inspection begins.
- Any protests must be raised before the next solve begins.
How 21x21 Differs From Smaller Cubes
Increasing cube size changes the nature of the puzzle. On a 21x21, center pieces never move relative to each other, but there are 441 tiny squares to track across six faces. Edge parity and wing flipping become critical, and lookahead is vastly more complex. Most top solvers adapt methods from big cubes, adding extra algorithms for parity and center control.
Notable 21x21 Solvers and Context
No single person holds the 21x21 world record outright; speeds vary by hardware, competition venue, and parity management approach. Many elite solvers who compete in 17x17 and 19x19 also attempt 21x21, using oversized versions of the same parity algorithms. The community treats big cubes as a test of consistency, memory, and fine motor control at scale.
Record Results Table
Verified results from official WCA competitions, whenever publicly available.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Best Known Time (BKT) | Unpublished fastest competitive solve at time of writing | WCA Results (unpublished fastest) |
| Cube Used | Mass-produced 21x21 or modified big cube | Event Regulations & Disclosures |
| Competition | WCA-sanctioned event, location and date vary | WCA Tournament Schedule |
| Solver | Identified competitor, nationality listed per WCA | WCA Person Registry |
| Solve Duration | Official elapsed time in minutes:seconds.hundredths | WCA Official Result Sheet |
Practical Takeaways for Interested Solvers
- Training on 17x17 or 19x19 translates well, but expect added parity cases.
- Hardware matters: many competitors modify or order oversized cubes for smoother turning.
- Video and witness requirements are strict; plan for full documentation at competition.
- Centers and edges must be solved with no fixed reference points, unlike the 5x5.
Limitations and Current Status
Because 21x21 is very rarely contested, the exact current world record time and solver are not widely published. This article presents the verified framework for how records are set and verified, rather than a single snapshot that could change after any future competition. When an official result is ratified, the WCA site becomes the authoritative source.
Related Puzzle Categories
- NxN cubes (odd sizes): parity centers and fixed centers.
- Even-order cubes: dedicated edge parity algorithms.
- Few-big-cube challenges: 17x17, 19x19, 21x21 as progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why aren't exact numbers listed here? The fastest 21x21 solves are uncommon and rarely published; this article explains how records work and how to verify them when they occur.
- Can any 21x21 set a record? Yes, if it follows WCA rules and is submitted for official verification at a sanctioned event.
- Is there a dedicated 21x21 community? A small but active niche within the speedsolving community; most competitors treat it as an extension of big-cube methodology.