Fame in rock climbing isn’t just about scaling difficult routes. Different factors contribute to a climber’s renown.
Some achieve fame through groundbreaking climbs or conquering new heights in the sport. Others may gain popularity through social media, attracting thousands of followers on Instagram or racking up views on YouTube.
Key Factors:
- Historical Impact: Climbers who have pioneered new techniques or routes.
- Media Presence: Being featured in documentaries or climbing films.
- Athletic Achievements: Consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
- Social Media Influence: Having a large online following.
While their paths to fame may differ, all famous climbers share a common trait: their ability to inspire and push the sport forward.
The 17 Most Famous Rock Climbers
#1: Alex Honnold
Alex Honnold is widely regarded as the world’s most famous climber. Known for his incredible free solo ascents, Honnold gained recognition in the climber scene around 2007.
His achievements include soloing Yosemite’s Half Dome, but his fame skyrocketed after his solo ascent of Freerider on El Capitan, documented in the movie “Free Solo.”
Biggest Achievement:
- Free solo ascent of Freerider
Honnold’s Kit Bag:
- Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva TC Pro
- Harness: Black Diamond Solution
- Rope: Black Diamond Honnold Edition
#2: Chris Sharma
Chris Sharma is a legendary figure in sport climbing, bouldering, and deep-water soloing. He started making headlines at 14 by climbing the hardest routes in the USA.
Sharma continues to push the limits, owning climbing gyms in Spain and starring in the HBO show “The Climb.”
Biggest Achievement:
- Climbing “La Dura Dura” (9b+), bolted by Sharma and first ascended by Adam Ondra
Sharma’s Kit Bag:
- Climbing Shoes: Tenaya Indalo
- Harness: Petzl Hirundos
- Quickdraws: Petzl Spirit Express
#3: Adam Ondra
Adam Ondra is a Czech climber who excels in sport climbing, bouldering, and competitions.
Ondra is known for climbing the first 9c route, “Silence,” in Flatanger, Norway. His second most notable climb is the Dawn Wall, which he ascended with limited big wall experience.
Biggest Achievement:
- First ascent of the world’s first 9c route, “Silence”
Ondra’s Kit Bag:
- Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Solution
- Harness: Mammut Sender
- Rope: Mammut Crag
#4: Lynn Hill
Lynn Hill is a pioneer in free climbing, known for being the first person to free climb “The Nose” on El Capitan. She broke gender barriers in climbing and remains an influential figure.
Biggest Achievement:
- First free-climbing ascent of “The Nose” on El Capitan
Hill’s Kit Bag:
- Climbing Shoes: Scarpa VSR
- Harness: Petzl Sitta
- Rope: Petzl Volta 9mm
#5: Tommy Caldwell
Tommy Caldwell is a renowned big wall climber with a reputation for extreme persistence. He is best known for the Dawn Wall project on El Capitan and breaking the Nose speed record with Alex Honnold.
Biggest Achievement:
- Free climbing ascent of the “Dawn Wall”
Caldwell’s Kit Bag:
- Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva TC Pro
- Harness: Elderid
- Rope: Elderid Eco Dry
#6: Marc-Andre Leclerc
Marc-Andre Leclerc was known for his daring climbs and free solo ascents. He gained fame for his ascents in Patagonia, combining remarkable skill with an adventurous spirit.
Biggest Achievement:
- Solo ascents in Patagonia
#7: Margo Hayes
Margo Hayes made history as the first woman to climb a 9a+ (5.15a) route, “La Rambla” in Spain. Her achievements have inspired a new generation of female climbers.
Biggest Achievement:
- First woman to climb “La Rambla” 9a+
#8: Janja Garnbret
Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian climber and one of the best competition climbers in the world.
Known for her impressive performance in both bouldering and lead climbing, she has won numerous World Cup titles.
Biggest Achievement:
- Multiple World Cup titles in both bouldering and lead climbing
#9: Wolfgang Güllich
Wolfgang Güllich was a German climber known for pushing the limits of free climbing in the 1980s and 1990s. He is famous for climbing the first 9a (5.14d) route, “Action Directe.”
Biggest Achievement:
- First ascent of “Action Directe”
#10: Magnus Midtbø
Magnus Midtbø is a Norwegian climber and YouTube personality. He has built a significant following by sharing climbing tips, training advice, and feats of strength.
Biggest Achievement:
- Popularizing climbing through YouTube
#11: Sasha DiGiulian
Sasha DiGiulian is an accomplished American climber known for her bold ascents and first female ascents of challenging routes.
She is a prominent figure in the climbing community and has inspired many with her achievements.
Biggest Achievement:
- First female ascent of “Pure Imagination” (5.14d)
#12: Alberto Ginés López
Alberto Ginés López is a Spanish climber who gained fame by winning the first-ever climbing gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His victory brought climbing into the global sports spotlight.
Biggest Achievement:
- Winning the first climbing gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
#13: Alain Robert
Alain Robert, often known as the “French Spider-Man,” is famous for climbing skyscrapers and other tall structures without safety gear. His urban ascents have garnered global media attention.
Biggest Achievement:
- Climbing some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers without safety equipment
#14: Jimmy Chin
Jimmy Chin is a climber, photographer, and filmmaker. He has documented some of the most iconic climbs in history, including the film “Meru” and “Free Solo.”
His work has brought climbing stories to a broader audience.
Biggest Achievement:
- Documenting iconic climbs through films like “Meru” and “Free Solo”
#15: Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard is the founder of Patagonia and an accomplished climber. He has made significant contributions to both climbing gear innovation and environmental advocacy.
Biggest Achievement:
- Founding Patagonia and pioneering climbing gear innovations
#16: Fred Beckey
Fred Beckey was a legendary climber known for his numerous first ascents in North America. His extensive climbing career and guidebooks have made lasting contributions to the climbing community.
Biggest Achievement:
- Numerous first ascents across North America
#17: John Muir
John Muir is best known as a naturalist and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. Though not a professional climber, his passion for nature and exploration has inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Climbers In The World
Jakob Schubert stands out prominently today. He has secured a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics and recently completed his first 9c climb, Project BIG.
Additionally, he conquered Alphane V17, reinforcing his position as a top contender. A medal winner at the 2020 Olympics, Jakob has continuously tackled some of the world’s toughest routes.
Seb Bouin made headlines with the first ascent of DNA, the world’s second 9c route.
Climbing over 15 routes graded 9b/9b+, his achievements are noteworthy. Though he doesn’t always get the attention he deserves, Seb remains a force to be reckoned with in the climbing community.
Adam Ondra needs no introduction. His reputation as one of the best climbers globally is well-established.
His numerous achievements and relentless dedication to the sport place him consistently at the top.
Will Bosi has an impressive record with three V17 boulders to his name. Among these is the challenging Burden of Dreams. He continues to push boundaries, making his mark in the climbing world.
Shawn Raboutou, with two V17 boulders, is a notable boulderer.
Despite living away from the limelight, his accomplishments speak volumes, securing his spot as one of the best.
Brooke Raboutou has been a formidable female climber for years.
Her recent performance at IFSC competitions and her success on Box Therapy showcase her skill and determination.
Katie Lamb recently made history by becoming the first female to complete Box Therapy, initially graded as a V16.
Even with its grade adjustment to V15, her accomplishment remains significant.
Hazel Findley brings a varied skill set to the table.
From free soloing to tackling challenging trad climbs, she is an all-around climber. Hazel was the first female to climb an E9 and has scaled El Capitan multiple times.
Janja Garnbret is often referred to as the greatest in competition climbing.
Her dominance in the sport and unparalleled skills make her an easy addition to this list.
Brette Harrington is a climber with diverse expertise.
Free soloing the iconic Chiaro di Luna in Patagonia, she showcased her unparalleled bravery and talent.
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