Mobile Legends: Irrad’s Rubik’s Cube Speedsolving Feat

While many esports pros unwind with casual games, Filipino Mobile Legends star John “Irrad” Abarquez has a hobby that’s just as mentally demanding as his day job: speedsolving the Rubik’s Cube. The convergence of his competitive drive and puzzle passion came into full view during the MPL PH Season 11 playoffs press conference, where he stunned journalists by solving a scrambled cube in under a minute—on camera, no less.

A Surprise Demonstration

During the press event, Irrad noticed a journalist holding a Rubik’s Cube and was asked if he could solve it on camera. Without hesitation, he accepted, and to everyone’s surprise, the puzzle clicked into place in less than 60 seconds. For context, an average first-time solver takes about three hours to complete a cube, according to the Netflix documentary The Speed Cubers. The feat immediately turned heads, and ONE Esports caught up with him afterward for an exclusive chat about his unusual pastime.

From Eighth Grade to 14 Seconds

Irrad’s cubing journey began in eighth grade when his school held a Rubik’s Cube tournament. “I wanted to participate, but I wasn’t very skilled at it at the time,” he recalled. Though he didn’t place well, the experience sparked a determination to improve. He started taking detailed notes on patterns and strategies, methodically tracking his progress. His dedication paid off: at his peak, while still recording his scores, he achieved a personal best of just 14 seconds.

Still Part of His Life

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