What to expect at first competition?

WLCuber

WLCuber

Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2016
Messages
13
Hey, guys! Going to my first comp in a week, and was wondering what I should expect...
 
biscuit said:
Go to meet other cubers. Don't be shy about it. If you're going with the expectation of, or the sole reason of, winning, then you're there for the wrong reason.

(And please read the WCA regulations)
Click to expand...
Everyone goes for different reasons. And for sure one of the most enjoyable aspects of a comp would be the camaraderie, networking, sharing of information, to learn from others and have a laugh and a great day.

But I don't think someone going to a competition with the expectation of winning means they are there for the wrong reason. Of course, if it's ever even happened, it's very unlikely one would be crowned champion at the their very first competition.

I'm guessing the regular winners at competitions today are actually there much of the time with the expectation to win (and of course always to meet more people and socialize etc...) especially at prestigious comps.

So at some point their reasons for going must have changed to 'Hey I have a shot at winning this thing'. Although it's WLCuber's first comp, he might not be new to cubing, so having a lofty goal might not be too unreasonable. Now he might not be wise today to have the same comfortable expectation to win the comp as say, Usain Bolt at a 100m race, but having that goal, of beginning with the end in mind, would be a great track to be on to eventually one day get there. Maybe tops in his bucket list is to win a cubing competition.

Wow sorry this is way too long already. I just mean that's it's a tricky thing to advise or judge somebody on the the level of seriousness they should or should not possess going into something, it's just too personal.

WLCuber, times do indeed matter, if they matter to you. Though make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. The other suggestions here are great and you're going to have an awesome time! By the end of the day of your first comp, you'll surely have learned a lot more about cubing than you knew when you woke up.
 
Douf said:
Everyone goes for different reasons. And for sure one of the most enjoyable aspects of a comp would be the camaraderie, networking, sharing of information, to learn from others and have a laugh and a great day.

But I don't think someone going to a competition with the expectation of winning means they are there for the wrong reason. Of course, if it's ever even happened, it's very unlikely one would be crowned champion at the their very first competition.

I'm guessing the regular winners at competitions today are actually there much of the time with the expectation to win (and of course always to meet more people and socialize etc...) especially at prestigious comps.

So at some point their reasons for going must have changed to 'Hey I have a shot at winning this thing'. Although it's WLCuber's first comp, he might not be new to cubing, so having a lofty goal might not be too unreasonable. Now he might not be wise today to have the same comfortable expectation to win the comp as say, Usain Bolt at a 100m race, but having that goal, of beginning with the end in mind, would be a great track to be on to eventually one day get there. Maybe tops in his bucket list is to win a cubing competition.

Wow sorry this is way too long already. I just mean that's it's a tricky thing to advise or judge somebody on the the level of seriousness they should or should not possess going into something, it's just too personal.

WLCuber, times do indeed matter, if they matter to you. Though make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. The other suggestions here are great and you're going to have an awesome time! By the end of the day of your first comp, you'll surely have learned a lot more about cubing than you knew when you woke up.
Click to expand...

I guess I did assume his level of knowledge and skill when I shouldn't. I grouped him with most people who are competing for the first time, generally slightly younger (though certainly not always), and not as fast as those that will win. If he is in that category, which is what my impression was, then my advice stands. If you do think you're fast enough to win, then great! But don't let your experience live or die on your times/position. That's what people mean when they say don't care about your times. That's the point of a competition of course, but it doesn't have to be the reason, or at least the only reason, you're there.
 
AlphaSheep said:
Don't worry too much about your times. Use the opportunity to meet people with similar interests, help out where you can and just have a good time.
Click to expand...
newtonbase said:
I recommend that you judge as much as possible. It's a great way to meet people. As said above, tines don't matter. Treat them as targets for your next comp.
Click to expand...
I agree with both of these guys, don't expect good times. Don't be nervous nobody is really going to pay much attention to you unless you get a really nice time. So expect to have fun, that's my advice, don't push yourself, meet new people try new cubes. Again, this being your first comp, you will probably get bad times, I am living proof of this (see the dixon fall site if you don't believe me).
 
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