Tom Kopke, a German YouTuber, successfully broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to solve a rotating puzzle cube while in freefall. In an interview, Kopke shared that the key challenge of solving a Rubik’s Cube while skydiving at 200 kilometers per hour was maintaining focus and not fixating on the potential risks involved.
The record-breaking feat took place in Mossel Bay, South Africa, on February 17. Kopke managed to solve the puzzle in just 22.333 seconds before deploying his parachute, surpassing the previous record set by Australia’s Sam Sieracki in 2023.
Despite being a medical student, Kopke is an adept Rubik’s Cube solver, describing himself as a proficient cuber who typically solves the puzzle in about 15 seconds, or even faster on a good day. However, the added element of freefalling introduced new challenges due to the wind resistance requiring him to maintain a tight grip on the cube.
To prepare for the attempt, Kopke practiced solving the cube while listening to wind sounds on his headphones. Additionally, he underwent skydiving training for approximately five weeks leading up to the event. During the actual jump, he was accompanied by two instructors—one to assist him and another to hand him the cube. An earpiece signaled when it was time to abandon the cube and pull the parachute.
It took Kopke four attempts to secure the record, with him positioning himself belly-up to focus solely on the task at hand. Despite his dedication to becoming a doctor, Kopke’s true passion lies in extreme sports and creating content for his YouTube channel, which showcases various adventurous challenges and activities.
Looking ahead, Kopke aims to break the record for solving the most Rubik’s Cubes while running a marathon. However, he acknowledges the need to balance his adventurous pursuits with his studies, as his family hopes he will prioritize his medical career. Ultimately, Kopke envisions having a candid conversation with his family about following his passion for YouTube and extreme experiences.