Alex Honnold Makes History With First-Ever Free-Solo Climb of Taipei 101

In a global live event that captured both awe and incredulity, American rock climber Alex Honnold achieved a milestone in climbing history by free-soloing Taipei 101, Taiwan’s iconic 101-story skyscraper, without ropes, harnesses, or any safety gear. The feat was broadcast live on Netflix’s Skyscraper Live special on January 25, 2026, attracting a worldwide audience riveted by the human drama unfolding 508 meters above ground.

The 40-year-old, known to millions from the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo for his ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, stood at the base of Taipei 101 — once the world’s tallest building — and began climbing its exterior using only small architectural holds, ornamental metalwork, and his own balance and strength. Surrounded by thousands of spectators on the streets of Taipei, Honnold completed the ascent in roughly 90 minutes, reaching the tower’s spire to cheers and applause.

What set this ascent apart was not just the height, but the context: unlike natural rock faces, the building’s glass and steel façade offered minimal texture, requiring precise movements and unwavering concentration. Midway up, onlookers watched from windows and balconies as he navigated the structure’s challenging design — especially the middle sections known as the “bamboo boxes,” overhanging segments that tested endurance and technique.

Honnold’s calm demeanor and disciplined pacing under pressure remained consistent with his career pattern: methodical, calculated, and intensely focused. After reaching the top, he took a selfie from the spire, a moment that symbolized both personal triumph and a milestone for the sport. He later described the experience as “incredible” and “beautiful,” acknowledging the cheering crowd below.

While the achievement was celebrated globally, it also sparked debate about the ethics of broadcasting such an inherently dangerous stunt live. Safety critics questioned the spectacle’s risk, particularly with millions tuning in. Supporters countered that Honnold’s decades of experience and meticulous preparation made him uniquely suited for the challenge.

Beyond the physical accomplishment, the free-solo of Taipei 101 represents a larger cultural moment: the intersection of extreme sport with live global entertainment. Netflix’s Skyscraper Live brought real-time tension and suspense into homes around the world, blending human curiosity with high stakes and pushing the boundaries of what audiences will watch in real time.

By stepping into history atop one of Taiwan’s most recognizable landmarks with nothing but his skills and resolve, Honnold has expanded the narrative of what free-solo climbing can be — not just a conquest of nature’s cliffs, but of human-made giants as well.