While the world held its breath during the Netflix live event “Skyscraper Live,” Alex Honnold proved once again why he is the greatest climber of all time.
Moving from the granite walls of Yosemite to the glass and steel of Taiwan, Honnold has completed the tallest and most ambitious urban free solo in history.
The historic ascent was originally scheduled for Friday, January 23, but Netflix postponed it by 24 hours at the last minute due to heavy rain and unsafe weather conditions in Taipei.
Quick Guide to the Ascent:
The Glass Giant
Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet), Taipei 101 is an architectural marvel. Its “stacked bamboo” design presents challenges no mountain can replicate: smooth glass surfaces, repetitive steel joints, and a total lack of margin for error.
Unlike the French “Spider-Man” Alain Robert, who scaled the tower in 2004 using ropes and a harness, Honnold tackled the giant in pure free solo style: no ropes, no safety gear, just his climbing shoes and a chalk bag.
Minute-by-Minute: The Ascent
After a 24-hour delay due to rain, Honnold began his ascent at 09:00 AM local time on January 25, 2026.
The total climbing took 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Honnold’s pace was relentless, slow and methodical, clearing the distinct segments of the skyscraper with a surgical precision that left the live commentary team, including WWE’s Seth Rollins, at a loss for words.
“The geometry of the building is such that in many spots it’s almost more secure than El Capitan, but the repetition of the movements puts a massive strain on physical endurance rather than just technique,” Honnold remarked before the climb.
Skyscraper Live: Meet the Hosts:
- Elle Duncan, (Host) Host (formerly ESPN)
- Seth Rollins, WWE Superstar
- Mark Rober, Engineer & YouTuber
- Pete Woods & Emily Harrington, Climbing Experts
A Record for the Ages
With this feat, Honnold hasn’t just added another trophy to his collection; he has proven that the line between extreme sport and global entertainment has vanished. “Skyscraper Live” will go down as one of the most tense and most-watched sporting events in Netflix history.
The Numbers of the Feat:
- Total Height: 508 meters (1,667 feet).
- Floors Scaled: 101.
- Main Difficulty: High-altitude wind gusts and muscle fatigue from repetitive vertical movements.
- Previous Record: Roped ascent (Alain Robert, 2004 – approx. 4 hours).
The Role of Sanni McCandless in the Climb
As with his previous historic climbs, Sanni was his primary emotional support during the “Skyscraper Live” event. She was positioned at a strategic safe point just before the building’s final “sphere” or pinnacle.
This location was chosen because the transition to the top section of Taipei 101 is one of the most physically demanding parts of the climb and is the highest part accessible with a harness.
What’s Next for Honnold?
After conquering Taipei 101, the question remains: where do you go from here?
Today, Alex Honnold can enjoy the view from the top of the world, knowing he achieved what no one else dared to dream.
Did you watch the live stream on Netflix? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and if you held your breath during that final pitch!
If you want more Honnold content, you can watch Race to the Summit on Netflix
