Irish Championship 2026
- Date
- Jul 24 - 26, 2026
- City
- Waterford, Ireland
- Venue
SETU Arena
- Address
- South East Technological University West Campus, Carriganore, Co. Waterford. X91 XD96
- Details
Main Hall
- Contact
- Organization team
- Organizer
- Speedcubing Ireland
- WCA Delegates
- AJ Nicholls, Anthony Kalaya Rush, Catherine Rush, Kevin Timmons, Maria Beausang, Mary Hennessy, Nevins Chan Pak Hoong (陈百鸿), Rich Casey, Seán O'Toole, and Simon Kelly
- Download all the competition's details as PDF .
- Information

Please Note: As this is Ireland's National Championship, only competitors who represent Ireland will be eligible for prizes. The competition remains open for all nationalities to compete.
Final Round Advancements: For events with more than one round, the top 6 Irish competitors will be guaranteed to progress into the finals in addition to the top 10 remaining best competitors of any region. For 3x3 finals, the top 6 Irish competitors will be guaranteed to progress into the final in addition to the top 6 remaining best competitors of any region.
Free T-Shirt: All registered competitors will receive a free t-shirt. Please fill in your t-shirt size in the comment box when registering. More info here
Fewest Moves Challenge: FMC will not be held at this competition. To compete for the national champion title for FMC, you must compete at Irish Championship FMC 2026 on 11th July instead, which will be announced shortly.

https://speedcubingireland.com/
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- Events
- Main event
- Competitor limit
- 350
- Number of times bookmarked
- 46
- Registration period
-
Online registration opened and will close .
- Registration requirements
-
Create a WCA account here if you don't have one.
If this is not your first competition, associate your WCA ID to your WCA account here.
Register for this competition here.
There is a competitor limit of 350 competitors.
The base registration fee for this competition is €45 (Euro).
The registration fee has to be paid through Stripe here once registered.
If your registration is cancelled before you will be refunded 80% of your registration fee.
Registrants on the waiting list may be accepted onto the competitor list until .
If you are a registered competitor you may change your registered events until on the Register tab.
No on the spot registrations will be accepted.
Registration is not complete until the registration fee has been paid. A spot is not guaranteed until the competitors name appears on the Competitors tab. Once the competitor limit has been reached, new registrations will be added to the waiting list in the order of payment. Waitlisted competitors will only be accepted provided one of the accepted competitors withdraws from the competition.
All competitors still on the waiting list after the deadline for accepting competitors from the waiting list has passed will be removed and a full refund issued.
If you can no longer attend the competition, please inform us ASAP. We can give the free spot to another person! Of course you will get a refund according to the refund policy for this competition.
Please allow up to 48 hours for your registration to be accepted. Registrations will not be accepted until the appropriate registration fee has been received.
T-Shirts
The T-Shirt deadline is Friday 3rd of July at registration close. No changes can be made after this date.
When registering, put your t-shirt size into the comment box.
The valid sizes are as follows:- No T-shirt
- Child/Youth: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
- Adult: S, M, L, XL, 2 to 5XL
Invalid sizes may result in the wrong t-shirt being ordered!
For more information see the T-Shirt TabPut your t-shirt size in the comment box!

Competition Not Full
The following competitors are on the waiting list:
1.
2.
3.
Waiting List Policy
Once the competitor limit has been reached, competitors will be added to the waiting list in order of paid registrations.
If an accepted competitor pulls out of the competition, the next competitor on the waiting list will be accepted. We will also contact you by email if you are on the waiting list and a spot opens up for you.
Once the refund date has passed (see General info tab), waiting list competitors will have their registrations deleted and their registration fee refunded.
If registration is closed, competitors can no longer be added to the waiting list.
If your registration has been accepted and you no longer intend on competing, please contact us ASAP so we may allocate your spot to the next person on the waiting list. If the refund date has not yet passed, you will receive a refund according to the refund policy.

New Competitors
If you are a new competitor, it is important that you are familiar with the Regulations. The regulations are very long and are quite a lot to take in so there is also this video you can watch which covers the basics very well. We recommend you watch this before attending. We will also be holding a New Competitor Tutorial as per the Schedule which we recommend you attend as well.
New competitors must bring some form of ID to show at the competition to confirm the name, the country they wish to compete for, and the date of birth registered with. The usual items of ID that people bring are Passports, Birth Certificates, Driver's Licenses, etc. As long as it has your name, date of birth, and country, then it will be fine.
If you have any questions, we recommend that you check the FAQ in case it has been asked before. But you are more than welcome to contact us at the link on the General Info page.
Information for All Competitors
- Please help judge! We rely very heavily on regular competitors to make the competition run to schedule. It is not very difficult to do, and even parents and non-cubers can do it! If you'd like to learn the procedure then we will explain it during the introduction to competing, and if you still don't quite understand we can show you during the rounds as well. And you may judge whenever you want.
- However, if you are competing in an event then you are expected to help judge for that event. Obviously you need time to warm-up so we would really appreciate if you can help out the group immediately following the one you compete in. For example, if you are competing in group 2, please help to judge for group 3, etc. If there are only 2 groups, you would be expected to help for the other group.
- No flash photography under any circumstance within the venue. It is extremely distracting for competitors.
- If you are a spectator, please stay 1.5m away from competitors at all times as per Regulation 7b.
- Please treat the venue with respect, put all of your rubbish in bins, black bin bags, or take it home with you and keep your area tidy.
- There are thousands of puzzles at these events, make sure to keep yours together so you don't lose them! Keeping them in a bag and looking after it at all times is recommended.
- During blindfolded events, please stay silent within the venue. These events require a high amount of concentration and any noise can be distracting. We will announce when the silence will begin and when you may talk within the venue again.
MultiBlind Competitors
All puzzles for multiblind are to be submitted early to allow time for scrambling. Please see the schedule for details.
Square-1 Competitors
If Square-1 is being held, please note that inserts will be used to prevent accidental moves from being applied before the start of the attempt as per regulation A2b1.

Live results at the competition are provided courtesy of WCA Live!
Please note that the results may not be entered immediately. It is important that the competition is running smoothly before we can enter data. Sometimes there might be a delay of up to an hour before the results for a round are entered.
Groups can be viewed on Competition Groups!
Each event is run in groups, depending on how many people are competing in the event depends on how many groups there are. We call each group up one at a time in order to complete their solves during the scheduled time for the round. We have software that automatically picks what groups you are in, the judges, and who scrambles for each group. This is the minimum amount you should be helping out as it only is for first rounds. We always appreciate extra help!
Nothing will be displayed for this competition until the week before.

SETU Arena is the largest sports, conference and events centre in the South East of Ireland. The Arena is situated on the outskirts of Waterford, just off the motorway, which makes it easily accessible from the city and neighbouring counties. This multipurpose facility can cater for a wide range of acitivities, including gym work, high performance sport, multipurpose sports, kids' activity camps, leisure and entertainment events and conferences. The facilities are state of the art and the service is truly exceptional.
SETU Arena
West Campus
Carriganore
Co. Waterford
Ireland, X91XD96
Transport
🚗Car🚗
Free parking will be available at the Arena.
🚌Bus🚌
For those travelling from Dublin airport or Cork, the Dublin Coach M9 Express bus service stops near WIT. From there you can get a Bus Eireann service towards the Arena. However please note that the nearest Bus Eireann bus stop is a 30 minute walk to the venue.
🚂Train🚂
Plunkett station is the name of the train station in Waterford city. A Bus Eireann service can be taken towards the Arena.

Q: How do I register?
A: First you need to make sure you have created a WCA account. You can do this by going to the sign-up page and creating an account. Once you have created the account and confirmed your email address, go to the Register section for this competition and follow the instructions carefully.
Q: Why am I not on the registration list yet?
A: Please make sure that you have followed the instructions in the Register section. You could also be on the waiting list. The competitor limit can be found on the General Info page, and you can see the number on accepted competitors on the Competitors page. If you have done everything correctly and the competition is not full then just be patient. We have to manually approve registrations and the organisers aren't available all the time. If you believe you have followed the steps correctly but still are not on the registration list after 2 days, then feel free to email us at the contact link on the General Info page.
Q: Can I change the events I am registered for?
A: As long as registration is still open, yes you are allowed to change events. You can change your event selection on the website. If you have any issues please email us at the contact link on the General Info page with the events you would like to change. If registration is closed then please do not email us with event changes. If at the competition you decide that you do not want to compete in an event, come up to the scramble table when your group is called and simply tell the scramblers that you are not going to compete.
I am on the waiting list. What happens now?
A: If a competitor drops out before the event change deadline, their spot will be allocated to the next person on the waiting list. You can check your position on the waiting list on the waiting list tab. Spots will be reallocated up until the event change deadline. If a spot does not become available for you, you will receive a full refund. If you wish to drop out of the waitling list please email us at the contact link on the General Info page, and we will remove you and issue a full refund.
Q: I am no longer able to attend, what do I do?
A: The first thing you need to do is tell us as soon as you know via the contact link on the General Info page. Competitions generally fill up quite quickly and letting us know that you can't attend means we can add someone from the waiting list.
Q: If I do not attend do I get a refund?
A: If you inform us you are no longer attending and registration is still open, we will issue a refund in accordance with the competition refund policy. If you do not tell us you are not attending then you will receive no refund.
Q: How fast do I have to be to compete?
A: We recommend that you check out the Schedule tab - if you can make the time limit for the events you want to compete in, then you're fast enough! Loads of people come to competitions just to beat their own personal bests, and meet likeminded people, with no intention of winning or even making it past the first round.
Q: Are there different age categories?
A: All competitors compete on the same level and all ages are welcome. In general most are aged 10-20 but we have plenty of regulars who are older or younger than this!
Q: Do I use my own cubes to compete?
A: Yes! Make sure to bring cubes for all events you are competing in and look after them, you don't want them to go missing.
Q: Can I come only to spectate?
A: Spectating this competition will be free for everyone. Please be respectful of competitors while they are competing and remain at least 1.5 meters away from the solving stations as per regulation 7b.
Q: When do I arrive at the competition?
A: If you are a new competitor, we highly recommend that you show up for the introduction to competing which is held as the first thing on both days. Otherwise, we recommend you turn up at least 15 minutes before your first event, you can check when this is on the Schedule tab. This will give you enough time to register, find a seat, and warm-up.
Q: What do I do when I arrive?
A: The first thing you do when you arrive is find the registration desk if registration is open. If you arrive before registration opens, we will make an announcement as to when it does open. If there is nobody present at the registration desk then find a staff member and we will make sure to register you.
Q: When can I leave the competition?
A: You are more than welcome to leave whenever you want. If you have no more events left then you are not required to stay.
Q: How do I find results?
A: All the results will be found on this page a couple of days after the competition, once they have all been checked and uploaded. If you are looking for live results, they can all be found on the Live Results tab.


Speedcubing Ireland is a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to supporting the speedcubing community in Ireland. We have been involved in the organising of numerous competitions since 2019. We have 5 Irish delegates and a committed team of volunteers.
Please follow us on social media to keep up to date on upcoming competitions and Speedcubing Ireland news!
https://speedcubingireland.com/
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https://speedcubingireland-merch.myshopify.com/
Speedcubing Ireland is delighted to offer official apparel. Order from our website!
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Please Note The Following Information and and Disclaimer
There may be a photographer present at our events and by attending you give us permission to use any photos you appear in on our website or for marketing purposes.
Speedcubing Ireland does not accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability to the fullest extent permitted by law for:
* any loss or damage to any personal property
* personal injury or illness suffered by you at a Speedcubing Ireland event
Attending this event is at the attendees own risk and by attending you agree not to bring any claim against the organisers of this event.
Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult.

Come and watch!
All spectators are welcome to attend for free.
No prior booking is required
Or join the fun?
This is Ireland’s BIGGEST speedcubing weekend.
One of the highlights of the 2026 calendar, this competition is great for all levels of cuber.
First time competitors are welcome and it is a great chance to meet other cubers and set personal records!
(Plus every competitor gets a free t-shirt included in their registration)


Speedcubing Ireland is pleased to announce that they have partnered with SETU Arena to secure nearby accommodation at affordable prices for attendees. There is a limited supply, so first come first served. This is normally student accommodation during term time, so consider this when booking.
Expression of Interest form COMING SOON.

We need a large group of dedicated volunteers to help make Irish Championship 2026 a success. We welcome applications from experienced cubers and also non-cubers, parents, siblings and frequent competition attendees!
Benefits of being staff include:
* Refund of your Irish Championship registration fee (worth €45) or refund of your child's registration fee (if you are a parent/guardian)
* Reserved seating in the best location for the 3x3x3 Finals
* Other perks TBC depending on registration numbers
There are a wide variety of roles that need to be filled including registration desk, front of house, data entry and general help for all 3 of our stages. Previous competition experience is essential, but being able to solve the cube is not!
APPLY HERE
This could be you!
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You must comment your requested t-shirt size in your registration!
The t-shirt deadline is Friday 3rd of July at registration close.
Invalid registrations, and all registrations after this date may not get a tshirt.
The valid sizes are the following:
* No t-shirt
* Child/Youth: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-13
* Adult: S, M, L, XL, 2 to 5XL
We cannot ensure you will get the correct size if what is entered in the comment box is not one of the above sizes. We also cannot change the size after the t-shirt deadline
CHILD/YOUTH SIZES
| Age to fit | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-8 | 9-11 | 12-13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half chest (cm) | 40.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 51 |
| Body length (cm) | 52 | 56 | 59.5 | 63.5 | 67.5 |
| Sleeve - centre back length (cm) | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 41 | 44 |
ADULT SIZES
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half chest (cm) | 45.5 | 51 | 56 | 61 | 66 | 71 | 76 | 81.5 |
| Body length (cm) | 71 | 73.5 | 76 | 78.5 | 81.5 | 84 | 86.5 | 89 |
| Sleeve length - cenre back (cm) | 38.5 | 42 | 45.5 | 49.5 | 53.5 | 57 | 60 | 63.5 |
| Tolerance +/- 2.54cm |


Due to the size of the side room, there is a limit on the number of competitors who can compete in 4x4 Blindfolded, 5x5 Blindfolded and Multiple Blindfolded.
Multiple Blindfolded
Places will be allocated based on result. The top 24 registered competitors will qualify.
Due to the length of this event, we will be requiring all competitors to use the provided harmonica holders for their attempts.
4x4 Blindfolded and 5x5 Blindfolded
To qualify, you must have a success is any of the "Big Blind" events (4x4 Blindfolded, 5x5 Blindfolded). A success in 3x3 Blindfolded or 3x3 Multiple blindfolded will not qualify you for either 4x4 Blindfolded or 5x5 Blindfolded.
Qualification Examples:
* I have a success in 3x3 Blindfolded and wish to compete in 4x4 Blindfolded- ❌ Unqualified
* I have a success in 3x3 Multiple Blindfolded and wich to compete in 5x5 Blindfolded- ❌ Unqualified
* I have a success in 4x4 Blindfolded and wish to compete in both 4x4 and 5x5 Blindfolded- ✔️Qualified
Due to the length of these events, we will be requiring all competitors to use the provided harmonica holders for their attempts.
You may register for these events if you are not yet qualified. If you are not qualified by the qualification deadline (date xx 2026), your registration will be ammended to remove the unqualified events.
Spectators in the side room will not be allowed.
Please only register for these events if you intend on competing. If you don't compete we won't be able to add other people on the day.
Time limit
If you reach the time limit during your solve, the judge will stop you and your result will be DNF (see Regulation A1a4).
A cumulative time limit may be enforced (see Regulation A1a2).
Cutoff
The result to beat to proceed to the second phase of a cutoff round (see Regulation 9g).
Format
The format describes how to determine the ranking of competitors based on their results. The list of allowed formats per event is described in Regulation 9b. See Regulation 9f for a description of each format.
Qualification
Qualification times must be set in other WCA competitions in order to compete. Qualification times must be set on or before Jun 29, 2026.