- Best rock climber in world. From Red River Gorge to The Bugaboos, we've got you covered. 74), shaving another one one-hundredths of a second off his world record time to become the fastest climber in the world. With his calm demeanor and laser-focused concentration, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in free solo climbing. Climbers love rock, and Yosemite offers a sea of incredible granite, with breathtakingly beautiful nature to boot. Aug 27, 2024 · Rock climbing has evolved from a niche sport to a global phenomenon, captivating adventurers with its blend of physical endurance, mental toughness, and breathtaking landscapes. These athletes often feature in some of the best rock climbing movies, shows Welcome to the first and only scientifically based and statistically sound ranking for outdoor climbing. Miller's mother, Jeanine Moorman Janja Garnbret (born 12 March 1999) is a Slovenian professional rock climber who specializes in sport climbing and competition climbing. Oct 25, 2023 · This head-to-head multi-pitch climbing competition features 12 mixed teams made up of 24 of the world’s best climbers across various disciplines battling it out on 180m-long artificial routes. We ment This is a list of climbers and mountaineers who are notable for their activities in mountaineering (including alpine climbing), rock climbing (including aid climbing, free climbing, bouldering, speed climbing and competition climbing) or in ice climbing (including mixed climbing). The best rock climbers in the world include: Stefano Ghisolfi Shauna Coxsey Rishat Khaibullin Jakob Schubert Ashima Shiraishi Sebastian Bouin Tomoa Narasaki Janja Garnbredt Alex Megos Adam Ondra The above list is based on a variety of factors that attempts to balance the indoor and outdoor accolades of these athletes. * It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new featuresNFL Sunday Ticket© 2025 Google LLC THE BEST CLIMBER IN THE WORLD What are the names of the best climbers in the world? Alex Lowe, considered one of the greatest mountaineers in history, who tragically died in September 1999 due to an avalanche on Shisha Pangma (8,027 meters), said: "The best climber in the world is the one who has the most fun. Fast. As CPR is taking From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. Let’s explore some of … For Chris Sharma, one of the world’s best rock climbers says, Climbing is merely one of the ways to exist, pass the time and evolve and grow from one moment to the next. 14d) route and free climb Switzerland’s Eiger, Magic Mushroom, a 7c+ route. Lynn Hill 2. 14d which he climbed in 2023. athlete Natalia Grossman topped the World Boulder Climbing Ranking as of December 2024, having achieved more than 2,600 points in that season. Jun 1, 2023 · Czech citizen Adam Ondra (*February 5, 1993) is considered the best climber in the world. All three routes share the same bouldery start, which goes at Feb 12, 2021 · Who are the world’s most famous rock climbers? Look no further, we’ve compiled this ultimate list of the best climbers in the world! Apr 29, 2025 · From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. John Long 7. 06M subscribers Subscribe Sep 17, 2024 · From Tasmania to Vietnam, the world is filled with astounding rock formations for intrepid climbers. I will also include some of the best rock climbers of all time in this article (again in my opinion), and when I do it will be mentioned in their brief biography. I didn’t want to randomly pick my favorite places from memory. The question here is: Who are the best mountaineers in history? Of course, teamwork is essential in climbing, and many would argue that because of this, there is no such thing as "the best" in this sport. Once you’ve read this article you might want to check out the Best Competition Climbers of 2020. Nov 16, 2023 · The 38-year-old American is probably the most well-known rock climber in the world, primarily because of the groundbreaking nature of his free solos and the high level of media attention they’ve received. Check out the world's best young climbers and find out just how they made history! Aug 8, 2024 · Coming into the finals on Thursday morning the first-time Olympian broke his own world record to go the fastest time of the day (4. May 24, 2024 · Gear up and grip tight—it’s time to scale the peaks of adventure! From the towering cliffs of Yosemite to the rugged Alps of Switzerland, let’s explore the nations where rock climbing is a way of life. His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. Catherine Destivelle 8. Mar 6, 2020 · Adam Ondra is the best climber in the world. Here's our picks for the best rock climbing places in the world. Adam Ondra 6. She has dominated the sport, making her one of the most celebrated climbers in the world. " From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. Here are the best climbing destinations this year. Known for his Feb 13, 2025 · This speed climber has made 22 climbs on 8,000m high mountains in the last 20 years – and he’s not done ticking off new routes, starting the new decade with a winter attempt on the world’s May 9, 2024 · Famous Female Climbers #1: Janja Garnbret From: Slovenia Best Known For: Winning Gold at 2020 Olympics Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian climbing sensation, renowned for her unparalleled success in competition climbing. org. 14b, has redpointed up to 5. Colin Duffy is one of the best rock climbers in the world and you'll have a hard time comprehending what his mastery of climbing allows him to do. This list aims to list any male sport climber who has climbed 9b or harder. Jun 11, 2022 · The pioneering American sport climber is among the best to ever tie in, and was arguably the world’s strongest rock climber for almost 20 years. Explore the top 15 climbers in the world, showcasing their incredible skills and achievements in climbing adventures. Feb 11, 2025 · Making the transition from gym to crag? These bucket list locations should be on your radar. U. While saying that, it’s important to state that each famous climber was or is probably one of the best, in one or more disciplines. Explore the awe-inspiring achievements of these exceptional athletes and their contributions to the world of rock climbing. It’s like asking who the best athlete is – a marathon runner or a … Jan 30, 2024 · The Most Famous Rock Climbers in HistoryThe Most Famous Rock Climbers in History Rock climbing has captivated the hearts and minds of adventurers and thrill-seekers throughout history. Warren Harding 1. Top Male Rock Climbers Adam Ondra When it comes to the world of rock climbing, one name that stands out among the rest is Adam Ondra. to/44da1hv Every decade, rock climbers have pushed boundaries of what was previously thought possible in scaling The best is some one who can do any difficulty of climb, Adam Ondra is doing some of the hardest grades in the world among other climbers. In 2022, Climbing said: "The pioneering American sport climber is among the best to ever tie in, and was arguably the world's strongest rock climber for almost 20 years". In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 animals that are some of the most skilled climbers in the animal kingdom. It only lists ascents at the climbers hardest grade, so each climbers has a single entry on the list. Adam Ondra (Czech pronunciation: [ˈadam ˈondra]; born February 5, 1993) is a Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing. 14d, and bouldered up to V14, but is best known for her wildly successful competitive career. Define "best" and "climber". Climbing is a varied sport, and I know lots of people wonder who the best is. Jul 7, 2023 · *Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. 14d/15a and Direct Into Your Fabelita 5. When you think of free climbing, you probably think of a solo climber scaling a Mar 1, 2019 · Meet the world's best rock climber you've (probably) never heard of National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Babsi Zangerl is taking on the hardest, scariest routes around the world—including Oct 23, 2017 · Discover the most legendary free solo climbs of all time, showcasing incredible feats of courage and skill in the world of climbing. As you noted he can't do what Honnold does, he lacks the skills to pass the IFMGA guide tests, and he isn't the strongest boulderer. Jul 10, 2025 · If the average American is able to name a professional rock climber, it’s more than likely Alex Honnold or Tommy Caldwell. He's the strongest sport climber by far, but is that climbing? Are the Olympics climbing? Is climbing mountains climbing? Reply reply Marcoyolo69 • Jan 19, 2023 · These are some of the best climbing destinations in the world, no doubt. Ready to see where vertical limits are pushed to the extreme? Countries where rock climbing is most popular: United States France Italy Germany Spain United Kingdom Canada Australia Japan 6 days ago · WASHINGTON — American climber Balin Miller died Wednesday at the age of 23 while attempting to scale El Capitan, the iconic mountain in Yosemite National Park. It involves climbing massive rock faces without any ropes, harnesses, or other safety equipment. The non climber lay person on the street would probably say Alex Honnold is the best climber in the world, but they wouldn’t be wrong in terms of free soloing, it’s just all so different. The Czech phenom has pushed standards to new levels in sport climbing, while also dominating competitions. Whether you’re traveling from afar or looking for your next local adventure, here’s our list of the best places to rock climb in the USA. Jul 17, 2025 · This list highlights the ten best rock climbers in the world right now, ranking them based on recent achievements, versatility, and their influence on the sport. 15a in Utah, a variation to Life of Villains 5. The list is ordered by the number of ascents recorded by each climber, so the summit with the most routes appears at the top of the list. Discover the elite league of rock climbers who have scaled unprecedented heights, conquered challenging routes, and redefined the limits of human potential. 14d. Needless to say this rock climbing calls out only the men with guts and little glory. Sharma, who is well-known for his innovative climbs and outstanding contributions to the sport, has continuously pushed the limits of climbing and redefined what is possible. Only a select few individuals possess the incredible skill, mental fortitude, and sheer guts to attempt such feats. But to win Olympic gold he needed to learn a new way to climb. cities simply make it easier to improve as a rock climber. Browse a list of all the climbers on climbing-history. Apr 17, 2022 · Alex Honnold Climbing Yosemite's El Capitan (Free Solo 360 | National Geographic) Perhaps the best-known rock climber of all time, Alex Honnold is an accomplished traditional climber and free soloist who came into the national spotlight in 2012 after he free soloed the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. John Bachar 9. sherbonbon /Flickr Oct 10, 2024 · Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell are two of the world’s best climbers. Whether you’re scaling towering cliffs or tackling boulders, climbing allows you to connect with nature in its rawest form. Mar 19, 2019 · Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. However, it is hard to deny that some individuals simply rise above the Looking for the best rock climbing destinations in the world? Check out our simple list to choose your next dream climbing vacation. From conquering towering peaks to pushing the limits of human strength and endurance, rock climbers have left an indelible mark on the world of outdoor exploration. And he did it in the bronze medal match. The world-famous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a big wall climber’s dream Exceptional granite, but tricky to climb The love affair between climbers and Yosemite is, of course, not without good reason. I suppose Ondra might be the GOAT sport climber, but how do you all think his achievements stack up against those of the greatest hard trad climbers, big wall climbers, boulderers, ice climbers, alpinists, or soloists. Who are the best climbers in the world? With the sport’s popularity rising, there is the constant question of who is the best of the best. Honnold is just climbing with out equipment. Here you’ll find a list of the most famous rock climbers of all time in my opinion. Sasha is the first female climber to ascend a 9a (5. May 15, 2023 · Some of the best rock climbing in the world is in the US, so you don't have to travel far to get your thrill. In this article, I’ve spoken with local climbers from some of America’s best climbing Jul 20, 2021 · I frequently talk about my love for rock climbing and some of the most incredible experiences in the last ten years of climbing. The best male sport climbers. From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. May 6, 2014 · What animal is the world’s best rock climber? Lots of animals, such as this frog, manage to scale walls without any kind of the gear humans would need to accomplish such a feat. Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, get to know the elite athletes. Garnbret was the first woman to onsight 5. Royal Robbins 3. Aug 10, 2020 · When it comes to the most famous rock climbers of all time there are quite a few contenders. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Strap in as we scale the heights with the gods and goddesses of the vertical world, one legendary ascent at a time. Let's leave out pure mountaineering and aid climbing Jul 18, 2023 · Bouldering is the discipline of climbing in which we have seen the most exponential growth in the past decade. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Oct 25, 2023 · This head-to-head multi-pitch climbing competition features 12 mixed teams made up of 24 of the world’s best climbers across various disciplines battling it out on 180m-long artificial routes. He made the first ascent of Death of Villains 5. Crack climbing, which some consider to be one of the purest forms of climbing, is a sport for the hardcore and slightly masochistic members of the community. That British commentator ceaselessly praising Ondra as the greatest climber in the history of the sport got me wondering. The mecca of rock climbing in California is crafted from some of the Jul 30, 2024 · Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian climber and one of the best competition climbers in the world. At the forefront of this movement are a group of elite athletes dedicating their lives to cranking out the world’s hardest moves. Jan 8, 2025 · Most people agree that Chris Sharma is one of the best rock climbers of all time. Feb 22, 2022 · Alex Honnold is undoubtedly the most famous climber on earth today. 5 days ago · Since 1970, Climbing Magazine has been the voice of the climbing world, publishing climbing news, interviews, features, opinions, and advice. If you are just getting started as a climber, there are some easier peaks you might consider first. One slip, and it’s game over. Jul 3, 2025 · Female Rock Climbers - In this article, you will find information about some of the best Female Rock Climbers from around the world. All Top 10 Lists Sports Best Mountaineers of All Time Mountaineering (or alpinism) is the sport of mountain climbing. [4][5][6] In 2021, Garnbret became the first-ever female Olympic gold medalist May 11, 2025 · Free solo climbing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world. Aug 10, 2024 · Janja Garnbret (March 12, 1999) is a Slovenian climber and two time Olympic Gold medalist in Sport Climbing. Climbing with Adam Ondra - The World's Best Climber Magnus Midtbø 3. He is from Brno, Czech Republic, and has been called the “ best climber ever ” (The Economist) and a prodigy who has become quite famous in the rock climbing world. Whether it’s easy access to high-quality rock, a thriving indoor training scene, or a larger, more diverse climbing ecosystem all around, certain U. In 2013, Rock & Ice described Ondra as a prodigy and the leading climber of his generation. Rock climbing is an extremely demanding and challenging sport which not only tests the individual’s physical ability but his mental capability as well. Animals have developed a wide range of climbing abilities to survive in the wild, from gripping with claws to gripping with suction cups. Jul 23, 2023 · Just like the first computer wasn’t the best of all time, the first climber wasn’t the best rock climber of all time. Level up your climbing grip strength with Logest Grip Trainers https://amzn. Similar to Adam his list of hard ascents and accomplishments goes on and on. [1] Ondra is the only male athlete to have won World Championship titles in both disciplines in the same year (2014) and is 5 days ago · Famous rock climber Alex Honnold is taking his talents from mountains to city buildings. So, who’s the best climber of all time? The ten best climbers in history are: 10. Oct 27, 2023 · In no particular order here's a list of our favorite female climbers, mountaineers, trekkers, and all-round badass women! Mar 7, 2025 · Bio Adam Ondra is one of the best rock climbers of this generation and is currently the best in the world. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice eager to chalk up for the first time, the world offers an array of stunning destinations where you can test your skills […] Well seeing as how the best climber is the one having the most fun, I can say with certainly that its definitely not me. His insane May 20, 2025 · The world of free climbing is filled with amazing athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on rock. Nov 11, 2020 · Overcome your fear of heights and work on your climbing skills at any one of these amazing climbing destinations from around the world. A relative unknown in 2006, he seemed to burst onto the scene in 2007 when he free soloed Yosemite’s Astroman and Rostrum in a day, matching Peter Croft’s 1987 feat. Initially developed to measure your personal progress over time, CPR moves climber rating and rankings away from an arbitrary to a scientifically and statistically sound approach. I’ve taken their achievements over the entire span of their careers, with The sheer vastness of the USA, the myriad of rock types, styles and quality make it home to several of the best places for rock climbing in the world. As a child, he started climbing at the age of six years old and with the support of his climbing parents, he rose to Oct 2, 2023 · Over the years, many rock climbers have pushed the boundaries of what was once thought possible, inspiring generations to take up the sport and conquer their own fears. Known for her impressive performance in both bouldering and lead climbing, she has won numerous World Cup titles. Sep 13, 2024 · Discover the top British climbers making waves right now. As early as 13 years of age, he was already among the world’s elite in the climbing scene and won numerous competitions, including the Lead World Cup at age 16. Nov 2, 2023 · Alex Honnold needs no introduction. Many famous wall climbers and mountaineers have inspired and captivated people around the world with their incredible feats of strength, determination, and endurance. Aug 20, 2012 · Some of the best rock climbers in the world are only the best because they have time and again set records & inspiration for a sport that has grown into a frenzy all over the world (more than 10 million participants between 2005-09!). Famous rock climbers, from the first free ascent of the Dawn Wall to the first woman to complete a V15, we've ranked the ten best rock climbers to have ever lived. That’s why it took this long to make the ultimate list for the best rock climbing locations in the world. And just to be pedantic: to all the people saying Ondra is the only person to win Boulder/Lead in a year, Sorato literally got first in both this year. Trying to pick just one “best” free climber is super tough because everyone has different strengths, specialties, and climbs they’re known for. S. The present Climbing World Ranking is based on the Climber Performance Rating (CPR). 15a). The best climbers here have made some world first ascents, ground-breakingly difficult routes, and death defying climbs that may never be attempted again. Honnold’s spectacular free solo climbs were something new. Although his 2012 ascent of Half Dome garnered him Jan 18, 2023 · Next on our list, sport climbing star Alex Megos is undeniably one of the best rock climbers in the world at the moment. Here, Australian climber and photographer Simon Carter picks five of the best. Why did they add a 2,600-mile odyssey of biking, boating, rafting, and rowing just to reach one of America’s most . She has won multiple competition lead climbing and competition bouldering events, two Olympic gold medals, and is widely regarded as the greatest competition climber of all time. I’ve compiled this list to break down the top ten climbers in the world. Jan 19, 2025 · Based on major achievements, competition results, mainstream fame and impact on the sport, these are 14 of the top climbers in the world right now: 1. Pete Whittaker is the best crack climber in the world right now. In Spain, he climbed Open Your Mind Direct 5. Climbers know who he is, non-climbers know who he is. Mar 19, 2025 · Nine different climbers tell us where they want to climb most in 2025. Since debuting on the IFSC circuit in 2015, at the age of 16, she has earned a total of 32 World Cup gold medals and Discover the top 14 climbers who are shaping the exciting era of climbing, inspired by iconic films like Free Solo and Dawn Wall. He’s known for performing quick repeats of some of the hardest climbs out there, did the first ascent of Bibliographie 9c, (which was subsequently downgraded to 9b+), Perfecto Mundo 9b+ and did Dec 30, 2024 · Kai Lightner: The American climber who had one of his best rock climbers years to date. Considering that both climbers have starred in award-winning Apr 8, 2022 · These 17 places are the best climbing towns in the world, with tons of nearby climbing and bouldering and strong support communities. Sep 13, 2022 · Somewhere, a child is warming up on your lifetime project. 14d/15a, Ciudad de Dios 5. Chris Sharma 4. From Adam Ondra to Ashima Shiraishi, discover the top male and female climbers, as well as rising stars, pioneers, bouldering specialists, and speed climbing experts. Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. In this article, we will delve into the lives Adam Ondra, the best sport climber in the world, set himself an impossible-seeming goal of becoming the first person to flash a route rated 9a+ (5. Rock Climbing is a recognized sport throughout the world which is why many of the best rock climbers of the world take it up professionally constantly training and striving to beat other competitors in various rock climbing championships Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Tommy Caldwell 5. Meet the athletes pushing limits and defining the future of the sport. Standards have been pushed to an almost inconceivable level with the establishment of multiple V17s and the news of V15/V16 sends becoming commonplace. Jan 9, 2025 · Rock climbing is an exciting mix of physical challenge and mental focus, and in this article we have listed the 10 best rock climbing destinations in the world. Find events calendar, all past and future results, ranking, IFSC news, photos, videos. The streaming giant this week announced “Skyscraper Live,” a 2-hour live special debuting in early 2026 Aug 28, 2023 · It’s hard to question the argument that some cities are better for climbers than others. We’re featuring some famous climbers known for their skill and grit, as well some who’ve broken boundaries in the climbing world and beyond Nov 7, 2022 · Explore the world of rock climbing and meet the best climbers in the industry. Adam Ondra. Jim Bridwell Picking a ‘best’ climber of all time is difficult, because the technology, techniques, and training used have all evolved over time, meaning that Apr 17, 2024 · Ever wondered who masters gravity in the vertical realm of rock climbing? From audacious ascents to unprecedented achievements, these 15 climbing icons shatter the limits of what seems humanly possible. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. cc jhlcznnfw ccfzd rcyf upd o8pwkl ok0v stj no t66