Walden Open 2026
The Walden Open: 2026 Edition
On Saturday, September 26, it’s that time again: the new edition of the Walden Open! An epic boulder competition featuring three waves. Last year’s event was completely sold out. Expect the familiar Walden quality once more: a professional setting curated by our head route setters Jan and Nataleigh, complemented by two of the best international guest setters (Nathan Phillips and world champion Mickaël Mawem), and a top-notch atmosphere from start to finish. The competition is not just for die-hard climbers; it is accessible to all levels, from beginners to very advanced climbers.
Schedule
Wave 1 – Youth (Born in 2016 up to 16 years old): 09:00–12:00
Youth Podium: 12:30
Wave 2 – 17 years and older: 12:30–15:30
Wave 3 – 17 years and older: 16:00–19:00
Finals: 20:15–21:45
Podium Ceremony: 22:00
Practical Information
Everyone climbs according to the 1000-point system.
For youth (Wave 1), there is a separate ranking with a podium ceremony at 12:30 for the top 3 boys and top 3 girls.
Adult participants register for one of the two afternoon waves (Wave 2 or 3). Upon check-in, you choose on-site between the Recreational or Advanced category. Therefore, both categories climb together in Waves 2 and 3.
Unsure where you belong? If you are someone who regularly flashes red grades and harder in our gym, you belong in the Advanced category.
Only Advanced climbers are eligible for the finals.
In the Recreational category, there is a separate podium for the top 3 women and top 3 men.
DJs will provide the right vibe throughout the day.
Price & Registration
Entry Fee: €27
Early Bird & Membership Discount
Purchase your ticket before September 16, 2026, at 23:59, and you will receive the specially designed limited edition comp t-shirt completely free. If purchased after this date, you will receive the standard Walden t-shirt.
Do you have an active 3, 6, or 12-month WALDEN membership? You receive a €5 discount on the ticket price. Request your discount code at the reception desk.
HEAD SETTERS:
Jan and Nataleigh hardly need an introduction, but for those who’ve been on a different planet :), here’s a quick one anyway:
Jan and Nataleigh of Atari Climbing are Walden’s head route setters.
It would be hard to find two people in Belgium more committed to climbing than these two. They live and breathe the sport. Together, they co-founded Black Box, and today they focus fully on route setting—both commercially and at competitions in Belgium and abroad.
Through the BFIC (Belgian Federation of Indoor Climbing), they also help develop the next generation of setters, sharing their craft with everyone from absolute beginners to high-level competition teams.
Jan has been climbing for over 20 years and has been setting routes since the beginning of time (or at least it feels like it). He is also a national team setter and has shaped countless competition problems over the years.
Danish-born Nataleigh is the only woman in Belgium who can call herself an IFSC routesetter, regularly setting for the world’s biggest competitions abroad. The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC, now World Climbing) organises the highest level of international competitions. She has been routesetting for over 14 years.
INTERNATIONALE GUEST SETTERS:
Mickaël Mawem
We are excited to announce that Mickaël Mawem will be one of the setters for the upcoming Walden Open!
Mickaël is the 2023 Bouldering World Champion: He brings top-tier international competition experience and a deep understanding of what makes a world-class boulder.
As the co-owner of the French climbing gym Les Frères Mawem, he spends every day designing routes for his climbing community. Boulders for all levels – from recreational to expert.
While Mickaël has the insight to build intense, complex problems for the strongest competitors, his real focus is on creating a fun experience for everyone. He specializes in designing creative, fluid, and engaging boulders for recreational climbers as well. Expect rewarding challenges where every level will find something to enjoy.
