The road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics officially starts here. The 2026 USA Climbing YETI National Championships are kicking off this week, bringing the nation's best athletes to a brand-new venue for a high-stakes showdown.
Rescheduled from late 2025 to better align with the IFSC World Cup circuit, this event is critical for athletes aiming to secure their spot on the US National Team. Whether you are a dedicated comp-climber or a casual fan, here is your complete guide to the action in Orlando.
📍 Fast Facts
- Dates: February 11 – 15, 2026
- Location: High Point Climbing and Fitness, Orlando, FL
- Disciplines: Boulder, Lead, Speed
- Prize Purse: $30,000
The Schedule
Note: All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
| Date | Discipline | Round |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb 11 | Lead | Qualifications (Men & Women) |
| Thu, Feb 12 | Lead | Semi-Finals (Morning) Finals (Evening) |
| Fri, Feb 13 | Speed | Practice, Qualifiers & Finals |
| Sat, Feb 14 | Boulder | Qualifications (Men & Women) |
| Sun, Feb 15 | Boulder | Semi-Finals (Morning) Finals (Evening) |
Athletes to Watch
With 249 athletes registered, the field is stacked. The transition from the Paris 2024 cycle to the LA 2028 cycle means we will see a mix of established veterans and hungry young talent.
- The Olympians: Eight US Olympians from the Tokyo and Paris games are set to compete, bringing world-class experience to the mats.
- Defending Champs: Look for Melina Costanza to continue her dominance. After a stellar performance in the 2024/25 domestic circuit, she is the one to beat.
- The Rumor Mill: There is significant buzz circling that climbing legend Chris Sharma may make a rare appearance on the competition roster. While his focus has been on outdoor projects recently, his presence would be a massive highlight for the event.
How to Watch
You don't have to be in Florida to catch the action. USA Climbing will be broadcasting the key rounds live.
Livestream Provider: Outside TV
Coverage: Live streaming is confirmed for all Semi-Final and Final rounds.
