Bouldering Championship Overview: Anraku, a formidable competitor, aims to etch her name in history as the women's division intensifies in the Prague competition
Unfiltered Insights on the IFSC Climbing World Cup
Get ready for an action-packed climax as Japan's Sorato Anraku eyes a historic fourth consecutive bouldering win at the upcoming IFSC Climbing World Cup! With multiple rounds already under our belts in the 2025/26 season, the competition is heating up, particularly in men's bouldering, where Anraku has been unstoppable.
As we gear up for the fourth bouldering round in Prague, Czechia, let's delve into what to expect from this thrilling event!
Rising Above the Competition
If there's one name that stands out in men's bouldering this season, it's Sorato Anraku. At just 18, this Japanese prodigy has already claimed an impressive three gold medals this season, making him the first-ever male climber to win three Boulder World Cup events in a row in a single season, equaling the achievements of Austria's Kilian Fischhuber.
A talented and determined competitor, Anraku came out on top at the previous bouldering event, proving his unwavering determination by battling through a tough qualification round and giving a stellar performance in the final. As he sets his sights on Prague, a fourth consecutive win would etch his name in the annals of climbing history.
The Challenger Emerges
Although Anraku has shown remarkable consistency, it wouldn't be a fair competition without some fierce rivalry. South Korea's Dohyun Lee has given the rising star a run for his money. Lee, a speedy 22-year-old, placed third in the most recent round and narrowly missed out on top spot by a mere 0.4 points in the season's first bouldering event. With their skills set to clash again in Prague, it'll be an exhilarating head-to-head matchup that promises to deliver thrills and spills.
Women's Bouldering: A New Era
The women's bouldering competition is witnessing a new wave this year, with the absence of Slovenia's Janja Garnbret, a multiple World Cup gold medalist, and world champion Natalia Grossman, who is recovering from long-term knee injuries. In their absence, a host of talented climbers have stepped up to the plate, making for an open, unpredictable competition.
The previous bouldering event saw Japan's Nakamura Mao secure her first-ever win. Despite finishing fourth in three separate bouldering competitions prior to this, the 25-year-old climbed flawlessly in Salt Lake City to claim gold. Other key contenders include American Annie Sanders, who placed fourth in the 2024/25 season, and Naile Meignan of France, who won her first bouldering World Cup competition earlier in the year with an aggressive and precise climb.
So, gear up for an exciting ride as we witness the future stars of climbing in action! Don't miss out on the action-packed IFSC Climbing World Cup competitions, starting with the fourth bouldering round in Prague. Tune in and let the games begin!
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Sources:[1] International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). (n.d.). Boulder - IFSC Climbing World Cup Keqiao 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/competition/biwcc2025/keshe-bwcc[2] International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). (n.d.). Boulder - IFSC Climbing World Cup Curitiba 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/competition/biwcc2025/curitiba-bwcc[3] The Olympian. (2025, May 14). Anraku wins another IFSC Boulder World Cup gold. Retrieved from https://www.theolypian.com/sports/climbing/anraku-wins-another-ifsc-boulder-world-cup-gold/article_40d66ea8-c4c1-5bd4-8bb0-0465b0b9fc67.html[4] Olympic Channel. (n.d.). Sorato Anraku wins his third consecutive World Cup gold in Salt Lake City. Retrieved from https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/sorato-anraku-wins-his-third-consecutive-world-cup-gold-in-salt-lake-city[5] Souichi Sato. (2025, May 14). Sorato Anraku wins third consecutive IFSC Boulder World Cup gold. Retrieved from https://www.insideolympic.com/sorato-anraku-wins-third-consecutive-ifsc-boulder-world-cup-gold/kyoto
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming bouldering round in Prague, as the competition heats up in men's bouldering, with Japanese prodigy Sorato Anraku aiming for a historic fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, South Korea's Dohyun Lee remains a formidable contender, having narrowly missed out on top spot in several competitions. In the women's bouldering division, Japan's Nakamura Mao and American Annie Sanders are among the key contenders, showcasing a new wave of talent in the absence of Janja Garnbret and Natalia Grossman.
