Summary (tl;dr)

Alex Honnold is currently undertaking a live, free solo climb of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers, as a Netflix streaming event, drawing global attention and sparking ethical debates.

Essential Background

Alex Honnold is an acclaimed American free solo climber, meaning he ascends formidable rock faces without ropes, harnesses, or any safety equipment. He gained international fame following his historic 2017 free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary "Free Solo." His previous accomplishments have established him as one of the most distinguished free solo climbers globally. While French "Spiderman" Alain Robert successfully climbed Taipei 101 with ropes in 2004, Honnold's current attempt is notable as the first-ever free solo of the skyscraper.

The Full Story

Today, January 23, 2026 (or January 24, 2026, in local Taipei time), Alex Honnold is attempting an unprecedented free solo climb of the 1,667-foot-tall Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. The event, dubbed "Skyscraper Live," is being broadcast globally as a live streaming special on Netflix, marking a significant move for the platform into live extreme sports programming. Honnold has dedicated three months to training for this ambitious ascent, which he has reportedly envisioned for over a decade. The high-stakes event has generated immense public interest, eliciting both excitement and considerable ethical discussions among the climbing community and the broader audience, particularly concerning the profound risks involved given Honnold is a married father of two young children. Netflix has confirmed a 10-second broadcast delay and will include a viewer-discretion advisory.

Why It Matters

This live free solo climb of Taipei 101 is a monumental event that pushes the boundaries of both extreme sports and live entertainment, highlighting Netflix's strategy to "eventize" sports content. The broadcast has ignited a vigorous public discourse regarding the ethical implications of televising such a life-threatening endeavor, where any misstep could prove fatal. Furthermore, it has prompted discussions within the climbing world about the commercialization of the sport and the evolving distinction between genuine exploratory climbing and media-driven spectacles. For Honnold, this climb represents what he considers "the biggest urban free solo ever" and the realization of a long-held personal ambition. For millions worldwide, it offers a "buttock-clenchingly tense" and captivating display of human courage and physical prowess.

Geographic Location

• Taipei 101, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (Alex Honnold's free solo climb)