Rubik’s Cube competition held in Iona

A popular ’80s puzzle is making a comeback across the nation, and it made its way to eastern Idaho on Saturday for a Rubik’s Cube competition that got national attention.

Ten seconds, seven, and sometimes it only takes about five to master these puzzles.

“It really varies. It depends on how much time you’re willing to put into it,” said Spencer Stutzman, who has been practicing the Rubik’s Cube for the past year and has already broken countless records.

“I broke the single, which was like 6.5, and a few cells later I broke it again, which was 5.7 and then I broke the average, which was some where around eight seconds,” he said.

With dozens of puzzle combinations, Spencer has tried them all in competitions all over the country, including California, New Jersey and Kansas.

“Records are being set all the time and its really an interest to young people again,” said co-organizer Brian Stuzman. “It’s quite surprising. … (but) I have a son that’s a basketball player and now we have a son that’s cuber and they do really well at both, so it adds a balance to our family.”

Spencer said this isn’t a small-time hobby. With more than 30 participants from three neighboring states and a national judge from California, he’s surprised he was able to pull this off.

“It feels so good. I’m so happy that this competition came together so well,” he said.

This was the first certified Rubik’s Cube competition to be held in the Gem State in about seven years.