As the climbing community steps into 2025, the landscape of bouldering has dramatically evolved, with three top-tier V17 routes now existing in the United States. Recent breakthroughs saw the ascent of two formidable problems: Shaolin V17 conquered by Sean Bailey and No One Mourns the Wicked V17 triumphed by Nathaniel Coleman, both of which have set the climbing world abuzz.

In total, the esteemed V17 grade now showcases a collection of nine boulders, with three confirmed repeats and four proposed challenges, alongside two problems graded V16/17. Here’s a closer look at these extreme climbs:

1. No One Mourns the Wicked V17 (USA)