• Alex Honnold completed a historic free solo ascent of Taipei 101, taking 1 hour and 31 minutes.
• The ascent was broadcast live on Netflix and drew a large cheering crowd.
• This marked the first free solo climb of the skyscraper, previously climbed with ropes by Alain Robert.
• Honnold expressed hopes to inspire others to pursue their own goals.
• The climb faced a delayed start due to rainy weather, rescheduled for January 25.

California-native rock climber Alex Honnold achieved a landmark feat on January 25, 2026, when he made a historic free solo ascent of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, reaching the top of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) building in just 91 minutes without using any ropes or safety equipment. The event was broadcast live on Netflix, capturing the attention of thousands of cheering fans who gathered to witness the climb, which was rescheduled after rain delayed the original date. "Sick," he exclaimed after reaching the summit, reflecting on the views and the exhilaration of the climb, according to Channel News Asia and CBS News.

Honnold's ascent of Taipei 101 involved navigating challenging features of the building's architecture, particularly the "bamboo boxes" in its middle section, requiring significant climbing skill and physical strength. With the entire climb broadcast live with a 10-second delay, it marked a significant deviation from his usual solitary climbs in remote locations, adding an element of pressure. Honnold noted the unique experience of climbing while being surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, stating, "It makes the whole experience feel almost more festive," according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Before the climb, Honnold mentioned his long-time desire to conquer Taipei 101, saying he had dreamed of it for over a decade. The ascent adds to his legacy as the first to scale this skyscraper without protection, recalling earlier climbs by Alain Robert, who used ropes during the building's opening in 2004. Honnold remarked on the thrill of the experience and expressed his hope that it would inspire viewers to use their time in a meaningful way, stating, "It’s a reminder that their time is finite and they should use it in the best way," according to Anadolu Agency and Reuters.