Anraku Sorato Secures Third Consecutive Boulder World Cup Title

In a remarkable display of skill and consistency, 18-year-old Japanese climber Anraku Sorato has once again made history by clinching his third consecutive men’s Boulder World Cup title. The event, presented by Euroholds, concluded on June 29, 2025, showcasing Anraku's dominance in the sport, as he led the men’s Boulder World Cup Rankings from start to finish. His achievement further solidifies his position among the elite in competitive climbing, placing him alongside legends such as Kilian Fischhuber and Jérôme Meyer.

Anraku’s journey throughout the 2025 season was marked by an impressive total of 5,300 points, achieved through consistent podium finishes at various competitions. He secured gold medals in Keqiao, China; Curitiba, Brazil; and Salt Lake City, Utah, while also earning second-place finishes in Prague, Czechia, and Innsbruck, Austria, and a bronze in Bern, Switzerland. This outstanding performance not only highlights his talent but also demonstrates the evolution of competitive bouldering at the international level, where young athletes are increasingly dominating the sport.

According to the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), the revised scoring system introduced in 2025 significantly impacted the rankings. Unlike previous seasons where the lowest score was dropped, this year all results counted towards the final total, rewarding athletes who maintained consistent performances across all events. This change has drawn mixed reactions from participants and coaches, with some citing it as a fairer approach to determine overall rankings, while others argue it puts additional pressure on climbers.

Mejdi Schalck of France, who finished second with a total of 4,145 points, made headlines by achieving his first career podium finish. Schalck's notable performances included securing a gold medal in Prague and silver medals in Curitiba and Bern. Another standout was Japan’s Amagasa Sohta, who rounded out the top three with 3,680 points, marking his first appearance on the overall podium as well.

The final standings for the men’s Boulder World Cup Rankings were as follows: 1. Sorato Anraku (Japan) - 5,300 points 2. Mejdi Schalck (France) - 4,145 points 3. Sohta Amagasa (Japan) - 3,680 points 4. Dohyun Lee (Korea) 5. Hannes Van Duysen (Belgium) 6. Paul Jenft (France) 7. Tomoa Narasaki (Japan) 8. Anze Peharc (Slovenia) 9. Meichi Narasaki (Japan) 10. Yufei Pan (China)

The 2025 season not only highlighted the rising talents in the sport but also emphasized the growing international competition in bouldering. The IFSC continues to play a crucial role in promoting climbing as a competitive sport, especially with the upcoming Olympics, where climbing will feature prominently.

Looking forward, as the sport evolves and becomes more mainstream, the dynamics of competition are likely to shift, potentially increasing the accessibility of climbing to a broader audience. As Anraku Sorato and other emerging athletes prepare for future competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, the excitement around bouldering is expected to reach new heights.