Top Ten Best Male Rock Climbers of 2015

It's one thing to project a difficult problem and succeed, but it's entirely another to back it up by soloing the routes Alex has. Alex raises the question: What makes you a better climber - difficulty of a route/problem, or the mental aspect involved and the obstacles you have to overcome? I believe the answer lies in a combination of both, with more weight given to the mental aspect of climbing. Alex embodies this balance - he's the best.

This trad, sport, alpine, and soloist climber has done it all. The hardest lines all over the world have fallen to Alex's hands. His nerves of steel while soloing Yosemite walls have put him in the world news and established new boundaries for what can be done.

A pioneer in the sport, Chris Sharma is perhaps one of the most iconic climbers of the modern era. He has consistently put up the hardest routes in the most daring styles. From difficult sport routes in Spain to incredible boulders all over the U.S., Sharma has brought rock climbing into the mainstream consciousness.

He was the first-ever person to climb a 5.15 route!

In terms of risk and adrenaline, it's Alex Honnold, but in pure climbing, it's Adam Ondra. He redpointed the Dawn Wall in just a week, and he has climbed all the hardest routes in existence. Indoors, he's also stellar, winning bouldering and lead titles multiple times. Quite frankly, you can't find anyone as dominant as him, whether indoors or outdoors.

This Czech native has climbed the hardest sport routes in the world and has done so at the tender age of 22. As a winner of World Championships in two different disciplines, Adam Ondra is only just beginning his reign at the top.

Dean Potter was both infamous and revolutionary in the sports of climbing, BASE jumping, and highlining. He redefined these sports and pushed the limits of what was considered possible. From climbing iconic arches in Utah to free soloing some of the highest and hardest peaks in the world, Dean was in the spotlight for decades.

Known as the best Yosemite climber in history, Tommy Caldwell's groundbreaking ascents of big walls have become legendary stories. With an attitude of possibility, Caldwell has challenged himself beyond what was thought possible.

Completely awesome... for real... and a humble, decent person. The best thing for climbing since Royal Robbins.

I did a report on this guy. He's really awesome.

This boulderer and sport climber has put up and sent some of the hardest problems and routes anywhere. His cheerful attitude and impeccable style on the rock make him an impressive athlete to watch.

Daniel Woods is a goofy, laid-back guy who is also incredibly strong. He is definitely the best or one of the best boulderers of all time. He won ABS Nationals for bouldering multiple times in a row and has climbed first ascents up to V16.

I'm watching him right now on American Ninja Warrior, and he just completed Stage Two on USA vs. The World. So amazing!

Sean McColl is an amazing rock climber with incredible strength.

Awesome grip skills and very adaptable!

Another boulderer, Paul has some amazing abilities to hold onto rocks that nobody else can touch. While he is a specialist, he is an amazing specimen nonetheless.

This guy has been around for years, lurking in the shadows. His ascents might not get the attention they deserve but are impressive by any account.

Caldiero is one of the best rock climbers in the whole world. He was also the first-ever American Ninja Warrior.

Two words to describe this man: humble beast.

He's the first American Ninja Warrior. He's officially the best.

This Canadian hardman has set new limits in trad climbing that will be hard to follow. His landmark ascents have been immortalized on film and have made headlines both in and outside of the climbing world.

Insanely strong and dexterous, with a great approach to any problem.

Ashima Shiraishi has the most potential out of anyone else on this list. Give it five years, and she'll be the best female climber. It wouldn't surprise me if she also competes with the likes of Ondra, Megos, and whoever comes after them.

A girl climbing a V15 boulder at the age of 14? Ondra didn't do that. Chris Sharma dreamt about it...

She's on track to being one of the strongest climbers in the world.

Cedar is a climber whose personality almost rivals his climbing ability. Seen anywhere from Yosemite to Indian Creek, his ascents of hard climbs and boulders make him a great mentor to learn from.

Jan Hojer won the 2014 Bouldering World Cup and came in second in 2015. As far as I know, he is currently the best German climber. Further bouldering achievements include 3rd place in the World Championships in 2014 and 1st place at the European Championships in 2015. He is definitely one of the best boulderers in the world.

He is brilliant, and the way he moves is so smooth. The best!

He has such a smooth style. Incredible.

Christian Core has been climbing for years. This soft-spoken man lets his incredible strength speak for who he really is. He has established the original path and has sent what many consider to be the world's most difficult boulder problem, a V16 named Gioia, which is said to have microscopic crimp holds. It has only been repeated by two other legendary climbers, Adam Ondra and Nalle Hukkataival.

Jyothiraj, also known as Kothiraj and nicknamed the Monkey Man, is recognized as India's number one rock spider man. He can climb large rocks, fort walls, Gokak and Jog Falls walls, and even buildings without using safety equipment. He resides in Chitradurga, Karnataka State, India, and is known for his kindness. He provides free education and training to poor people who are interested in learning rock climbing. Truly, he is one of the finest and best climbers in the world. You can search for him online by using his name.