Anthony Michael Brooks is an American speed cubing champion. He specializes in the 2x2 cube and classic 3x3 cube, and used to be officially ranked in the top five[1] in the world in both categories as recognized by the World Cube Association. Since learning to solve the cube in March 2008, Brooks has become known for developing advanced speedsolving methods as well as frequently promoting speedcubing in the media. While working as the Liberty Science Center's Speedcuber-in-Residence, Brooks set the Guinness World Record for most Rubik's Cubes solved underwater in a single breath,[2] and also led the team that currently holds the world record for solving the Groovik's Cube, the world's largest functioning Rubik's Cube.[3] In July 2017, Brooks was featured on the debut season of FOX's Superhuman TV show.[4]
Appearances
editBrooks has served as a performer at the World Science Festival and has twice performed on stage at the Liberty Science Center's annual Genius Award Gala[5] for recipients and guests such as Bill Nye, David Blaine, Sir Richard Branson, Garry Kasparov, Susan Sarandon, and will.i.am. He also acted as the principal performer at the Beyond Rubik's Cube exhibition's world premiere.
Brooks has demonstrated speedcubing live on ABC,[6] Bloomberg Television,[7] CNN[8] and NPR,[9] and has been featured in segments aired on BBC,[10] ESPN[11] and NBC.[12] He made his commercial debut in Volkswagen's "You Can't Fake Fast" ad campaign[13] and his newspaper appearances include The New York Times,[14] The Wall Street Journal,[15] and New York Daily News.[16] In July 2017, Brooks was featured on FOX's Superhuman TV show, in which he successfully solved 10 Rubik's Cubes in under two minutes.[17]
Personal
editA graduate of The Science Academy of South Texas, Brooks currently studies Economics and Business Administration at the University of Texas at Arlington. He has taught numerous people how to solve the Rubik's Cube, including his mother and younger brothers. His mother now holds the Jamaican national record for solving a Rubik's Cube, and his brother, Brian, is one of Texas' top ranked speed cubers. In January 2017, Brooks became the first speedcuber to win the main event of 50 World Cube Association competitions, which he described as completing a "personal goal."[18]
Notable Results
editCurrent Personal Bests in Competition
editWorld Records
edit| Event | Result | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubik's Cubes Underwater (Single Breath) | 5 | Liberty Science Center | August 1, 2014 |
| Groovik's Cube (Largest Functioning Rubik's Cube solve) | 4:29 | Liberty Science Center | October 19, 2013 |
Former North American Records
edit| Event | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3x3 Rubik's Cube | 6.93 | Dayton Fall | October 15, 2011 |
| Pyraminx | 3.68 | Austin Fall | November 14, 2009 |
| 3x3 Multiple Blindfolded | 5/5 | Denver Open | April 25, 2009 |
World Championship Podiums
edit| Event | Place | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x2 Rubik's Cube | 2 | 2.41 | World Championship | July 17–19, 2015 |
U.S. National Championship Podiums
edit| Event | Place | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x2 Rubik's Cube | 1 | 2.96 | U.S. National Championship | August 12–14, 2011 |
| 3x3 Rubik's Cube | 3 | 8.81 | U.S. National Championship | July 31 - Aug 2, 2015 |
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Anthony Brooks | World Cube Association".
- ^ "Most rotating puzzle cubes (3x3x3) solved underwater | Guinness World Records".
- ^ "Groovik's Cube World Record Broken at LSC - LSC Blogs". Archived from the original on 2016-02-18. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Liberty Science Center's 'Genius Gala 2.0' | NJ.com". Archived from the original on 2014-05-20. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
- ^ "Video Win a Date With Brad Pitt on Groupon - ABC News". ABC News.
- ^ "Reference at www.bloomberg.com". Bloomberg News.
- ^ "CNN Video Experience | CNN".
- ^ "Forty Years of Mindbending Success with the Rubik's Cube". Archived from the original on 2014-05-20. Retrieved 2014-05-19.
- ^ "Iconic Rubik's Cube celebrates 40th birthday - BBC News". BBC News.
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Reference at www.nbcnews.com". NBC News.
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ Quenqua, Douglas (6 August 2012). "Rubik's Cube Enjoys Another Turn in the Spotlight - The New York Times". The New York Times.
- ^ Simon, Lizzie (28 May 2013). "Opportunities for Geniuses - WSJ". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ "Rubik's Cube record holder demonstrates skills in Times Square for toy's 40th anniversary celebration - New York Daily News". New York Daily News.
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Login • Instagram".
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