From Asia to Europe: The 2025 Youth World Championships of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) in Finland

The 2025 edition of the Youth World Championships of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is set to take place in Europe, following its previous appearances in South Korea and China. This time around, the competition will be hosted in Helsinki, Finland, from July 28th to August 3rd, welcoming young climbers from around the world.

The Lead and Speed competitions will be held at the KiipeilyAreena Ristikko, one of the largest climbing gyms in Northern Europe. Meanwhile, the Boulder competition will take place at Helsingin Kiipeilykeskus, just a short 12-kilometer drive away from the main venue. This decision comes after the successful organization of the IFSC Youth European Championships in Lead in 2023.

IFSC President Marco Scolaris expressed his confidence in Finland’s ability to host a successful event, citing positive feedback from previous championships held in Helsinki. The 2025 Youth World Championships will feature competitors divided into two age categories – under 17 and under 19, a change from the previous three age categories.

Juho Risku, President of Finnish National Federation, sees this opportunity as a significant moment for Finnish climbing, providing valuable visibility for the sport in the country. The event is expected to be a game-changer for climbing in Finland, showcasing how far it has come in recent years.

The full calendar for IFSC Season 2025 will be released later this year on the IFSC website and social media channels. This event provides an exciting platform for young climbers to showcase their skills and talent on an international stage while shaping