525 climbers have done 883 8c+/9a and harder

The most comprehensive 9a statistics are found at Escalade 9. In practice, as many of the most repeated routes are subject to downgradings, the stats also include 8c+/9a. Overall, 525 climbers having done 883 routes 8c+/9a or harder are listed. Spain dominates with 256 routes as well as with eight out of the Top-10 most repeated ones, see below.


Countries with most 8c+/9a and harder
Spain - 256
France - 157
Italy - 83
USA - 65
Germany - 56
Austria and Switzerland - 46

The most repeated ones
46 Estado Critico - Confirmed upgraded due to broken hold.
40 Era Vella (8c+/9a) - Only two repeats in last 2.5 years after downgrading debate and broken hold
33 Underground (8c+/9a)
29 La Rambla 1 - FA 8c+ of Alex Huber and later upgraded
27 Action Directe - FA 8c+/9a by W Gullich in 1991
27 La Rambla 9a+

23 Esclatamasters (8c+/9a)
23 Papichulo 9a+
22 Sellecio Natural (8c+/9a)
21 A Muerte (8c+/9a)

It should be mentioned that one reason that Spain dominates the statistics is that extensions are really popular there. Several of the listed routes are also variations of other 9a's. The stats also suggest that the softest grades are found in Spain. Possibly, the development of knee pads contributes to part of the downgradings. In total, 20 climbers have done at least 26 routes 8c+/9a or harder, out of which seven are Spanish. At the same time, 82 French climbers have done 8c+/9a or harder which can be compared with 67 Spaniards, 65 Americans, 60 Italians and 41 Germans.

Adam Ondra has ascended 209 routes of these grades, which is more than anyone else. He is followed by Alex Megos with 91 ascents and Dani Andrada with 76. In total, there are 30 females listed. Laura Rogora has ascended 17 routes, which is most of all females. Runner-ups are Anak Verhoeven with 10 ascents and Angy Eiter with 9.