For 40 years, Arco has been the Home of Climbing, an international landmark where the history of climbing continues to evolve. It all began in 1986, at the foot of Mount Colodri, on natural rock with Sport Roccia. In 1987, the event moved beneath the walls of Arco Castle and took the name Rock Master, immediately becoming part of climbing history. But it was in 1988, with the creation of the Climbing Stadium, that the competition found its definitive home: an artificial structure purpose-built to host high-level climbing competitions in a dedicated, permanent venue – the first of its kind in the world.
Year after year, the greatest names in world climbing have lifted the prestigious trophy, cheered on by crowds gathered at the base of the iconic overhanging wall. Today, climbing enthusiasts and newcomers alike still come together for this unmissable event, a true highlight where the world’s strongest climbers take centre stage.
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.
