By: Joe Czerwinski

On the other side of the planet, in a time zone 15 hours away, lies one of the biggest outdoor bouldering comps you have never seen. The Asian X-Games is a high-ball (20-22ft), bouldering event that is broadcast to television audiences all over Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East (and in the U.S. on ESPN II and ESPN Intl.). Every year, the best climbers from all over the globe receive invitations to compete at one of the biggest bouldering comps in the world.

For Our Friends in TV Land

At a typical US high-profile bouldering event like ABS or the old PCA, it is likely you will see a forecasted style of climbing. One or two technical crimp or sloper problems with belly button lock offs. Followed by, big open handed pinch problems on steep walls with a dyno or two. Is it exciting? Yes, but who is the audience? Just a bunch of climbers who did not advance to finals, plus their friends and family; all people who are knowledgeable about climbing.

The biggest difference in the Asian X-Games from major US competitions is we are making a television show first and a bouldering comp second. The product we are making must be entertaining and media friendly, as our audience is one of non-climbers, millions of them. Therefore, it is mandatory to make the problems seem impossible, and the actual climbing has to look physically improbable. To say this event has a dynamic and gymnastic style, is an understatement.

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