Alex Honnold Sets Sights on Taipei 101: A Skyscraper Free Solo Event for the Ages

Prepare for an unprecedented spectacle as legendary free solo climber, Alex Honnold, prepares to conquer new heights – literally. In early 2026, the man who redefined human limits on El Capitan will face his next monumental challenge: a free solo ascent of the magnificent Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. This daring climb, promising to captivate millions, will be live-streamed globally on Netflix, bringing the heart-stopping action directly to your screens.

The Return of a Legend: Alex Honnold’s Next Epic Feat

Alex Honnold is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Renowned for his mind-boggling, rope-free ascents, Honnold gained worldwide fame with his 2017 free solo of Freerider on Yosemite’s El Capitan, an achievement immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo. Now, he’s trading granite for glass and steel, aiming to become the first to free solo the iconic Taipei 101. This isn’t just another climb; it’s a testament to human courage and determination.

Taipei 101: A Vertical Labyrinth of Modern Architecture

Standing at a formidable 508 meters (1,667 feet) with 101 floors, the Taipei 101 isn’t merely a tall building; it’s an architectural marvel. When it opened its doors in 2004, it proudly held the title of the world’s tallest building. Today, it remains a striking symbol of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, ranking as the 11th tallest globally. From a climber’s perspective, this skyscraper presents a unique and intricate puzzle.

• The Podium Challenge: The initial approximately 70 meters consist of a smooth, “slab-like” podium.
• Tiered Pagoda Design: Above the base, the building transforms into a stack of eight distinct eight-story sections. Each section slightly overhangs the one below, creating a challenging, tiered structure reminiscent of a traditional pagoda or a stalk of bamboo.
• Strategic Ledges: Crucially, each eight-story section culminates in a large ledge, offering a brief respite before the next overhanging segment. Honnold will likely navigate one of the building’s four prominent aretes, requiring immense precision and stamina across hundreds of meters of varied, often overhanging, terrain.

“Skyscraper Live”: Witness History on Netflix

Mark your calendars! Netflix has officially announced that Honnold’s breathtaking attempt will be live-streamed as a two-hour special titled “Skyscraper Live”. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026. This unprecedented live broadcast ensures that fans globally can witness every gripping moment as Honnold confronts the colossal structure.

Intriguingly, Honnold’s fascination with climbing Taipei 101 dates back to 2012, long before his legendary El Capitan ascent. Initial plans for a solo attempt in late 2013, then 2014, were ultimately postponed. A decade later, the dream is finally becoming a reality, adding a layer of historical significance to this long-anticipated event.

Beyond El Cap: The Evolution of Free Solo

For those unfamiliar with the world of climbing, Alex Honnold is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished traditional climbers ever. His career is punctuated by dozens of awe-inspiring free solos, pioneering alpine first ascents, and challenging trad climbs. His previous feats, including the first free solo of El Capitan’s Freerider (a 5.13a route), redefined the sport and pushed the boundaries of human endurance and mental fortitude.

This upcoming Taipei 101 free solo will undoubtedly be another landmark achievement, expanding the definition of extreme climbing from natural rock faces to urban monoliths. It’s a testament to Honnold’s unwavering focus and dedication to his craft.

Don’t Miss the Epic Alex Honnold Skyscraper Challenge!

The anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most talked-about events of 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned climbing enthusiast or simply curious about human extraordinary feats, tune into Netflix for “Skyscraper Live” to witness Alex Honnold write another thrilling chapter in the annals of extreme sports. This isn’t just a climb; it’s a date with history.