Stefan Pochmann

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Stefan Pochmann
StefanPochmann.jpg
Stefan Pochmann
Background Information
Alias(es):
Country: Germany
Born:
Occupation(s):
Years Active: 2003-present
WCA ID: 2003POCH01
Claim to Fame: Classic Pochmann, M2/R2, multiple world titles and records, all-around puzzleman, general awesomeness


Stefan Pochmann is a German speedcuber famous for inventing the Classic Pochmann and M2/R2 blindfoldsolving methods and his numerous other contributions to cubing. Stefan is an active user of the Speedsolving Forums, where he has gained a reputation as a rare beacon of reason.

Progression

Stefan started cubing around 1982, didn't cube much in the 1990s and joined the new wave of cubing in 2003 when he found other cubers on the internet. Inspired by Richard Carr, Dror Vomberg and other blindcubing pioneers, he invented his classic blindsolving method, then became the first megaminx blindsolver and first official 5x5x5 blindsolver. During 2004-2007 he became a good all-rounder, setting 21 world records in six events and dominating megaminx and clock for a while. Stefan isn't very competitive anymore, but remains quite active on the forums. His lasting contributions to cubing include his blindsolving methods and his work on the WCA results website.

Major Contributions and Projects

Methods

Program and Services

Other

Achievements

Stefan has held world records in Megaminx, Clock, Magic, Master Magic, 5x5 blindfolded and old Multiblind.

Firsts

In addition, Stefan achieved several firsts in blindfold cubing.

Sample Quotes from Pochmann Magic 8-Ball List

Stefan's charisma has in particular inspired the custom-made Pochmann 8-Ball, using quotes from his forum posts.

  • I WANT A FLYING PONY
  • I HAVE EVIDENCE
  • WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
  • DON'T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR HELMET (see the Master Magic HowTo video)
  • BOY DO YOU SUCK
  • YOU'RE SO CUTE
  • UH... WHAT?
  • AGAIN: NO
  • CHEERS!
  • WRONG. IDIOT.

Trivia

  • Stefan in little TV competition
  • In November 2011, Stefan performed live on a very famous German TV show called "Wetten Dass," solving a 3x3 blindfolded under water. Although he went over the time limit, his performance was voted the best by spectators. Stefan won a car, likely the second most expensive prize anyone has won by cubing (after Simon Westlund's Sweden's Got Talent victory). See Stefan live on German TV and video and this one and one including Stefan winning the car.
  • Stefan Pochmann wears a helmet at the Canadian Open 2011
  • Stefan was a vehement critic of the Rubik's Revolution at its release. Ever the puzzleman, however, he invented his method, then won the Rubik's Revolution event at Worlds 2007 and US Nationals 2009 to prove its stupidity. And to win the prize money.
  • "pochmann" is a verb, often used as "get pochmanned." See pochmann.me.
  • Stefan abhors smoke and famously chose not to defend his German national title in 2007 because the venue (a toy fair) used to be full of smoke and he had left the venue coughing terribly the year before.

Achievements

World Titles
Preceded by
Grant Tregay
2003
Megaminx World Champion
2005
Succeeded by
Erik Akkersdijk
2007
Preceded by
Jaap Scherphuis
2003
Rubik's Clock World Champion
2005
Succeeded by
Ernesto Fernández Regueira
2007
Preceded by
Jaap Scherphuis
2003
Master Magic World Champion
2005
Succeeded by
Máté Horváth
2007
Continental Titles
Preceded by
None
5x5x5 Blindfolded European Champion
2004
Succeeded by
Rafał Guzewicz
2008
Preceded by
None
Rubik's Clock European Champion
2004
Succeeded by
Mátyás Kuti
2006
Preceded by
Dror Vomberg
2004
3x3x3 Blindfolded European Champion
2006
Succeeded by
Rafał Guzewicz
2008
Preceded by
None
Megaminx European Champion
2006
Succeeded by
Erik Akkersdijk
2008
Preceded by
None
3x3x3 Multi-blind (Old Style) European Champion
2006
Succeeded by
Dennis Strehlau
2008

See also

External links