How to Watch Sport Climbing Worldwide

Watch Sport Climbing Worldwide: The Ultimate Fan Guide

Sport climbing has surged in popularity in recent years, especially since its Olympic debut. With its mix of strength, precision, and daring moves, this adrenaline-pumping sport has captured the attention of fans across the globe. But if you're new to the scene or simply wondering how to catch all the action from your home country, you might be asking: How do I watch sport climbing events worldwide?

Whether you're in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or anywhere else with a solid Wi-Fi connection, this guide is your passport to following the world's top climbers as they defy gravity. We’ll break down your viewing options, highlight key events, and show you how to tap into the climbing community for the best coverage, commentary, and connection.

Where to Watch Sport Climbing: Best Platforms and Channels

Unlike mainstream sports, sport climbing coverage is often spread across various platforms. Here’s where to find the most reliable and consistent climbing broadcasts:

• IFSC Official YouTube Channel: This is the go-to source for International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) events. They livestream most World Cups and Championships with English commentary. The quality is top-tier, and best of all—it’s free!
• Olympics.com: During the Olympic Games or Youth Olympics, events are streamed live on the official Olympic website. They offer region-specific coverage with highlights and full replays.
• Discovery+ and Eurosport: For those in the U.K. and across Europe, Discovery+ and Eurosport cover major IFSC events. Subscriptions may be required, but they often provide polished commentary and behind-the-scenes extras.
• FloClimbing (North America): A subscription-based platform that sometimes features select climbing competitions, documentaries, and original series. Great for deeper coverage and athlete insights.
• Red Bull TV: Known for its high-energy extreme sports programming, Red Bull TV occasionally streams international climbing competitions and documentaries like “The Dawn Wall.”

Tip: Follow the @ifsclimbing account on Instagram or Twitter for real-time updates on when and where to watch events.

Key Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Sport climbing has a packed calendar year-round, with events ranging from local national competitions to global championships. Here are the ones that fans absolutely should not miss:

• IFSC World Cup Series: This is the core of competitive sport climbing. Held annually across multiple continents, it includes bouldering, lead, and speed disciplines. The World Cup events are streamed live and archived on YouTube.
• IFSC World Championships: Held every two years, this event crowns the world's best in each discipline and is a pre-Olympic qualifying event.
• Olympic Games: Since Tokyo 2020, climbing has been part of the Olympics. Paris 2024 and beyond will include new formats, making the competition even more thrilling.
• National Championships: Events like USA Climbing Nationals or British Climbing Championships offer a look at rising talent and future Olympians.
• Continental Championships: African, Asian, European, Oceanian, and Pan-American championships are crucial for Olympic qualification and regional rivalries.

Mark your calendar early, as event dates are usually published in December or January for the upcoming season.

How to Stream Climbing Events Without Cable

If you're a cord-cutter, you’re in luck—most climbing content is designed for streaming rather than traditional TV. Here’s how to stay connected:

• Use a Smart TV or Streaming Stick: Platforms like YouTube, Discovery+, and Red Bull TV all have apps for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and smart TVs.
• Watch on Mobile Devices: Traveling or at work? You can stream events live on your smartphone or tablet. Download the YouTube or Red Bull TV app for easy access.
• Laptop Streaming with VPN: If a stream is geo-blocked in your country, a high-quality VPN can help you bypass restrictions and access content available in other regions.

Bonus tip: Set reminders or turn on YouTube notifications for the IFSC channel so you never miss a livestream.

Join the Community: Where to Engage with Other Climbing Fans

Watching sport climbing is even more fun when you connect with the community. Whether it’s chatting during live events or sharing highlights, here’s where fans gather:

• Reddit: Visit r/climbharder or r/climbing for discussion threads during major competitions. You’ll find real-time commentary, predictions, and friendly banter.
• Discord: Several climbing servers provide voice chat during events. Look up “IFSC Discord” or “Climbing Fans Discord” to find active communities.
• Instagram and TikTok: Athletes and fans alike post highlight reels, training insights, and behind-the-scenes moments. Popular accounts include @janja_garnbret, @teamcanadaclimbing, and @usasportclimbing.
• YouTube Comment Sections: During live events, fans across the globe gather in the chat window to cheer, analyze, and sometimes argue—don’t miss it!

Want to dive even deeper? Follow your favorite athletes on social media to keep up with their schedules, training routines, and personalities outside the wall.

Helpful Tools to Keep Track of Events and Scores

Unlike major league sports, climbing doesn’t always have a centralized app for live scoring. But there are still some reliable tools you can use:

• IFSC Official Website (ifsc-climbing.org): Check the calendar, athlete rankings, event info, and live scoring here.
• Vertical Life App: Originally a gym-focused app, it now includes competition scoring and athlete profiles during events. It’s also used for scoring at some national events.
• Live Result Portals: When watching livestreams, there’s usually a companion link in the description to access real-time results and route progress.

Set calendar alerts for events and regularly check IFSC’s updates to avoid missing key competitions due to time zone differences.

Top Tips for the Best Viewing Experience

If you’re new to watching climbing or want to enhance your experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Learn the basics: Understand the differences between lead, speed, and boulder formats. It helps you follow the scoring and strategies better.
• Watch with friends: Share the experience by hosting viewing parties or joining online chats. Climbing is more exciting with company.
• Follow athlete stories: Getting to know the climbers adds emotional depth. You’ll find yourself rooting for underdogs and legends alike.
• Don’t skip replays: If you can’t catch the live show, replays are often just as thrilling—especially with commentary intact.

Sport climbing is fast-paced, strategic, and often nail-biting. Once you get the hang of the rules and pacing, you'll be hooked!

Final Thoughts: Climb Into the Action

Sport climbing is no longer a niche sport. It’s a global phenomenon with a passionate and growing fanbase. Thanks to widespread streaming options and digital communities, you can follow every chalk-dusted handhold from anywhere in the world.

Whether you're watching Janja Garnbret dominate the bouldering wall or rooting for a local up-and-comer in a national event, there’s never been a better time to become a climbing fan.

Are you already a sport climbing enthusiast, or just starting to explore the vertical world? Share your favorite events, athletes, or streaming tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!