Four years, 160 sessions, countless highs and lows, and finally the moment has arrived: Project Exodia is complete. A first ascent that could make history, as the Italian climber proposes a grade of 9A+.
»The Exodia Project season has officially begun.«
In June 2021 Iagnemma joins the project, which ChristianCore originally freed. Four years and 160 sessions have flowed into the line since then. exodus It is located in Rifugio Barbara, Val Pellice, Piedmont in Italy and could be the world's first 9A+ It's a gigantic milestone for the bouldering scene. The boulder is a puzzle consisting of two challenging problems: Part 1 is a tough 8B+, which is then separated from Part 2, an 8C+, by a kneebar move.
I feel closer than ever. I'm passionate about the project and in top form – now all that's missing are the right conditions.
Elias Iagnemma
A long-term commitment – over 200 days on the same project
In total, Elias Iagnemma spent over 200 days in Exodia – the name, incidentally, is an homage to the card game "Yu-Gi-Oh!", which was very popular in the 2000s. He studied the rock and the boulder's movements down to the smallest detail. The 30-year-old describes the project as the toughest challenge of his life, and for this reason – in addition to the fact that he invested a full four years in the boulder – he is also proposing the previously unheard-of difficulty level.
The line is incredibly complex. There were many moments when I wanted to give up, but I persevered season after season, viewing it as a personal challenge.
Elias Iagnemma
Just a few days ago Sean bailey for discussion, as he was the first to repeat "Arrival of the Birds" (9A). With Burden of Dreams (9A) delivered Nalle Hukkataival The world's first 9A route was completed in 2016. The grade was awarded to prominent figures such as... Will Bosi, Simon Lorenzi, Lee Sungsu and Iagnemma herself confirmed.
Since then, we have counted a total of eight boulders worldwide at the highest grade. In addition, there are five more boulders for which the Grade 9A proposed, but not yet confirmed – three of them were opened this year.
A 9A+ is a strong and bold statement to the climbing scene. No one has yet established a boulder of this difficulty, and confirmation of the grade would mark a historic moment for the community. What we know for sure is that the mention of a 9A+ will generate plenty of conversation and discussion.
I hope that one day someone else will tackle ‘Exodia’, experience the same emotions as I did, and express their own opinion about this boulder.
Elias Iagnemma
The name behind the world's toughest grade
Elias Iagnemma kicked off 2025 with the first ascent of a 9A. He had invested a year and a half in "The Big Slam"—though we're still waiting for a repeat. The year before, he mastered the legendary Burden of Dreams with a very unique beta. His repertoire also includes a considerable number of 8C and 8C+ boulders, among them the classic... Dreamtime (8C), Gioia (8C+), Kimera (8C) and Adam Ondras latest Flash ziqquara (8C).
Iagnemma has spent a lot of time exploring new bouldering areas all over Italy. Always on the lookout for new challenges and exciting lines, he has made a name for himself in the international climbing scene – and with his proposed 9A+, he's sure to be the talk of the town. And us? We're hoping for a repeat ascent soon.
You might be interested in:
- Hardest boulder in Italy? Elias Iagnemma climbs Ganesh 8c+
- The first 9A boulder of 2025: The Big Slamm
+ + +
Credits: All images: Paolo Marengo/La Sportiva