Rock Master
The international sport climbing competition in Arco
About Rock Master
The Rock Master in Arco
Rock Master is one of the most iconic and long-standing sport climbing competitions in the world. It takes place in Arco, in the Garda Trentino region, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), at the famous Climbing Stadium on Via Caproni Maini, at the foot of Monte Colodri. It all began in 1986 with Sport Roccia on the natural walls of Colodri; the Rock Master was born in 1987, and since 1988, the Arco Climbing Stadium has become the home of one of the most prestigious events in the discipline, making the town of Arco a global reference point for climbing.
The Disciplines: KO Boulder and Lead Duel
The Rock Master format revolves around two historic competitions that have made the event famous. The KO Boulder pits athletes against each other in knockout rounds, where the winner is the one who reaches the top with the fewest attempts. The Lead Duel is a head-to-head challenge on two identical parallel routes, a race against time to the top. The best eight men and eight women on the international scene face off on the wall, in a unique atmosphere of spectacle, competitive tension, and passion.
More Than Just a Competition
Rock Master is much more than a competition: for three days, the Climbing Stadium transforms into a large village with an Expo area dedicated to industry innovations, food courts, meet-and-greet sessions with champions, talks with the protagonists, DJ sets, and entertainment. There is also an area dedicated to families and children, the Kids Zone, with climbing walls, slacklines, and fun activities, as well as experiences like the Fun Bloc and guided outings on the cliffs of Garda Trentino.
A Symbol of World Climbing
By hosting the stars of international climbing every year, Rock Master has helped make Arco the "Home of Climbing." The event attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over Europe and the world, united by a passion for the vertical in one of the most evocative natural settings in Trentino.
Rock Master — edition 2026
Rock Master 2026: Celebrating 40 Years
The 2026 edition of the Rock Master, scheduled from October 2 to 4, 2026 at the Climbing Stadium in Arco, marks a truly special milestone: 40 years since the beginning of the sport climbing adventure in Arco, which started in 1986. Three days of sport, enthusiasm, and fun to be experienced in the climbing paradise.
The Competitions and Protagonists
The two historic disciplines are confirmed: the KO Boulder and the Lead Duel, featuring the eight best athletes per gender. Among the first big names announced, the men's field features legend Adam Ondra along with Stefano Ghisolfi, Filip Schenk, and Yannick Flohé; for the women, Jessica Pilz is confirmed alongside Laura Rogora and Anna Maria Apel.
The Village and Side Events
In addition to the competitions, Rock Master 2026 offers a rich program of side events: an Expo area with industry innovations, food zones, meet-and-greets with champions, talks, DJ sets, the Kids Zone for the little ones, and activities such as the Fun Bloc and cliff outings in Garda Trentino.
Programme Rock Master 2026
Rock Master 2026 Program
- Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026: KO Boulder and Lead Duel competitions with the 8 best men and 8 best women internationally.
- Announced athletes: Adam Ondra, Stefano Ghisolfi, Filip Schenk, Yannick Flohé (men); Jessica Pilz, Laura Rogora, Anna Maria Apel (women).
- Village with Expo area, food, meet-and-greets, talks, and DJ sets.
- Kids Zone with walls, slacklines, and activities for children; Fun Bloc and guided cliff outings.
Detailed program and schedule on the official website rockmaster.com.
Highlights Rock Master 2026
- 40 years of sport climbing in Arco
- KO Boulder and Lead Duel with world champions
- Adam Ondra, Stefano Ghisolfi, Jessica Pilz, Laura Rogora among the announced athletes
- Village, Expo area, food, music, and Kids Zone
Prices Rock Master 2026
Practical information — Rock Master
Location
Climbing Stadium, Via Caproni Maini 26, Arco (TN), Garda Trentino, Trentino-Alto Adige.
How to reach us
Arco can be reached via the A22 Brenner motorway (exit Rovereto Sud/Lago di Garda Nord), continuing towards Riva del Garda and Arco. The nearest train station is in Rovereto, which is connected to Arco by local bus lines.
Admission
Admission to the event is generally free. Up-to-date information on the program and accreditation can be found on the official website rockmaster.com.
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Where does it take place — Rock Master
Climbing Stadium
Via Caproni Maini 26, 38062 Arco