As the fifth Speed stop on the 2025 IFSC World Cup circuit, the event brings international and U.S. athletes to a new urban stage, expanding access and visibility for the sport. Denver’s event was the third of five Speed competitions of the IFSC World Cup Series 2025, joining stops in Wujiang, China; Bali, Indonesia; Kraków, Poland; and Chamonix, France.

Among the athletes who competes is Sam Watson, world record holder and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist. He will be joined by a deep field of national and international talent, including fellow U.S. climbers Emma Hunt, Piper Kelly, and Zach Hammer.

The Denver event follows the Salt Lake City Boulder World Cup and is part of a broader effort by the IFSC and USA Climbing to grow the sport’s footprint in the U.S. The central location, just steps from Denver’s business and cultural core, is designed to reach new audiences and showcase Speed Climbing in a highly visible, accessible way.

EP Climbing, a longtime partner in elite competitions and training facilities, is proud to help bring this exciting event to life.

The IFSC Speed Climbing World Cup was a featured part of the 16th Street Summer Kickoff, a weekend-long celebration of the newly revitalized 16th Street public space. Hosted in collaboration with USA Climbing and the Downtown Denver Partnership, the festival included live music, art, food, shopping, and more. The World Cup competition was a headline moment, giving attendees a chance to watch world-class climbers in action.