American rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully free soloed the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He ascended the 1,667-foot (508-meter) tower without ropes or any protective equipment. The climb to the top of the spire took Honnold approximately 90 minutes, drawing cheers from a crowd gathered at street level. Following the climb, Honnold attended a news conference. The event was captured in photos and video by the Associated Press.

American climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled the 101-floor Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan without ropes, a harness, or any safety equipment. The climb, originally scheduled for Saturday but delayed due to weather, took Honnold one hour and 31 minutes. His ascent was streamed live on Netflix with a delay. Honnold's time more than halved the previous record set by Alain Robert, who used ropes and a harness. The climb garnered attention, including congratulations from Taiwan's Vice President and support from fans watching from inside the building. Honnold is known for his free solo climbs, including El Capitan, which was documented in the Academy Award-winning film "Free Solo."

American climber Alex Honnold, known for his free solo climb of El Capitan, has postponed his rope-free ascent of Taipei 101 in Taiwan due to rain. The 508m skyscraper, made of steel, glass, and concrete, presents a unique challenge with its eight-section "bamboo" design. Netflix, which is streaming the event, has implemented a delay to cut away in case of an accident, prioritizing safety. The climb, initially scheduled for Saturday, is now planned for Sunday, weather permitting. Honnold aims to complete the climb in three stages, including the sloping base, the bamboo boxes, and the spire.

Skyscraper climbing is a rare and often illegal pursuit with extreme physical and mental demands. The article highlights Alex Honnold's upcoming free solo climb of Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which will be livestreamed on Netflix, bringing unprecedented attention to the sport. It features insights from experienced climbers like Alain Robert, known for scaling around 200 buildings, and Dan Goodwin, who climbed Toronto's CN Tower in 1986. These climbers emphasize the intense focus required and the constant risk of death. The article notes the difference between skyscraper climbing and traditional rock climbing, highlighting the unique challenges and legal ramifications involved.