Most people struggle to solve a Rubik’s Cube on land, even with all the time in the world. But one man managed to do it while holding his breath underwater, completing it in just 9.29 seconds.
His name is Daryl Tan Hong An, a 22-year-old from Singapore. He didn’t just solve the cube in a pool; he broke a Guinness World Record while staying calm at the bottom, anchored with weights to keep him in place. What looked like an impossible stunt became a jaw-dropping moment that stunned the internet.
Let’s explore how Daryl pulled it off, why he did it, and what makes this one of the geekiest and most impressive records you’ll ever hear about.
Fast Facts
- Record: Solved a Rubik’s Cube underwater in 9.29 seconds
- Who: Daryl Tan Hong An, 22-year-old speedcuber from Singapore
- Date: June 19, 2023 (shared by Guinness on Oct 8)
- Setup: Anchored with 12 kg weights at the bottom of a pool
- Mission: Inspiring kids to trade screen time for puzzle-solving
Meet Daryl Tan Hong An
Daryl is currently studying physiotherapy at the Singapore Institute of Technology. But on weekends, he teaches speedcubing to children and adults.
He started cubing at age 8 but didn’t solve his first cube until he was 11. By age 12, he could finish a solve in under 30 seconds. In 2014, he entered his first official competition. Since then, Daryl has become one of the most creative speedcubers in the world.
He now holds more than 10 Guinness World Records, including:
- Solving a cube while sprinting 100 meters
- Solving eight cubes one-handed underwater
- Solving a 4×4 cube upside down
- Solving a cube while juggling
The Underwater Record Explained
On June 19, 2023, Daryl completed a full 3×3 Rubik’s Cube solve underwater in 9.29 seconds. He trained for months to hold his breath and stay focused.
To do the solve, he used 12-kilogram weights to anchor himself at the bottom of a pool. This helped him avoid floating up during the process. With a camera watching and officials nearby, he twisted the cube’s layers quickly and smoothly, all in one breath.
The video of his underwater solve was later highlighted by Guinness World Records on their Facebook page on October 8, 2023. It caught the attention of thousands of viewers and sparked a wave of interest in Daryl’s other incredible feats.
How Hard Is It, Really?
Solving a Rubik’s Cube on land already takes concentration. Doing it underwater adds a whole new level of difficulty.
First, you have to hold your breath the entire time. This creates pressure in your body and can cause panic if you’re not trained. Next, the cube becomes harder to control underwater. Water slows down your hand movements, and staying in one place is tricky unless you are weighed down. On top of that, you still need to remember every step in the cube-solving algorithm.
It’s like trying to solve a puzzle during a timed swimming challenge where you’re completely still and unable to breathe.
How Daryl Trained for the Record
Daryl didn’t just jump into a pool and hope for the best. He prepared with two months of breath-holding training. He also practiced using speedcubes, which are smoother and faster than regular Rubik’s Cubes.
Most top speedcubers use cube models like MoYu WeiLong or GAN 12, though Daryl has not shared exactly which one he used.
He likely used common cube-solving methods such as CFOP, which involves solving the cube layer by layer using a set of memorized moves.
Why He Did It
This was more than just a personal challenge. Daryl has said that breaking records helps him promote cubing as a powerful mental exercise.
In his own words:
“I want to advocate cubing to the locals in Singapore and inspire children to put down the phones and gaming gadgets and challenge their minds.”
He sees cubing as a fun, hands-on activity that builds focus, memory, and discipline. And his records are proof that being a “geek” can also mean being strong, determined, and brave.
Can You Do This Too?
Yes and no.
Basic cubing is something anyone can learn. You can solve a Rubik’s Cube in a few days if you follow beginner tutorials. Many YouTube channels like J Perm, CubeHead, and Rubik’s Official make it easy to follow along.
But underwater cubing is very advanced. It combines elite cube-solving speed with trained breath control. You also need supervision and safety measures. Holding your breath without training can be dangerous.
Still, if you’re curious, start with learning the cube on dry land. Once you master that, you can decide how far you want to take it.
Why It Went Viral
Daryl’s video was shared by Guinness World Records, which has millions of followers on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. That alone brought him a ton of attention.
Then news outlets like Mothership.SG, The Straits Times, and MustShareNews picked up the story. People loved the mix of brainpower and physical strength. Viewers called his record “insane,” “superhuman,” and “mind-blowing.”
Online communities like Reddit’s r/nextfuckinglevel also featured similar cube records, where people praised the skill and creativity of speedcubers.
What’s Next for Daryl?
Daryl isn’t stopping here. He has applied to attempt 14 more world records in 2024. One idea was to solve a cube during a skydive, though that one was rejected due to safety concerns.
He continues to teach cubing in Singapore and hopes to bring the puzzle to more young minds. While he doesn’t share much on social media, his presence in the Guinness World Records 2025 book gives him more visibility than ever before.
Final Thoughts
Daryl Tan Hong An didn’t just break a record. He showed the world what happens when geekiness meets grit. His underwater cube solve is a perfect example of how passion, training, and courage can lead to something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a Rubik’s Cube fan or someone who loves seeing people push their limits, Daryl’s journey is a reminder that the brain can be just as powerful as the body, and in some cases, even more powerful.