Orlando Selected to Host Climbing National Championships

USA Climbing will host its YETI Climbing National Championships from February 11–15 at High Point Climbing and Fitness in Orlando, FL. The country’s best climbers will be battling for national titles, points toward 2026 National Team selection, and $30,000 worth of prizes.
 
"We're excited to bring the YETI Climbing National Championships to Orlando," said Marc Norman, President and CEO of USA Climbing. "This will be one of the most competitive athlete lineups we've seen in years, and we have no doubt that High Point Climbing and Fitness will provide the perfect terrain to challenge them."
 
“We’re honored to host USA Climbing’s YETI Nationals at our brand-new facility in Orlando,” said John Wiygul, President of High Point Climbing and Fitness. “This event will be an incredible opportunity to showcase our flagship gym on the national stage and put Florida on the map for competitive climbing.”
 
“We’re excited to welcome USA Climbing and elite climbers from across the country to the Packing District for the YETI Climbing National Championships," said Ken Robinson, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. "Supporting a national-level competition like this reflects our vision for the district as a place where people come together around unique, active experiences, while reinforcing the Packing District as a destination for premier events and community connection.”
 
As athletes look towards the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, climbing legends are hoping to stake their claim and earn a spot on USA Climbing’s National Team. Already registered are eight Olympians who represented Team USA between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
 
Chris Sharma—one of the most influential climbers in the world after dominating both competition and outdoor climbing in the 1990s and 2000s—is also making his return to competition. His participation gives the event one of the most star-studded lineups in years.
 
The event will feature three disciplines, Boulder, Lead, and Speed, over five days of competition, with support from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome USA Climbing’s YETI Climbing National Championships to Orlando's Packing District. Hosting an event of this caliber reflects our community’s commitment to hosting premier sporting events and highlights our world-class venues such as High Point Climbing and Fitness," said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. "Thank you to our partners at Dr. Phillips Charities, High Point Climbing and Fitness, Visit Orlando, the City of Orlando, and Orange County for their continued collaboration. We are especially excited to see this event play a pivotal role in selecting athletes for the 2026 U.S. National Team - on the road to the LA 2028 Summer Olympics - and look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from across the country to experience everything our destination has to offer.”
 
Spectator tickets are available on USA Climbing’s Eventbrite, and the event’s semi-final and final rounds will stream live on Outside Watch. Interested media are encouraged to apply for media accreditation.
 
For media questions, please contact:
Patrick Bodnar, Marketing & Communications Director | patrick@usaclimbing.org  
 
About USA Climbing
USA Climbing is the national governing body for competitive climbing in the United States, supporting athletes, coaches, and events across the country. As a nonprofit organization, USA Climbing’s mission is to promote the growth and development of climbing while advocating for the sport’s values of inclusivity, sportsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
 
About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit GreaterOrlandoSports.com.
 
About the Packing District
The Packing District is a transformative, 202-acre mixed-use community in Orlando that honors the region’s citrus-packing legacy and the vision of Dr. P. Phillips, while activating a lively place to live, work, and play. Blending the adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings with new residential, retail, dining, and cultural spaces, the district offers a dynamic mix of experiences for residents and visitors alike. At the heart of the district is The Grove Park, a 100-acre open green space featuring trails, community lawns, and gathering areas designed for recreation and connection. Throughout the district, amenities include the Orlando Tennis Centre, the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA, High Point Climbing and Fitness, 4Roots Urban Farm, the Great Southern Box Company Food Hall, Walter’s Tavern, and a growing collection of wellness-inspired businesses and neighborhood retail. Guided by a long-term vision and a commitment to community stewardship, The Packing District is a destination that serves residents and visitors alike, celebrating history, fostering connection, and supporting healthy, creative urban living.
 
To learn more, visit www.packingdistrictorlando.com and follow The Packing District on Facebook and Instagram.