IFSC becomes World Climbing

The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) officially rebranded as World Climbing on December 10, 2025, marking a major shift in the sport’s global identity and future direction.

🧗 What Changed

• New Name & Identity: IFSC → World Climbing

• New Motto: “We get the World Climbing”

• Visual Refresh: Updated branding to appeal to younger audiences and highlight inclusivity.

• Competition Series: The IFSC World Cup will become the World Climbing Series starting in 2026.

🌍 Why the Rebrand Matters

• Global Recognition: The name World Climbing is simpler, more inclusive, and easier to identify worldwide.

• Olympic Legacy: Since climbing’s Olympic debut in 2020, the sport has grown rapidly; the rebrand reflects this evolution.

• Community Focus: The new identity emphasizes openness, inclusivity, and inspiration, aiming to unite athletes, federations, and fans under one banner.

• Youth Engagement: The refreshed look and messaging target younger climbers and audiences, aligning with climbing’s cultural momentum.

📊 Comparison: IFSC vs. World Climbing

• Transition Challenges: Athletes and federations must adapt to new branding and competition formats.

• Identity Shift: Some traditionalists may feel nostalgic for the IFSC name, which carried nearly two decades of history.

• Execution: Success depends on consistent messaging and strong partnerships to ensure the rebrand isn’t just cosmetic.

✅ Takeaways

• The rebrand to World Climbing is more than a name change—it’s a strategic move to position climbing as a modern, global sport.

• Expect new competition formats, stronger media presence, and broader cultural integration starting in 2026.

• For climbers and fans, this means greater visibility, more accessible events, and a unified global identity.