Qualification Process for the European Cubing Championships 2026

By Luke Terzich
2 min read

The event will run from 16 to 19 July 2026 in Arnhem, Netherlands. Registration begins on Thursday 8 January.

The European Cubing Championships 2026 are scheduled for mid-July in Arnhem at a spacious sports centre. For those travelling, Eindhoven Airport may be a convenient alternative to Amsterdam, and airports in neighbouring Germany are also viable. The Netherlands' efficient public transport system and well-connected train services make train travel a practical choice. Driving is also an option.

Registration Phases and Qualification Criteria

Registration is divided into two phases. Phase 1 has strict qualification standards to prioritise Europe’s top speedcubers and guarantee places for those likely to reach finals.

If you meet any of the following Phase 1 criteria, you can register from 8 January for the related events:

  • 3×3×3 Cube – 7.20 average of 5 (Ao5)
  • 2×2×2 Cube – 1.70 Ao5
  • 4×4×4 Cube – 30.00 Ao5
  • 5×5×5 Cube – 53.00 Ao5
  • 6×6×6 Cube – 1:41.00 mean of 3 (Mo3)
  • 7×7×7 Cube – 2:35.00 Mo3
  • 3×3×3 Blindfolded – 24.00 single
  • 3×3×3 Fewest Moves – 22 moves
  • 3×3×3 One-Handed – 12.70 Ao5
  • Clock – 4.10 Ao5
  • Megaminx – 41.00 Ao5
  • Pyraminx – 2.30 Ao5
  • Skewb – 2.85 Ao5
  • Square-1 – 9.00 Ao5
  • 4×4×4 Blindfolded – 1:40.00 single
  • 5×5×5 Blindfolded – 4:00.00 single
  • 3×3×3 Multi-Blind – 39 points

Competitors qualifying in at least one event during Phase 1 may add more events in Phase 2, which features easier qualification standards:

  • 3×3×3 Cube – Any single
  • 2×2×2 Cube – Any single
  • 4×4×4 Cube – 55.00 Ao5
  • 5×5×5 Cube – 1:25.00 Ao5
  • 6×6×6 Cube – 2:10.00 Mo3
  • 7×7×7 Cube – 3:30.00 Mo3
  • 3×3×3 Blindfolded – 1:30.00 single
  • 3×3×3 Fewest Moves – Top 50 Mo3
  • 3×3×3 One-Handed – 25.00 Ao5
  • Clock – 10.00 Ao5
  • Megaminx – 1:15.00 Ao5
  • Pyraminx – 15.00 Ao5
  • Skewb – 15.00 Ao5
  • Square-1 – 20.00 Ao5
  • 4×4×4 Blindfolded – Top 25 single
  • 5×5×5 Blindfolded – Top 25 single
  • 3×3×3 Multi-Blind – Top 25 single

If you do not meet any Phase 1 qualifications, you can register when Phase 2 begins on 15 January. Registration is expected to fill very quickly as there is a competitor cap of 1200. While there may be an increase in capacity, Arnhem’s central location and accessibility suggest this event could fill faster than the 2024 European Championships in Pamplona.