Climber Alex Honnold scales Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety net

Alex Honnold, renowned for his daring climbs, successfully free soloed the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan on January 25, 2026. This marks the first known ascent of the 508-meter (1667-foot) building without the use of ropes or safety nets.

A Historic Ascent

Honnold completed the 101-story climb in one hour and 32 minutes, slightly exceeding his initial estimate by just two minutes. The spectacle was live-streamed by Netflix and drew a large crowd of onlookers to the streets below. Upon reaching the summit, he was greeted by his wife, Sanni McCandless, who embraced him with a hug and kiss.

Did You Know? Alex Honnold is also known for his 2017 free solo climb of El Capitan, a 914-meter (3000-foot) rock face in Yosemite National Park.

Weather and Preparation

The climb was initially scheduled for the previous day but was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Honnold noted that the inclement weather actually enhanced the experience, making it feel more akin to a traditional rock climbing expedition. He also expressed his enjoyment of the training process leading up to the ascent, stating he was “definitely on my A-game performing today.”

A Moment of National Pride

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te publicly congratulated Honnold on his achievement, acknowledging the climb as “truly nerve-wracking” to watch. He also expressed gratitude to those involved in making the event possible and for bringing international attention to Taiwan.

Expert Insight: Honnold’s willingness to undertake such a visible and high-stakes challenge suggests a calculated approach to risk, coupled with a desire to inspire others through extraordinary feats of physical and mental endurance.

Netflix and the Future of Live Events

This event, branded as Skyscraper Live, represents Netflix’s foray into live programming. Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos described the climb as an “edge-of-your-seat TV experience.” The company has already executed over 200 live events, including comedy shows and wrestling matches, and views live content as a strategy for both subscriber retention and acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the duration of Alex Honnold’s climb?

Alex Honnold completed his free solo climb of Taipei 101 in one hour and 32 minutes.

Was the climb originally scheduled for a different date?

Yes, the climb was initially scheduled for Saturday morning local time but was postponed due to poor weather.

What did Alex Honnold say about the weather conditions?

Honnold stated that the inclement weather “kind of makes it feel more like rock climbing” and contributed to a sense of adventure.

What inspires you to push your own boundaries and take on new challenges?