For the first time, the 38th Rock Master Festival in Arco will feature three action-packed days of competition this weekend – including a diverse supporting program.
In 1987, the best climbers in the scene competed against each other for the first time at the foot of the Castello di Arco – and the rest is literally history. Today, the rock master The festival has long been a must-attend event for many competitive athletes, who ring in their off-season with the international event in Italy's climbing mecca. This year, the ambassador of the world's oldest climbing event: the legend himself, Adam Ondra.
Stars of the scene are reported
At the Rock Master, the 16 best climbers and boulderers compete against each other. The top-class Participant field promises to be exciting: Alongside Adam Ondra (CZE), true greats of the sport such as Will Bosi (GBR), Jakob Schubert (AUT) and Stefano Ghisolfi (ITA) will compete in the men's event, with Yannick Flohé (GER) attempting to defend his 2024 lead title. Also taking part: Filip Schenk and Giovanni Placci (ITA) as well as Hannes van Duysen (BEL).
In the women’s competition, defending champion Jessica Pilz will compete this time with Janja Garnbret (SLO), Brooke Raboutou (USA), Laura Rogora (ITA), Mattea Pötzi (AUT), Héloise Doumont (BEL), Mei Kotake (JPN) and Anna Apel (GER).
Rock Master competitions explained: Lead Duel & KO Bouldering
As every year, the traditional lead duels and the bouldering competition will be held in knockout mode. We've summarized the two modes for you:
Competition mode Lead
- Duel on the overhanging, 25 m high lead wall
- Two identical, parallel routes of the highest difficulty
- After a qualifying round, the athletes compete in a knockout system
- Whoever presses the top button first wins.
Competition mode bouldering
- Four consecutive rounds; three attempts per round to top the boulder
- Round-based ranking with the highest score and the number of attempts
- KO system per round (2 people are eliminated in rounds 1 & 2, one person in round 3)
- Round 4: The final on the last boulder with the top three. Whoever holds the top spot wins!
Climbing Village & Fun Bloc: everything for climbing fans
At Rock Master, it’s not all about competitions: In the new Expo area in the climbing stadium of bow Visitors can marvel at the latest trends and innovations in the climbing scene. The "Climbing Village" also features workshops, lectures, and meet & greets with athletes.
The "Food Village" offers regional specialties, while the Kids Area offers plenty of space for young climbers aged four and up to explore. Those who don't just want to watch the bouldering have the opportunity to try their hand at the pros' walls on Sunday as part of "The Fun Bloc" – and maybe even make it to the amateur finals.
Tickets
Anyone wishing to attend in person in Arco can register digitally in advance and will receive a QR code by email, which must be presented at the entrance. Admission to all event days is free. Minors do not need to register.
Live Stream
The Rock Master bouldering competition in Arco will take place on the Youtube channel of the event – without the usual geo-restrictions that we know from the World Cup. The lead duels will be broadcast on the Instagram account of the festival will be published live in the stories.
Schedule
- Friday evening: Lead duel
- Saturday afternoon: Speed competitions U17 and U19
- Saturday evening: KO bouldering
- Sunday: Fun Bloc fun competition for visitors with final
KO Bouldering (October 18, 2025, 8:00 PM)
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Credits cover photo: Garda Dolomiti SpA