Netflix's Skyscraper Live Features Alex Honnold's Daring Taipei 101 Ascent
American rock climber Alex Honnold left global audiences breathless during a nerve-jangling live broadcast on Netflix, as he scaled the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan without any ropes or safety equipment. The 40-year-old daredevil, renowned for his free solo climbing feats, undertook the astonishing climb as part of Netflix's Skyscraper Live special, which streamed the entire event to viewers worldwide.
A Historic Climb Completed in One Hour and Thirty-Five Minutes
Honnold's ascent of the 508-metre tall Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings, took precisely one hour and thirty-five minutes to complete. With three decades of climbing experience behind him, the athlete displayed remarkable composure throughout the physically demanding challenge. Upon reaching the summit, his understated reaction of "Sick" captured the sheer audacity of his accomplishment, highlighting both his extraordinary skill and his characteristic calm demeanour.
Honnold Insists He Would Have Climbed for Free
In a revealing interview with the New York Times conducted prior to the climb, Honnold was questioned about whether this would represent his most substantial payday to date. The climber responded emphatically, stating he would have undertaken the feat without financial incentive if given the opportunity. "I would do it for free," Honnold declared. "If there was no TV programme and the building gave me permission to go do the thing, I would do the thing because I know I can, and it'd be amazing."
He elaborated further, explaining that the spectacle surrounding the event, rather than the climb itself, constituted the basis for his compensation. "I'm not getting paid to climb the building. I'm getting paid for the spectacle. I'm climbing the building for free," Honnold asserted, underscoring his passion for the sport over monetary gain.
Mid-Six Figure Fee Revealed Despite Honnold's Embarrassment
When pressed about the specific amount he received for the Netflix special, Honnold expressed reluctance to disclose figures, describing the sum as "an embarrassing amount" particularly when compared to the multi-million pound contracts common in mainstream sports like Major League Baseball. However, sources with direct knowledge of the arrangement informed the New York Times that the climber "will be paid in the mid-six figures for the climb," indicating a payment likely ranging between £500,000 and £700,000.
Global Reaction and Digital Spectacle
The live broadcast captivated viewers across multiple platforms, with reactions pouring in on social media following the event. Netflix shared a video on X of Honnold standing triumphantly atop the skyscraper, prompting one fan to remark on his unparalleled calmness: "That level of calm after that level of insanity is exactly why Alex Honnold is different." Another viewer described the experience as "absolutely incredible to witness this live," while a third marvelled at the climber's courage.
The event also garnered attention from high-profile figures, with Kim Kardashian sharing footage on her Instagram Stories, further amplifying the global reach of Honnold's stunt. This broadcast exemplifies how extreme sports are being transformed and presented in the digital age, merging athletic prowess with real-time entertainment to create unforgettable viewing experiences.
Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 climb not only sets a new benchmark in free solo climbing but also highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, where daring physical achievements are streamed directly to audiences worldwide, redefining what it means to witness history in the making.
