The Lead Duel is the signature event of Rock Master. A unique challenge played out on the iconic wall of the Climbing Stadium in Arco – the massive overhanging wave that has become a symbol of sport climbing around the world.
Two athletes, two identical and parallel routes, one goal: be the first to hit the top button.
In just over a minute, climbers must fight their way up 25 metres of overhang, combining strategy, determination and raw explosive power. The first section is a fast-paced run of dynamic moves from hold to hold. But it is on the steepest part of the wave – with feet above the head and fingertips clinging to millimetres – that most duels are decided.
The format is simple and unforgiving. A qualification round sets the matchups, followed by knockout rounds leading to the final. The winner is whoever tops first, in a crescendo of speed and suspense that keeps the crowd breathless.
Over the years, the Lead Duel has delivered moments that have become part of climbing legend.
Jakob Schubert versus Adam Ondra, with the Czech champion taking the win in 2016 and the Austrian striking back in 2019 in a final decided on the very last hold.
In 2017, Ondra set a sub-minute record against Marcello Bombardi. One year later, his electrifying duel with Sean McColl came down to fractions of a second.
The 2023 final was equally unforgettable – once again Ondra versus Schubert, with a final sprint that lit up the Climbing Stadium.
And the women’s field has been just as thrilling. From the razor-sharp showdown between Jessica Pilz and Vita Lukan, to the 2023 final where a determined Brooke Raboutou pushed favourite Janja Garnbret to the limit in a heart-pounding finish.
The Lead Duel is more than just a competition. It is pure spectacle, a rush of energy and emotion that continues to write the story of Rock Master.
Want to explore the most epic duels? [Discover the history of Rock Master]
