World Climbing Series Kicks Off in Keqiao: Anraku Sorato and Zélia Avezou Take Dominant Wins

The 2026 sport climbing season has officially begun in thrilling fashion! The first World Climbing Series Boulder event took place from May 1 to 3 in Keqiao, China, bringing the world's top climbers together to set the tone for the upcoming year. Defending world champion Anraku Sorato of Japan picked up exactly where he left off last season, while Team France’s Zélia Avezou scored a career-defining maiden victory in the women's event.

Zélia Avezou Bests the GOAT for First Boulder Gold

In the women's competition, 22-year-old Zélia Avezou climbed her way to her first-ever World Cup gold medal, edging out the legendary Janja Garnbret by a razor-thin margin. Although Garnbret dominated the qualification and semi-final rounds, the final was a different story entirely.

Avezou found her rhythm quickly, taking the zone on her first attempt for problem one and then flashing the second problem. Garnbret required two attempts to top the second boulder, which allowed Avezou to pull ahead. On the final problem of the night, Avezou topped brilliantly in just two attempts. When Garnbret took the stage as the final climber, she managed an impressive flash of the problem, but it wasn't enough. Avezou secured the gold with a total of 84.8 points to Garnbret's 84.6. Australia's Oceania Mackenzie rounded out the podium to take home the bronze.

Anraku Sorato Remains the "King of Keqiao"

In the men's event, 19-year-old Japanese sensation Anraku Sorato continued his reign over the boulder circuit. The reigning Boulder world champion had a stellar start to the day, topping the morning semi-finals with 99.6 points.

Though the finals demanded intense physical and mental endurance, Anraku rose to the occasion. He reached the top on three of the four final boulders. Although he required multiple attempts to solve the tricky third problem, his main rivals struggled even more to secure tops. Anraku captured his second consecutive season-opening win in Keqiao—and his sixth career boulder title—with a solid 84.4 points.

Republic of Korea’s Lee Dohyun, who initially led in qualifications, recovered from a rough start in the finals to clinch the silver medal. French climber Mejdi Schalck thrilled the crowd by flashing the first boulder but slipped down the rankings on the final problems to finish third.

Final Results: Keqiao 2026 World Climbing Series

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 climbing season progresses, with the athletes already looking ahead to the next stage of the World Cup series!