Best free climber in the world. One slip, and it’s game over.

Best free climber in the world. Published Jun 4, 2022 Alison Osius Photo: Jimmy Chin Nov 2, 2023 · In this article, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of free soloing and shine a spotlight on the most famous free soloists of our time, both past and present. However, it is hard to deny that some individuals simply rise above the Climbing is a varied sport, and I know lots of people wonder who the best is. ' Jun 16, 2025 · Discover the top rock climbers like Alex Honnold, Sasha DiGiulian, Tommy Caldwell, and Elie Honoré. to/44da1hv Every decade, rock climbers have pushed boundaries of what was previously thought possible in scaling Dec 28, 2024 · It was a memorable year in the world of bouldering, with V17 news hitting the internet almost every week. He has climbed multiple mountain faces without the use of any safety equipment over the years, living in From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. But a new generation of young savages is already in the starting blocks, cracking the world's most difficult routes - first and foremost Alexander Megos and Ashima Shiraishi. Though many climbers have free soloed routes with technical grades that they are very comfortable on, only a tiny group free solo regularly, and at technical grades closer to the limit of their Nov 7, 2022 · Explore the world of rock climbing and meet the best climbers in the industry. Nov 3, 2020 · Alex Honnold has been renowned as one of, if not the best free solo climber in the world. Although his 2012 ascent of Half Dome garnered him So, is Alex Honnold the best climber in the world? In the specific sport of free soloing, Alex is the best climber of this generation (and maybe ever). Sean Bailey: Having one of his best years to date, the American made the first ascent Mar 6, 2020 · Adam Ondra is the best climber in the world. Meet the athletes pushing limits and defining the future of the sport. Adam Ondra Despite the fact that his name is synonymous with climbing prowess, Adam Ondra continues to enthrall the climbing community with his incredible talent, unrelenting desire, and ground-breaking accomplishments. Known for his Oct 27, 2023 · DiGiulian is often referred to as one of the best free climbers of the day and has achieved more than 30 first-female sends and eight notable first ascents. Fast. Using just their hands and feet in some sticky-rubber Jan 18, 2023 · In our precious sport, asking who are the best rock climbers in the world is bound to spike up heated arguments. Honnold is just climbing with out equipment. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. He was recently featured with his good friend Tommy Caldwell attempting Feb 15, 2013 · Adventure Best Free Solo Climbers Of All Time Luke Kelly-Clyne February 15, 2013 Tweet athletes climbing extreme climbing extreme sports solo climb Comments For most, the thought of scaling a vertical rock face or skyscraper with harnesses and ropes is laughably daunting. We mention some names that have not been featured in previous lists, among the most astonishing unroped May 20, 2025 · The world of free climbing is filled with amazing athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on rock. It holds a 97% “Fresh” score on film review site Rotten Tomatoes, which states that the film “depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason – and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal. Nov 4, 2016 · Adam Ondra, considered the world’s best sport climber, tries a free ascent of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan—just the second ever attempt of this notoriously difficult feat. 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 Mountaineering is as extreme as it gets – but tackling perilous ridges in ‘the death zone’ is just another day at the office for these world-class climbers. Several were chosen because they pushed the difficulty cap of the free solo grade; others because of the quantity and regularity of their soloing. 15b) route (Jumbo love, 2008) and the second to climb a 9a+ (5. By his own admission, however, Alex is far from being the best climber in the world. Dive into their remarkable ascents and achievements in this comprehensive guide on the best rock climbers globally. Also, the most famous rock Jul 18, 2023 · Bouldering is the discipline of climbing in which we have seen the most exponential growth in the past decade. Safe to say this is the best tree-climber stray cat I have ever seen in my life, she is so quick and agile and can climb up high tree as well as get back dow Feb 14, 2023 · All these unique disciplines and styles of climbing, however, can trace their roots to a single origin point: mountaineering. Only a select few individuals possess the incredible skill, mental fortitude, and sheer guts to attempt such feats. With his calm demeanor and laser-focused concentration, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in free solo climbing. Dec 30, 2024 · It was a memorable year of big sends in the world of sport climbing, from hard repeats to cutting-edge first ascents. Jun 4, 2022 · Free soloing means climbing with no rope, a genre that verged into American consciousness in the 1970s. In 2007, NPR wrote that Sharma was considered the world's best rock climber. Free solo climbing is, in its simplest form, rock climbing stripped down to its raw essentials: just the climber, their climbing shoes, chalk and the rock. 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. Oct 31, 2023 · Climbing is in one of its most exciting eras, with the Free Solo and Dawn Wall movies taking the sport to the mainstream, but which of the activity’s new superstars are the best? The best male sport climbers. Sep 17, 2024 · From Tasmania to Vietnam, the world is filled with astounding rock formations for intrepid climbers. There are few more daring and death-defying feats in the world than free soloing - Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. As CPR is taking Discover the top 14 climbers who are shaping the exciting era of climbing, inspired by iconic films like Free Solo and Dawn Wall. But who exactly are the top climbers pushing the limits of the sport today? What Makes a Top Climber? 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. During the 1960’s and 70’s, Bachar was one of the most well-known climbers in the world, renowned for his daring and challenging Nov 22, 2016 · Adam Ondra, a world champion Czech climber, just achieved the second free ascent of Yosemite’s hardest big-wall free climb, the Dawn Wall—in record time. 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. Standards have been pushed to an almost inconceivable level with the establishment of multiple V17s and the news of V15/V16 sends becoming commonplace. Climbing is a varied sport, and I know lots of people wonder who the best is. ” Despite its age, mountaineering remains among the most popular and accessible disciplines of climbing in the modern world. We’ll explore their jaw-dropping 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! Feb 13, 2025 · He’s one of only eight climbers to have reached the top of all the world’s 8,000m mountains with no supplementary oxygen and has set countless new routes around the world including the I think Alex has the strongest mental game and is the best free soloist and possibly the best 'speed' climber (probably due to his mental game), but those are such specific niches of climbing there's no way you can ever label him the 'best climber. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. She has dominated the sport, making her one of the most celebrated climbers in the world. In 2018 it blew up, with Alex Honnold's mind-bending solo of El Capitan and the award-winning film that chronicled it. It involves climbing massive rock faces without any ropes, harnesses, or other safety equipment. Apr 24, 2014 · This has to be the most epic rock climbing I have EVER seen!! That upside down bit! 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. New 5. Want to know who the best climbers alive today are? Check out my list here! 10: John Bachar Known for his legendary free solo ascents that helped push climbing into the realm of mass popularity, John Bachar was a member of the infamous Stonemasters of Yosemite. Mountaineering is as extreme as it gets – but tackling perilous ridges in ‘the death zone’ is just another day at the office for these world-class climbers. Nov 4, 2019 · Climbing is in one of its most exciting eras, with the Free Solo and Dawn Wall movies taking the sport to the mainstream, but which of the activity’s new superstars are the best? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. Let's take a look back. Honnold’s free solo achievements and big wall speed records have started to spread worldwide, and he became, without a doubt, one Jan 8, 2025 · List Of Top 10 Best Climbers In The World 2025 1. While nobody has claimed the world’s first V18 it might only be a matter of time. At a time when the sport was extremely male dominated, Destivelle’s achievements, including hard sport routes, heady free solos, and impressive mountaineering accomplishments, showed women that there was a place for them in the world of . Climbing is in one of its most exciting eras, with the Free Solo and Dawn Wall movies taking the sport to the mainstream, but which of the activity’s new superstars are the best? Climbing is in one of its most exciting eras, with the Free Solo and Dawn Wall movies taking the sport to the mainstream, but which of the activity’s new superstars are the best? Oct 9, 2013 · A simple slip, which many of us beginner rock climbers have done often on a climbing wall or small rock face, could end not only Honnold’s career, but most likely his life. It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. 15s were climbed, while several other potentially harder projects were started. It’s like asking who the best athlete is – a marathon runner or a weightlifter? Oct 31, 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. Nov 16, 2023 · I chose these climbers in this list based on their skill, prolificity, and overall contribution to the world of free soloing. 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. Nov 15, 2023 · This is the exhilarating world of free solo climbing, where the stakes are as high as the peaks themselves. Ondra, who was born on February 5, 1993 in Brno, Czech Republic, has emerged as a source of motivation and has established new 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. 15a) and a 9b+ (5. Trying to pick just one “best” free climber is super tough because everyone has different strengths, specialties, and climbs they’re known for. Who is the best climber of the moment? Tadej Pogačar has the most climber points (1530) before Primož Roglič (1040) and Oscar Onley (1026). He is known for being the world's first climber to redpoint a 9b (5. The controversy over free soloing has been around since it’s beginnings – but it’s hard not to be captivated by the unique style of climbing Free Soloing is the act of climbing without any rope, harness, or safety equipment. World’s Most Famous Rock Climbers As well as El Capitan, Alex has a number of other very hard free solo big walls to his name, plus a huge range of feats in different areas of climbing. Climbing without ropes is like a walk in the park for Alex. Jul 10, 2025 · Barbara Zangerl is only the second female climber to ever win the Paul Preuss Prize. 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. Steve Buckley talks with Alex Honnold :The Best Free Soloist Rock Climber in the World Explore the top 15 climbers in the world, showcasing their incredible skills and achievements in climbing adventures. 15c) route (respectively, Realization in 2001 and La Dura Dura in 2013). But as you go down the list and back in time, it gets less obvious whose star shone the brightest. When you think of free climbing, you probably think of a solo climber scaling a Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. The present Climbing World Ranking is based on the Climber Performance Rating (CPR). 2 days ago · Since 1970, Climbing Magazine has been the voice of the climbing world, publishing climbing news, interviews, features, opinions, and advice. Yeah, Leclerc was amazing don't get me wrong. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Mar 19, 2019 · Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. 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. One slip, and it’s game over. Mar 1, 2022 · To date, Free Solo is considered among the best climbing films of all time. 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!). May 17, 2003 · The legendary rock climber who redefined the boundaries of her sport tells her story. I’ve compiled this list to break down the top ten climbers in the world. Oct 3, 2018 · Exclusive: Alex Honnold Completes the Most Dangerous Free-Solo Ascent Ever The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. Aug 10, 2020 · The biggest climbing film since “Touching The Void” thrust Alex Honnold into stardom all while mostly living in his converted van. Feb 22, 2022 · Making a list of the most famous rock climbers of all time starts out easy. In this realm, a select few climbers have pushed the boundaries of what's possible, achieving ascents that leave us mere mortals in awe. Known for her impressive performance in both bouldering and lead climbing, she has won numerous World Cup titles. Rock climbing is an extremely demanding and challenging sport which not only tests the individual’s physical ability but his mental capability as well. All Top Ten Lists Sports Best Mountaineers of All Time Mountaineering (or alpinism) is the sport of mountain climbing. But for real Leclerc was a Jun 1, 2023 · Adam Ondra and Chris Sharma are one of the best climbers in the world and undoubtedly at the top of the world climbing scene. Dec 11, 2017 · Expedition Profile: Alex Honnold He's known by many as the world's greatest free-solo climber and has an uncanny ability to control his fear. Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. Mar 30, 2024 · John Bachar, a legend in the rock climbing world, is often remembered for his near-mythical status long before the likes of Alex Honnold took to the stage. With the increased attention a new generation of superstar climbers has emerged. His accomplishments in climbing, both roped and un-roped, set new Nov 4, 2023 · Born in 1960, Catherine Destivelle was a pioneering force in the world of female climbing and one of the most impressive female mountaineers of all time. Best Rock Climber: Alex Honnold Solo Ascent Expertise Imagine standing at the base of a towering cliff, feeling the thrill of the unknown. " Welcome to the first and only scientifically based and statistically sound ranking for outdoor climbing. Nov 2, 2023 · His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. At the top of the rock climbing mountain (both figurative and metaphorical), you’ve got names like Alex Honnold, who has transcended into mainstream consciousness through the film Free Solo. Needless to say this rock climbing calls out only the men with guts and little glory. Aged just 31 years old, he has made a huge name for himself worldwide for scaling some of the world’s toughest faces without any safety equipment in record time. 13b), Yosemite Valley. Below is a list of 10 ascents that were not only meaningful to the climbers but that have gone on to inspire others. The Best Mountain Climber Of The Century Was An Unknown Young Canadian Alex Honnold is without a doubt the best free climber in the world. His name? Adam Ondra. 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. (Mikey Schaefer BRNO, Czech Republic Climbing is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo, but a controversial decision by organizers may make it difficult for the world’s best climber to win a medal. The award committee said she has ascended to the peak of the sport's most elite. Sep 21, 2023 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. This list aims to list any male sport climber who has climbed 9b or harder. Despite this harsh fact, Honnold and a number of other free solo climbers keep going, but what’s the reason when there is so much risk associated with the extreme sport? However, tragically, some of these climbers have paid the ultimate price for their passion. Don’t believe me? Hear it straight from the horse’s mouth: Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold climbing 3,000 foot up El Cap without a rope in “Free Solo” caught the world’s attention. Here, Australian climber and photographer Simon Carter picks five of the best. Cambridge Dictionary defines mountaineering as “the sport or activity of climbing mountains. May 3, 2022 · The Salesforce Tower free solo climb wasn't the first time an urban daredevil free climbed a tall building in a death-defying stunt. From attempts to repeats to sends, V17 has become the new V16. Feb 13, 2025 · Nicolas Hojac is a Swiss mountaineer with a passion for adventure that incorporates everything from ice climbing and free climbing to paragliding and photography. Although even in the niche others have achieved things nearly as impressive, for example Hans-Jörg Auer's solo of The Fish in the Dolomites, on a similar scale to Freerider, only slightly easier, and done with much less prior Jul 30, 2024 · Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian climber and one of the best competition climbers in the world. 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. From the age of thirteen when she began climbing, it was clear Lynn Hill had an unusual gift. In this article, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of free soloing and shine a spotlight on the most famous free soloists of our time, both past and present. She was also inspired by Hill, and has highlighted the importance of accomplishing first-ever and first-female ascents in the world of climbing and gender equality. Here are 10 of the best boulderers of the past 12 months. May 20, 2025 · The world of free climbing is filled with amazing athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on rock. But to win Olympic gold he needed to learn a new way to climb. How do you compare sport climbers to boulderers? How do you compare pure competition climbers to those who only or mainly climb outdoors? Where do trad, big wall or free solo climbers fall within this scope? Jul 17, 2025 · Discover the 10 best climbers in the world right now, ranked by their achievements in sport climbing, bouldering, and competitions. This is where solo ascent experts like May 11, 2025 · Free solo climbing is one of the most dangerous sports 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. Jul 23, 2023 · Alex free soloing Freerider, Yosemite ©JimmyChin What Made Him Famous? He showed up in the Yosemite climbers scene from a young age but it was around 2007 when Honnold started getting worldwide recognition, primarily thanks to his astonishing free solo ascents. Before long she was arguably the best rock climber in the world, establishing routes so bold and difficult that few others could follow. But for pure fearlessness and speed, Honnold is arguably the greatest. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have died, as well as explore some emerging trends in the world of solo climbing. 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. 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. … From the granite walls of Yosemite to the rugged peaks of the Alps, free soloists have left their mark (and probably a few sweaty palm prints) on some of the world’s most iconic climbing routes. We’ll explore their jaw-dropping achievements and the legendary climbs that have earned them a place in rock climbing history. Let’s explore some of … 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. Aug 13, 2021 · 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. ” Alex Honnold free soloing Cosmic Debris (5. May 20, 2025 · The climb and subsequent film captured attention way beyond the climbing world. These men and women are not only the best Alex Honnold is the best in the world, and the best of all time, in the particular niche of climbing he has chosen to specialise in, namely free soloing big walls. It only lists ascents at the climbers hardest grade, so each climbers has a single entry on the list. Laura Rogora: The Italian climber went on a send train late this year Apr 29, 2025 · From Olympic stars and millennials to Gen Z's rising talent, sport climbing is evolving at lightning speed. For these five free solo climbing legends, it’s just another day at the office. Level up your climbing grip strength with Logest Grip Trainers https://amzn. Then, one year later, a 23-year-old Czech climber repeated the feat, free climbing the Dawn Wall solo in just 8 days. Bachar’s climbing career was marked by an obsessive dedication to the sport, particularly free solo climbing, where he pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible. There are many climbers in the world who are better than Honnold as far as difficulty, with a rope, Adam Ondra is the dude everyone talks about, for good reason, he holds several records right now, he does free solo too but he's not like Honnold. Mar 19, 2019 · Alex Honnold is without a doubt the best free climber in the world. Let's take a look at some of the greatest feats achieved in the sport of free solo climbing by some of the best climbers in history. Mar 1, 2019 · Babsi Zangerl—considered the best all-around female climber in the world—collided with one such crux move 2,700 feet up El Capitan, the great granite monolith of Yosemite National Park. Adam Ondra, who Uncover the remarkable achievements of the best female climbers, from historic Olympic gold medals to conquering challenging routes around the world. A prodigy widely held to be the finest climber of his generation, Ondra’s list of achievements is staggering. Jul 25, 2025 · From historically dingy to gleaming and tall, these 13 artificial climbing paradises more than rival many "real" climbing destinations. Jan 19, 2025 · Climbing is becoming more popular than ever, with movies like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall bringing the sport into the mainstream. dcgrzce njnk zumi qulykv vya pssmqdy nxqyvq did kkbckmk jla