Speed stacking regionals come to Kingston

Saturday 15 March marked the second London regionals hosted by the speed stacking society. 

The event was held in the student union and had 39 competitors.

Society president and organiser of the event, Courtney Le Franc, said: “I thought it was an amazing thing to run last year so I jumped at the chance to host again.”

The competition is open to people of all ages, with this year’s youngest competitor being five years old, while the oldest was 46. 

Despite its competitive nature, a lot of people speed stack for the sense of community it brings. 

Adam Turner, who finished second in the men’s competition, said: “The social side is one of the biggest contributing factors to why I enjoy competing.”

“It absolutely fosters a great sense of community because it is such a niche thing. When you find someone that does it you have a connection.” 

There are three individual events you can enter. These are called: the 3-3-3, the 3-6-3 and the Cycle. 

There are also two categories which are more collaborative.

Doubles is with a partner, where you compete each with one hand at the same time.

The timed relay consists of a team of four to six people competing one after another in the 3-6-3. 

“The sense of community and the spirits of everyone around me really allowed me to push myself, and it ended up giving me a lot of personal bests,” said Abigail Mason, who was the second-placed beginner. 

The regional tournament is one of many that happen throughout the year.

Many of the competitors will be competing in the World Sport Stacking Championships, which take place in Switzerland in April.