Climbers Vie for Finals Glory at Innsbruck World Cup
The IFSC Climbing World Cup in Innsbruck, 2025, witnessed thrilling semi-final rounds, securing eight men and women’s spots for the finals. Janja Garnbret of Slovenia is looking strong, while Suzuki Neo of Japan topped the men’s field with a stellar performance.
Garnbret Dominates Women’s Semi-Final
Janja Garnbret of Slovenia led the women’s semi-final, scoring 44+. This was the round’s highest score, despite missing a top. After securing gold in Boulder two days prior, she is aiming for a double gold, replicating her 2023 and 2024 victories at the Kletterzentrum.
Three athletes tied in second place, with scores of 42+: Erin McNeice from Great Britain, who won the last two Lead World Cups, Laura Rogora of Italy, who placed fourth in those events, and Annie Sanders of the USA, who took third in Wujiang. The top climbers are battling for supremacy in the sport.
First-Time Finalists Emerge
Behind the top four, Rosa Rekar of Slovenia secured fifth place, with teammate Lucka Rakovec in sixth. Heloïse Doumont of Belgium made history by qualifying for her first IFSC World Cup final in seventh, and Seo Chaehyun of South Korea took the final spot in eighth.
“It’s crazy to make my first final,”
—Heloïse Doumont
Doumont added, “To make in Innsbruck, with a lot of strong climbers in the competition, I can’t believe it. I didn’t think I was in first place when I fell, but my coach yelled at me: ‘Hello! You’re first!’, and I thought: “Okaaay! Maybe I will go to the final’ I trained very hard, I trained every day of the year to be able to give my best, and now it’s paying off.”
Globally, participation in competitive climbing has increased, with approximately 20,000 athletes registered worldwide (IFSC).
Women’s Finalists
The eight women advancing to the final are:
Janja Garnbret (SLO) – 44+
Erin McNeice (GBR) – 42+
Laura Rogora (ITA) – 42+
Annie Sanders (USA) – 42+
Pink Rekar (SLO) – 40+
Lucka Rakovec (SLO) – 39+
Helose Doumont (BEL) – 39+
Seo Chaehyun (KOR) – 38+
The finals promise intense competition as athletes compete for the World Cup title. Garnbret’s performance sets a high bar, while other competitors hope to upset the odds.
