Sport Climbing World Cup 2025: Bern Preview, Schedule, and Viewing Guide

The 2025 IFSC Sport Climbing World Cup is set to take place in Bern, Switzerland, from June 13 to June 15, drawing elite climbers from around the globe to compete in one of the season's most anticipated events. This will be the fifth Boulder competition of the season, following a thrilling series of contests that have captivated spectators and climbers alike. The event holds significant importance as athletes vie for crucial World Cup points, which will ultimately influence their standings as the season approaches its conclusion.

The Bern competition is particularly critical for climbers looking to solidify their positions ahead of the World Cup finals scheduled in Innsbruck, Austria, from June 25 to June 29, and the World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, later this year. As the climbers prepare to showcase their skills at the Festhalle Bern, fans can expect a highly competitive atmosphere filled with breathtaking performances.

**Current Standings and Key Competitors**

As the season progresses, Anraku Sorato of Japan has emerged as a standout competitor. According to the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), Sorato, a silver medallist in the Boulder and Lead combined event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, has maintained a substantial lead in the World Cup standings with an impressive three consecutive wins to start the season. However, a second-place finish in Prague has raised the stakes, as Mejdi Schalck from France aims to close the gap and challenge Sorato's dominance.

"This season has been remarkable for me, but I know the competition is fierce," said Sorato, reflecting on his performance.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Lee Dohyun, currently ranked fourth, is also in contention, seeking to leverage his experience and skill to climb the rankings. The women's competition is equally compelling, with France’s Oriane Bertone leading the standings. Bertone has been a consistent podium finisher this season, recently topping the leaderboard in Prague, and aims to secure her title in Bern.

Nakamura Mao of Japan, currently in second place, is looking to rebound from her recent performance and will need to secure a top finish in Bern to remain in contention for the overall title. "It’s crucial for me to perform well in Bern to close the gap with Oriane," Nakamura commented ahead of the event.

**Competition Schedule**

The event will unfold over three days, with women’s qualification rounds kicking off on Friday, June 13, followed by men’s qualifications later that day. The detailed schedule is as follows (all times local, GMT +2):

- **Friday, June 13** 09:00 - Women’s Boulder - Qualification 15:30 - Men’s Boulder - Qualification

- **Saturday, June 14** 10:00 - Women’s Boulder - Semi-finals 17:00 - Women’s Boulder - Final

- **Sunday, June 15** 10:00 - Men’s Boulder - Semi-finals 17:00 - Men’s Boulder - Final

**Viewing Options**

Fans eager to watch the action can do so through the Olympic Channel, with live coverage available on Olympics.com. Additionally, viewers can access streaming feeds from IFSC partner broadcasters and their YouTube channel, ensuring that climbing enthusiasts worldwide can witness the thrilling competition.

**Conclusion and Future Projections**

As the 2025 IFSC Sport Climbing World Cup approaches its climax, the competition in Bern will not only serve as a critical stop in the season but will also provide insights into the athletes poised to dominate in the upcoming World Championships. With intense rivalries and the pressure of World Cup standings at play, the event promises to deliver excitement and drama as the world’s best climbers showcase their talents in the picturesque city of Bern.

With the competition set against the backdrop of Switzerland's stunning landscapes, the 2025 Sport Climbing World Cup is anticipated to be a highlight of the sporting calendar, inspiring a new generation of climbers and fans alike.