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Keqiao, Shaoxing – April 18, 2025
The 2025 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup season is set to commence on April 18 in Keqiao, Shaoxing, China. This marks the 37th edition of the prestigious competition, featuring elite climbers from around the globe competing in bouldering, lead, and speed disciplines across 14 locations worldwide. The season will conclude on September 5 in Koper.
The opening event in Keqiao will focus on the bouldering discipline, challenging athletes with complex problems that test their strength, technique, and creativity. The competition will take place at the Yangshan Climbing Center, a venue known for its state-of-the-art facilities.
Several prominent climbers are expected to participate in the Keqiao event:
Sorato Anraku (Japan): The 18-year-old sensation made history in 2023 by becoming the first male climber to win both the overall bouldering and lead IFSC World Cup titles in his debut season.
Shion Omata (Japan): A rising star in lead climbing, Omata secured the Asian Championships Lead title in 2024 and has consistently ranked among the top competitors in recent World Cup events.
The host nation, China, will be represented by a strong contingent of athletes, including Zhang Yueting, who has already qualified for the Paris Olympics, and Luo Zilu, who is actively seeking Olympic qualification.
The 2025 IFSC World Cup season introduces several new venues, including the first-ever events in South America (Curitiba), Bali, Denver, and Kraków. The season’s schedule accommodates major events such as the IFSC Climbing World Youth Championships in Helsinki, the World Games in Chengdu, and the IFSC World Championships in Seoul. With a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, the 2025 IFSC Climbing World Cup promises an exciting season of competition.
