The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) 2025, scheduled for March 22-23 in Sheffield, is set to be a premier bouldering competition attracting elite climbers from around the world. As reported by Welcome to Sheffield, this prestigious event, co-organized by renowned route setter Percy Bishton, offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness top-level athletes in an intimate setting while also allowing amateur climbers to participate in the festivities.
Unique Bouldering Problems at CWIF
The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) is renowned for its innovative and challenging bouldering problems, designed to test climbers across various styles. The competition features 30 problems in the main walls, ranging from Font 5+/6a up to "Font very hard," requiring athletes to be proficient in powerful crimping, knee-trembling offwidths, sustained jamming, and desperately thin slabs. CWIF's unique setting, with its many arêtes, allows route setters to create technical problems that push climbers to their limits.
The event's finals showcase particularly creative and demanding boulders. For instance, one problem in a recent CWIF final mimicked a wild swing from the famous "Jungle Book" climb at Holy Boulders in Illinois, while another, dubbed "Princess of Persia," was inspired by a 1980s computer game featuring leaping heroes. These imaginative problems, set by a team of expert route setters led by Percy Bishton, ensure that CWIF remains a true test of climbing skill and adaptability, attracting both Olympic hopefuls and amateur enthusiasts to compete side by side.
CWIF Finals Livestream Experience
The CWIF Finals livestream offers fans worldwide an exciting opportunity to witness the climactic moments of this prestigious bouldering competition. Scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 18:10 GMT, the livestream will showcase the top 6 male and female climbers tackling 4 challenging problems on the Rab Competition Wall. For those unable to secure tickets to the live event, the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) is hosting a unique CWIF Watch Party in the stunning Sheffield Winter Garden, where spectators can enjoy the finals on a large screen amidst lush greenery.
Livestream available on The Climbing Works' YouTube channel
Semi-finals livestream begins at 11:55 GMT on March 23
Free audio commentary available via ICC match centre globally
Viewing party at Sheffield Winter Garden offers a communal atmosphere
Spectators can bring their own food and bouldering mats for comfort
Fancy Dress and Fun Competitions
The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) 2025 embraces a spirit of fun alongside serious competition, featuring fancy dress and entertaining side events. The Rab Party Round, scheduled for Saturday from 17:00-20:00, encourages participants to don creative costumes, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed team. This session includes "off-piste" style climbs alongside qualification problems, creating a playful atmosphere with DJ music and pizza.
Fancy dress encouraged during the Rab Party Round
Team prize for best costume
Strange, swingy, and silly climbs featured
DJ and pizza add to the festive atmosphere
Opportunity for climbers of all levels to participate in a relaxed setting
The event's inclusive nature allows amateur enthusiasts to compete alongside Olympic hopefuls, making CWIF one of the few competitions where the public can climb shoulder-to-shoulder with their climbing heroes. This unique blend of elite performance and community engagement contributes to CWIF's popularity and distinctive character in the climbing world.
Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel – A Convenient Stay for CWIF 2025 Visitors
For those attending The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) 2025, Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient accommodation option. Located just a short drive or public transport ride from The Climbing Works, the hotel provides easy access to the competition venue while being close to Sheffield’s vibrant city center. For bookings and availability, visit the Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel website or check major travel booking platforms. Whether you're an elite climber, an amateur participant, or a spectator, this hotel provides a comfortable base for your CWIF 2025 experience.
