Debevec and Fidel win Studio Bloc Masters

1. Katja Debevec SLO - Ido Fidel ISR
2. Madison Richardson CAN - Jakob Schubert AUT
3. Chloe Caulier BEL - Jernej Kruder SLO

The international competition scene kicked off with Studio Bloc Masters. From the male semi, we can see that several high ranked World Cup climbers did not make it to the final.

Katja Debevec (SLO) was runner-up in the World Games last year but otherwise, she often did not make it to the semi so her win was a bit surprising. The victory for the male winner, Ido Fidel (ISR) was an extraordinary surprise as he is currently ranked #7 in Israel and last year the 19-year-old was, on average #10, in the Euro Youth Cups. We caught up with Ido and were able to ask him a few questions.

How were you feeling during the competition and the final?
First of all, the feeling of reaching the final was crazy. I didn’t fully expect to make it this far in a competition with so many world-class climbers, it was really satisfying. Regarding the final, in the first boulder, I knew that everyone had topped it, so I didn't know yet how I was doing. After the second boulder, I understood that a podium is an option and the pressure started to build up. Before the fourth boulder, I was really under pressure. This boulder fits my dynamic style perfectly, and I knew that if I will do it I will be on the podium for sure. Overall I tried to focus on having fun and doing my best, turned out it went pretty well.

How was the reaction from your teammates and how was that phone call home to your family?

First of all, we have a really strong and supportive team. Throughout the event, from qualis to semis, I got a lot of support and help from the team. After going out from the final’s isolation we knew I would be on the podium and it was already really exciting. My coach and I went to see the end of the competition on one of the live screens. The moment we understood that it was over we got super excited, a moment later all team came and jumped on me, screaming from excitement. It was a really emotional and special moment.

The call to my family was pretty funny, my mom had to go on a flight after the 3rd boulder so she didn’t know how it ended. I called her a few hours later when she landed and told her, she was obviously very happy.