I’ve competed in several meets of various sizes and competitiveness, but this competition was by far the largest and the most competitive. In the circuit of the speedcubing stage, this is the third highest tier of competition, behind the North American (continental) Championship and the World Championship. Because of that, there are qualifying time standards for specific events. I was able to qualify in four events, but next year I am hoping to qualify in a few more. I was able to compete in the 3x3, 2x2, Pyraminx, and Skewb events. Not only did I get to compete in one of the biggest competitions ever held in the United States, but I got to explore and discover lots of Pittsburgh, including Carnegie Mellon University and PNC Ballpark Stadium (home of the Pittsburgh Pirates). I also got to meet some famous cubers like Tommy Cherry and multiple-time world record holder/world champion Max Park (I met Max in our hotel lobby, as his family was staying in the same hotel as ours)! While I achieved a couple of personal bests at this competition, I was unfortunately eliminated in the first round of each event. Hopefully I will be able to make the second round, or even the semi-finals at next year’s Nationals! A lot of work and practice will have to be put in. Now it’s time to compete at a smaller scale and have some fun.