Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to "Yes" if a boulder problem graded V18 (9A+) is first ascended outdoors before January 1, 2026. The ascent must be publicly reported by a reputable climbing news source or the climber themselves. If no such ascent is reported by the deadline, the market will resolve to "No".

Background

As of June 2025, the highest confirmed bouldering grade is V17 (9A). Notable problems at this grade include "Burden of Dreams" in Finland, first ascended by Nalle Hukkataival in 2016, and "Return of the Sleepwalker" in the U.S., first ascended by Daniel Woods in 2021. Both have been repeated and their grades confirmed by other elite climbers. (en.wikipedia.org)

The progression to V18 has been a topic of discussion within the climbing community. In 2022, climbers speculated on when and where the first V18 might be established, with some predicting it would be an extension of existing V16/17 lines or a new, exceptionally challenging problem. (mountainproject.com)