The time has come: On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Pro Climbing League (PCL) will launch its first event at Magazine London in Greenwich. The new competition format brings together 16 of the world's best boulderers – eight women and eight men – in a spectacular head-to-head competition.
Why a new format?
The Pro Climbing League was created by Danaan Markey and Charlie Boscoe to breathe new life into competitive climbing. The format relies on head-to-head competition, a concept that immediately generates excitement. At the same time, the PLC aims to put the athletes first: all competition costs are covered, and with a prize purse of £10.000 for first place, the new league is already one of the most lucrative single events in competitive climbing right from its debut.
This is how the Pro Climbing League works
A total of 16 athletes will compete against each other in two different competitions: eight women and eight men. They will be divided into pairs on the Friday before the event. In the qualifier, the pairs will compete on three boulder problems: whoever tops the most advances. If both achieve the same number of tops, the faster climber wins. If neither tops, the climber who controlled the highest hold wins, and in the event of a tie, the first climber to reach that hold wins. The semifinals are even more intense: a single boulder problem will determine who advances or is eliminated. In the final, the remaining four athletes will then climb two boulder problems to determine the podium positions.
The direct duel format promises exciting and nerve-wracking competitions as the world's best climbers compete against each other.
Shauna Coxsey
Who's coming?
Among those competing are Olympic champions Janja Garnbret and local hero and Olympic champion Toby RobertsThe athletes were selected by invitation, with one "wild card" available in each division via a qualifying event.
All athletes at the PLC
Janja Garnbret (SLO)
Erin McNeice (GBR)
Annie Sanders (USA)
Camilla Moroni (ITA)
Oriane Bertone (FRA)
Lucia Dörffel (GER)
Anon Matsufuji (JPN)
Jenny Buckley (SLO)
Toby Roberts (GBR)
Tomoa Narasaki (JPN)
Yannick Flohé (GER)
Mejdi Schalck (FRA)
Mickael Mawem (FRA)
Colin Duffy (USA)
Darius Râpa (ROU)
Max Milne (GBR)
Click here for the live stream:
The 2.400 tickets for the event sold out within an hour, but you can still watch it worldwide. The Pro Climbing League will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV. The evening will be hosted by none other than Olympian Shauna Coxsey and British sports presenter Bryn Lucas. It starts at 20:30 pm. You can find the link to the stream here. here.
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Credits: Cover image: Thomas Bergmann