Under the blazing Ontario sun, the 2025 edition of the JACKALOPE Mississauga bouldering competition brought the heat, literally and figuratively, presented by Arc’teryx and Up the Bloc.
With a finals crowd bigger and more energized than ever before, this year’s event proved once again that climbing at JACKALOPE is more than just a comp, it’s a full-blown celebration of movement, community, and good vibes.
Hype Meets Chill
“The vibe this year was the perfect mix of hype and chill” said Pete Woods, our longtime MC and a staple voice of Canadian climbing comps. “Most of these climbers are used to high-pressure, sanctioned events. JACKALOPE is different, people are more present, more connected to each other. It’s a festival, not just a competition.”
The crowd definitely brought the energy this time around. With more climbers watching from the sidelines and cheering each other on, every big move felt like a shared experience. The energy from the finals crowd was wild. It was hotter, louder, and more fun than ever.
Finalists Deliver the Fire
The level of climbing during the finals was nothing short of impressive. While many familiar faces from the Canadian climbing scene made it to the final round, one name in particular stood out: Jakob Elliott. He really showed up this year, as Pete told us. “You could see the work he’s put in, he brought back the flair we hadn’t seen from him in a while.”
One of the most electric moments of the weekend? Jakob landing a massive jump to a tiny hold on the final men’s boulder. Everyone went crazy. It’s moments like that, big moves on a blank canvas, that make JACKALOPE’s bouldering so fun to watch.
On the women’s side, a technical slab problem stole the show. They’re on the wall, waiting to commit, and the foot switch is the hardest part Pete explained. Everyone holds their breath, it’s beautiful and nerve-wracking at the same time.
Setting That Stole the Show
This year’s route setting delivered big time, especially in finals. “Creative, challenging, and visually exciting” said Pete. The kind of movements that makes a crowd gasp, and it did.
A couple of boulders quickly became the talk of the comp. The men’s slab problem opened with a dynamic balance move that threw off even the most experienced climbers. And both men’s and women’s final boulders capped the competition with a bang, blending power, flow, and commitment in just the right doses.
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Pete Woods: The Voice of JACKALOPE Bouldering
If you’ve been to any of JACKALOPE’s bouldering comps over the past decade, chances are you’ve heard Pete Woods on the mic. As MC since the very beginning of bouldering at JACKALOPE, Pete’s signature energy and love for the sport have become part of the experience.
“Climbers perform better when the crowd is hyped” he said. “So it’s my job to get everyone fired up.” Whether he’s handing a chalk bag to an athlete mid-send or getting hugged (almost tackled) by a stoked finalist like Jakob, Pete’s not just calling the shots, he’s part of the show.
A Community Like No Other
What makes JACKALOPE’s bouldering comp so special isn’t just the climbing, it’s the people. “Everyone’s hanging out between climbs, chatting, vibing,” Pete said. “At a lot of comps, athletes are separated. Here, they’re all in it together.”
That sense of openness carries over to the Citizen’s Comp, a key part of the event. This comp isn’t just for elites, it’s for anyone who wants to try hard and have fun.
Looking Ahead
As JACKALOPE continues to grow, Pete hopes to see even more climbers and fans show up and make noise. “I’d love to see this comp become a staple in the Canadian climbing calendar” he said.
And of course, no JACKALOPE would be complete without the infamous DYNO comp, where huge jumps and stunts earn climbers cash on the spot if the crowd’s hyped enough.
The 2025 bouldering comp proved it once again: JACKALOPE isn’t just about sending problems, it’s about community, creativity, and having a damn good time while doing it.
See you next year, on the wall or in the crowd.
