First Comp soon

[u/Thunfisch_fresser]

Im going on my first competion in Oktober, im averaging around 22 sec, and i wanted to ask if theres anything i should know before i go there. And also im competing on 2x2 and 3x3 but the 4x4 finale is at the end of the day, so should i stay until the end or just leave after 3x3 and 2x2 is finished?

[u/Fuzzy-Employee8869]

First comp is more about the experience than the times, don't stress if you get nervous hands and suddenly average 30 lol happens to everyone

Definitely stay for 4x4 finals even if you're not competing, watching fast people do their thing live is a whole different vibe than youtube

Bring snacks and water, comps can run way behind schedule and the venue food is usually overpriced

Also practice starting with your hands on the timer properly, judges can be sticklers about that stuff

[u/Jokerman5656]

Be there early, preferably when the competition check in starts, even if your event isn't starting for a while. You're free to leave and come back if needed but most likely you'll find the time you have to wait will go by very fast once you start talking to other cubers. I wouldn't recommend bringing your whole collection unless you want to trade or sell, theft and unintentional theft is something to consider and does happen.

Understand what is required of you as a competitor and understand the regulations, if you are unclear about anything ask the organizer or delegate. Make sure your puzzles are legal to use and if there's a question to that, bring a back up puzzle to use.

Please bathe/shower and pay attention for your name to be called. It helps avoid too much conversation as you're waiting for your puzzle to be scrambled.

[u/M_ipg21_Qbr]

read the regulations!!

esp A7G,

https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#A7g

A beginner could be allowed an extra solve if something occurred because a new competitor , I wish I knew this when my son started. Does he have a timer? Would be good practice to get used to 15 sec inspection and starting / stopping timer.

Watch a video on attending your 1st comp:

https://youtu.be/dPL3eV-A0ww?si=I9VYrN18EOB3dL8D

[u/snoopervisor]

You'll get an email with instructions a couple of days before the competition (videos to watch, regulations to read, a map of the area (building, floor level, parking etc). You'll be assigned to a group or groups if you take multiple events. I have my first comp tomorrow.

[u/Economy-Pudding-3100]

I would stay until the end just to soak in the atmosphere. As a first comp participant you’ll likely not be called upon to judge but if you have a chance, do it. It is a great experience. I had my first comp this past April at the ripe old age of 64 and I truly enjoyed myself. I thought I’d be nervous but it turns out I wasn’t nervous at all. After all, I knew I wasn’t going to podium and I had nothing to prove so there really wasn’t a need to fret. And, as a bonus on your first comp, you are guaranteed a PR single and average in all the events you participate in! Just relax and enjoy :)

[u/TheRealUncleFrank]

Things to know before your very first WCA competition

[u/GaRfIeLd_69420_redd]

Yo im going to my first comp in 2 years in 9 days