2026 World Climbing Chamonix Lead Climbing:Annie and Alberto Take Gold

Set against the stunning backdrop of the French Alps, the 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing event marks an unforgettable weekend of elite competition. As one of the most iconic stops on the 2026 World Climbing circuit, Chamonix attracts thousands of passionate fans and the world’s top climbers, creating an atmosphere unlike any other venue on the calendar.

For many athletes, competing in Chamonix is a career highlight. The historic setting, enthusiastic crowd, and festival-like environment make the event one of the most anticipated competitions of the season.

This year was no different as the world’s best lead climbers took on a demanding final route in pursuit of a World Cup podium. Here’s a closer look at the key moments, highlights, and final results from the 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing competition.

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Women’s Lead Final

Heading into the women’s final at the 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing event, South Korea’s Chaehyun Seo looked like the favorite after posting an impressive 51+ in the semifinals, the highest score of the round.

However, the final produced a dramatic turnaround as the United States’ Annie Sanders delivered the only top of the route. Although she exceeded the six-minute time limit, Sanders was credited with 52+, enough to outpace the field and secure the gold medal in Chamonix.

Bulgaria’s Aleksandra Totkova continued her breakthrough season by earning the silver medal with a score of 48, marking her second World Cup podium finish.

Chaehyun Seo completed the podium with the bronze medal after climbing to 47+ in the final. She finished tied with Great Britain’s Erin McNeice and Slovenia’s Rosa Rekar who had both also climbed to the 47+ hold, but ultimately Seo claimed third place due to countback which is based off of her stronger performance during the semi-final.

Women’s Podium

1. Annie SANDERS (USA)
2. Aleksandra TOTKOVA (BUL)
3. Chaehyun SEO (KOR)

(Break down of full scores here: 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing)

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Men’s Lead Final

The men’s final at the 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing competition featured one of the strongest fields of the season. France’s Sam Avezou, South Korea’s Dohyun Lee, Japan’s Sorato Anraku, and Slovenia’s Luka Potočar were among the standout finalists, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for gold.

Olympic champion Alberto Ginés López of Spain established himself as the climber to beat after reaching 39+, taking over the provisional lead with only Avezou and Potočar left to climb.

Hopes of a home victory faded for Avezou after he fell at the 34 hold, matching the high point of both Japan’s Satone Yoshida and Sorato Anraku. The score left the Frenchman in sixth place after countback, meaning the final outcome rested on Potočar’s performance.

The Slovenian climbed confidently through the lower section of the route, moving efficiently and appearing poised to challenge for the lead. As he approached Ginés López’s high point, the tension inside the Chamonix crowd continued to build and the excitement in the crowd began to grow as everyone cheered for the Slovenian climber. However, Potočar fell just short of 39+, sealing an emotional victory for Ginés López.

The gold medal marked a significant milestone for the Spanish climber, who has stood on numerous World Cup podiums throughout his career but had never before claimed a World Cup gold medal.

“I’ve waited seven years for this moment – since my first podium finish. I often thought ‘Maybe it’s not meant to be.’ This victory feels so good.”

-Alberto Gines Lopez, World Climbing Interview

Joining Ginés López and Potocar on the podium was Indonesia’s Putra Tri Ramadani which marked his second World Cup podium finish after winning the gold medal in men’s lead climbing at the 2026 World Climbing Prague event.

Men’s Podium

1. Alberto GINÉS LÓPEZ (ESP)
2. Luka POTOCAR (SLO)
3. Putra TRI RAMADANI (INA)

(Break down of full scores here: 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing)

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Want to Watch the Event?

Missed the live broadcast of the event? No problem! Watch the full 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing competition on YouTube through the World Climbing channel. The broadcast also features complete coverage of the women’s and men’s speed climbing qualifications and finals, allowing fans to relive the standout moments, impressive display of athleticism, and podium winning performances.

• Men’s and Women’s Lead Climbing Semi-Final
• Men’s and Women’s Lead Climbing Final

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For more information pertaining to the 2026 World Climbing Chamonix lead climbing results, location, videos, images, etc., please visit the main event page. For upcoming international climbing competitions, check out our 2026 International Climbing Competition Calendar.