In 1987, on the rocky cliffs below Arco’s castle, Rock Master took place for the first time on natural rock, marking the beginning of an adventure that continues to this day. No other climbing event in the world boasts such a long-standing history and such a renowned name. Just one year later, the Climbing Stadium was born—the event’s current home. This purpose-built, artificial structure was the first permanent climbing facility designed specifically for high-level competitions. Year after year, the world’s greatest climbers have hoisted the prestigious trophy, cheered on by crowds gathered at the base of the overhanging wall. Even today, climbing enthusiasts and newcomers alike flock to this unmissable event to watch and celebrate the strongest climbers in the world in action.
Rock Master has always been more than just a competition; it’s an event that has mirrored—and often anticipated—the evolution of sport climbing, setting trends and introducing innovative competition formats.
The three climbing disciplines—Lead, Boulder, and Speed—have always been reimagined at Rock Master to combine sport and spectacle at the highest level. In the early ‘90s, the spotlight was on the combined Lead “on-sight/worked” format and the Speed Parallel races. By the 2000s, Duel Lead and KO Boulder brought adrenaline-pumping rhythm and excitement to the event.
But Rock Master hasn’t just written the history of sport climbing—it has also shaped the identity and growth of Arco itself, transforming it into the “home of climbing,” the world capital of the sport. In Arco, passion for climbing and adventure is in the air. The climbing boom has brought more enthusiasts to the Sarca Valley, where they’ve opened new routes and developed crags, fueling a unique economy. Today, Arco is home to over 20 outdoor sports shops, making it a true hub for climbing lovers.
This extraordinary setting has created a deep bond between Arco and generations of climbers from all over the world. From the legends of the ‘90s to the new wave of climbers who’ve seen sport climbing reach the Olympic stage, Arco has become a landmark for everyone. Many iconic names have left their mark on Arco’s walls. Some, like Adam Ondra and Janja Garnbret, took their first steps in international competition as young champions at Rock Junior. Others, like Stefano Ghisolfi, have made Arco their home. Stefano raised the bar by opening Italy’s first 9b+ route in February 2023, pushing the limits of what’s possible.
In 2024/2025, the Climbing Stadium underwent major renovations, including the construction of a new boulder competition wall and indoor training facilities designed for the Olympic national team to prepare during the winter season.
This is Rock Master: not just a competition, but a gathering of stories, passions, and vertical achievements. An event that has shaped—and will continue to shape—the history of climbing, now with a state-of-the-art venue ready to host all three climbing disciplines at the highest level.
Want to dive deeper into Rock Master’s most epic duels? Read the full story here.
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