It's Game Over | Excalibur | Adam Ondra

Excalibur is a project on an independent tower close to Arco with an epic view towards Sarca valley. It has just enough holds to make this perfect 40-degree clean-cut wall possible. The following video captures my process of trying this already legendary project last winter. You will watch me struggle, try really hard and eventually give up. You can also watch @steghiso and @JakobSchubertClimbing while they are trying this legendary project! But I am sure the project might go down pretty soon. Who is going to do it?
ENGLISH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE IN THE VIDEO SETTINGS
ČESKÉ TITULKY JSOU DOSTUPNÉ V NASTAVENÍ VIDEA
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Pietro Dal Pra (Adam's good friend + 9b belayer :-) and @LaSportivaYT climbing shoes product specialist
01:26 - Adam Ondra describes project Excalibur
01:30 - SUBSCRIBE = SUPPORT
03:10 - Buro route (potential 9b)
04:30 - Crux
05:40 - Outdoor training gym
06:52 - Meeting @JakobSchubertClimbing and @steghiso
08:39 - @JakobSchubertClimbing try the route
09:14 - Back in the game (let's try Buro)
11:50 - Let's warm up with Pietro!
13:40 - Adam talks about 2 ways of holding that nasty two-finger pocket
14:50 - Its Absolutely Game Over
15:00 - Good luck to @steghiso and @WilliamBosi and everybody else
15:20 - Outro
Climbing shoes I use in this video: @LaSportivaYT Solution Comp:
www.lasportiva.com/alpencore/...
Get yourself amazed by beautiful pictures in my photobook - AO Book:
eshop.adamondra.com/p-ao-book
Have you seen this video of mine ?!
• Adam Ondra #47: The Be...
Thumbnail picture by: Petr Chodura
SPECIAL THANKS TO
PIETRO DAL PRA
STEFANO GHISOLFI
ALFREDO WEBBER
FRANCESCO “FRANZ” MORANDI
STORY BY
ADAM ONDRA
DIRECTED BY
LACO KORBEL
EDITED BY
JAN VOGL
CAMERA
LACO KORBEL
JAN VOGL
PAVEL KLEMENT
PRODUCTION
KATEŘINA KUŘÁTKOVÁ
JAN VERNER
JAKUB PÍNA
SUBTITLES BY
JARKA MARČEKOVÁ
© ADAM ONDRA 2023
Songlist
Sirus Music - Ujai
Sound and Vision - Synthetic Orchestra
Northern Points - The Search
#climbing #rockclimbing #projectexcalibur

[@EmilAbrahamsson]

"Sometimes I'm just going to sleep and dreaming that there would be a kneebar" haha that made me laugh so hard I spilled coffee on myself

[@precursor4263]

WideBoyz are thinking the same -- if only there was a paddle in there, perhaps a thin hands..

[@mcdoonaldsmanager8706]

emil is the only man who watches more climbing content than myself

[@AB8511]

That is called squeezing the kneebar from the stone...

[@TristanCleveland]

I was going to comment that's the funniest thing I've ever heard Adam say!! 100% Ondra! Haha

[@TristanCleveland]

@@AB8511 😂

[@Macks_Mustermann]

What I learned from this video: -Always listen to your body rather than giving it your all. -It´s ok to walk away from a project for your own safety. -Even Adam Ondra leaves some routes for others to ascent first. -Always blame the shoes! Ps. Huge respect for posting your "failures" in a world where most just show their victories.

[@jamesedwards6173]

Blame the shoes ... especially when they're your sponsor. 😜😆

[@lol32scbw]

@@jamesedwards6173 it's actually good for business. It's the answer why you should buy stuff from new collection.

[@thompstonescider]

Great comment. I was a bit gutted to hear Adam say he was leaving this one but it was the right decision and a hard one when everyone is watching and hoping you'll send it. Anyone can injure themselves trying something that doesn't suit them or their body.

[@Djarnor]

The shot of three legends projecting together is so cool

[@albertoselmin4859]

4, don't forget about Pierin. :)

[@aidinvanzanden9593]

"Or maybe i am not that strong" Adam Ondra worlds best climber 2023

[@kylestephens25]

[cordial laugh]

[@kazo0ie]

Not the strongest though. He says so himself.

[@isatismolnar4817]

Alex Megos says something like that too, "if you fail, it's just because you were not strong enough". Kinda extreme, but...

[@Prodeproteccion]

2 best now. Stephano didi it.

[@ripapa6355]

These crossover episodes are one of the greatest things to come out of the internet.

[@allyhvis6046]

I just love that so many of professional climbers have YT channels. When they collaborate and their stories intertwine, it's like Marvel universe and the Avengers. 💪😄 Can't wait for the Wide Boyz collab!

[@AllegraClimbingPsychologist]

Imagine being such a legend like Adam, imagine being considered the best climber in the world and imagine how much self-esteem, how much self-respect and respect for other very strong climbers it takes to share with the world such "failures" (and with such positivity!). We live in a world in which something that is not good for your image is just not shared. I feel so lucky being able to follow a legend so close up but also in such a genuine way.

[@kevinzero8566]

Pure truth. Thnx

[@drbas81]

yes! so healing!

[@RipperJack77]

8:11 It is impressive that the wall did not scream and run away with those three looking at it at the same time

[@nemol73]

In a world dominated by social networks, where most of the "shiny" contents are fake, I found Adam Ondra YT channel one of the most authentic, inspirational and exciting. Hard work, no-nonsense, failures and victories, as well as friendship and respect for peers: that's a hell of a message for the young generations! Kudos to this incredible athlete and amazing man!

[@kmsch986]

I am a doctor and use your videos to inspire people in the journey of mental health. I think of how life can be overwhelming if we think of it as one big thing we have fix, but if you break it down into its elements like boulder problems every day, it’s doable. I love how you show even the best in the world have to work hard every day, struggle and don’t “win” every single thing and that’s ok, you just keep pushing along and go on to the next project with the same focus and attitude. You a an inspiration to those that climb and those that don’t but can dream of it or use it to inspire their own ambitions.

[@sigmundfreud2443]

Yep, same feeling watching it with hard depressions: general the little progress over and over in climbing videos until something goes right seems like a method that catches important parts of the condition with all its potential to get overwhelming and therefore blinding the person.

[@EredilElexi]

Cap

[@TheMegaMrMe]

I respect the hell out of you for putting this video out. We need to understand as a society that it's ok to fail, as long as you give it your best. Props for wishing your peers good luck as well. Adam, you are a real man.

[@elliottrodgers6557]

Damn that's life! Mad respect for showing us your failures as well as victories, and also for listening to your body. That's something we can all learn from.

[@hermannhallerbusiness891]

Cold fingers tip from an ice climber, stretch out your fingers and start rotating your arm in a way where your fingers draw a giant circle on the side of your body, this way blood from the warmer part of your body (the core) is pushed into your upper extremities. Repeat the process for each arm taking turns of 3-5 second circles until you feel the warmth again. Using friction, like rubbing hands together or on sth. will only do little since the heat is generated on the surface of your skin and will be equalized out faster by the exposure (no insulation to trap it longer). Have fun, cheers!

[@cent-kz2ti]

Adam never ceases to amaze me. He is such an inspiration. Keep on grindin

[@MrPagargar1]

Kinda makes you wonder how far can the grades be pushed? I remember when sharma sent jumbo love and everyone said it can’t get much harder can it? Then Ondra showed up and said yup!

[@somanayr]

A+ belaying at 12:15

[@itsmrlowe]

It’s ok not to be able to finish a route, the adventure and being out there enjoying the challenge is what it’s all about

[@Euroholds]

Never stop inspiring us Adam. Watching the last part of this video when talking about the game over, is something amazing and unusual to watch today, it helps a lot to the rest of us to understand that no one can climb all kind of routes, especially when touching morphologic limits of the humans. So humble, so inspiring. Let's continue please!

[@Greedman456]

Great video. This is life. We don't always succeed but we get up and move on

[@kubawydra7286]

I am wondering how Shawn Raboutou, or other boulderers would perform on this project. I think with route that short he would have a pretty good chance to send it :)

[@antoninsudry2299]

You already have Will Bosi trying so that should give you a good indication of how it goes for a bouldering machine

[@jens1525]

It's quite possible that Aidan Roberts would be the perfect candidate. But with all the speculation, one should not forget that the author of this video - Adam - is still considered one of the absolute top boulderers.

[@TristanCleveland]

@@antoninsudry2299 yeah the problem is basically built for Bosi's skill set.

[@MrStrikemasterice]

the part i love is the fact that he's so careful with his physical health. I know most athletes are but its just nice to see

[@micheleberaudo5629]

The quality of AO videos is always improving

[@groghnash]

some interactions feels scripted to me, tho. IDK why, just they feel a little off.

[@the_zenclimber]

@groghnash remember none of them are speaking in their native language

[@francescorogo9314]

that is not a rock, that's a fossilized jawas sand crawler! ty for sharing your passions, keep it up!

[@HulkSmashJG]

I thought the same thing!!

[@exicx]

And the holds are imperial blaster scars!

[@B1300]

I really respect that Adam put his health above the possibility of sending it. I feel like it’s an expectation now that athletes put them selves in danger to win/ be the best.

[@halkthe3th]

10:34 Adam with the nasgul scream

[@titiuclaudio]

Among a zillion of hards sends in this "multiverse" of superheroes, It´s not everyday that you see a top climber calling it "game over" in public. So thanks for showing the kiddos out there! A true role model. 👏

[@Garrett1981Fav]

Just got done watching and my favorite freakin part was where at the end he says he’s totally ok with knowing that some routes just won’t be completed by him. He’s a beast and he’s disciplined enough to know when it’s “Absolutely game over” and when his health is more important than the send. Takes a seasoned man most times to do that. Cheers Adam 🤙🏽✅💯

[@jonnenne]

Again the local dude was the highlight of the video! I absolutely love these unknown legends.

[@Vasekdegamma]

He´s Pietro Dal Pra, ...a true legend!

[@ricato2]

"Unknown"! I'm really glad Adam is making sure these legends are not forgotten 😄

[@kelamram]

Challenges keeps you humble. That's a good thing. Excellent efforts. I hold my breath when I watch. Great Job Adam and great belay dance moves Pietro

[@Rasedan]

Warm-Up with Pietro, LOL. Fair effort and wise decisions.

[@kristofferkuusakoski4655]

I like the fact that you are not only publishing successes but also great tries. It makes it exciting to watch the video since one doesn't know whether you will make it or not.

[@waladeen]

There is a lot of strength in knowing your limits and being smart enough to know when to call it quits. Great video!

[@macmurfy2jka]

Fun Humor, Good climbing, Great scenery, and of course, some of Adam’s classic screams! Great work.

[@martinlacher7932]

I would never let Pietro belay me, even if he's a legend... 12:10

[@theappealtoheaven]

I mean, I'm sure he belayed more than you and me ever will but that's not a reason to let go of the rope. Accidents happen, would want to catch your climber then. But even a pietro Might not be able to without having a hand on the rope. No matter how experienced you are.

[@leenarauramo8850]

Right?!

[@ricato2]

I've been conflicted about seeing well known climbing figures belaying this way. It's the old school style, especially popular in Italy, which is nowadays known as the "death grip". The biggest problem though is that when you teach new climbers to belay this way, the reflex on a fall is to tighten the grip on your left hand, disabling the breaking mechanism. I suppose if you've been doing it this way for decades you will have overcome this reflex. I am convinced Pietro has caught thousands of falls from that position, so it's probably ok for him... Still, hopefully no one tries to learn to belay from Adam Ondra videos. Always get a qualified instructor!

[@BrunsterCoelho]

I'm a beginner climber and was looking for a discussion on this - was thought to never do this

[@leenarauramo8850]

@@BrunsterCoelho yeah that's not a good way to belay...

[@teugene5850]

Adam, I am not even "in" to climbing but I often come back to your videos simply for motivation... you are a beast. Thank you.

[@TheRealSugarShane]

So sick, what an awesome challenge and I love how comfortable you are at admitting your limits. It's not worth it if you hurt yourself trying it.

[@hunterwolfe6295]

That’s pretty cool of you Adam.

[@ProudToBeAHillbilly]

I just found you about 4 days ago Adam and you are a freak of nature(I mean that in a Very Good Way) and I gotta say the way you climb with seemingly no fear and with such grace is a thing of beauty in itself! Your channel has became my favorite channel to watch over anything else! You Truly Are Amazing!!! 🇺🇸✌️

[@kevingeary1472]

Your attitude at the end of the video is why I love climbing

[@droiid123]

Adame, jste obrovskou inspirací pro spoustu lidí. Strašně moc Vám fandím, také lezu (a odevšad spadnu XD) ale jen na amatérské úrovni, většinou Adršpach, ale fakt tak na úrovni lezení po balvanech, nic profi. Horolezci jsou neskuteční borci a ryzí charaktery. To poznáte hned, když vám na laně jistí život. A olympiáda? Vidět, jak si soupeři fandí, radí si a povzbuzují se, to snad není v žádném jiném sportu. Děkuji Vám, že jste a bu´dte ještě hodně dlouho. Sledovat Vaši karieru a hlavně úspěchy je něco, co zahřaje na srdci. O to víc, že reprezentuje ČR. P.S. : Ty Vaše prsty jsou jak párky, ty musej mít páru (sám jsem si bohužel před lety přerazil dva prsty na ruce na lezení to moc nepomáhá). Ještě jednou přeji vše nejlepší a děkuji.

[@linusreger8497]

Seeing Jakob and Adam climbing together is always so inspiring. Super combo!

[@garconrouge9099]

There's something comforting about seeing some of the best climbers in the world grabbing draws to clip.

[@prof.eurico]

woooowwwwwwwwww.... First to comment! Nice job, Adam! Perfecto Mondo still waiting for you!

[@oblio9147]

It is fascinating how in tune Adam is with his body to where he is describing the physical limitations of how hard he can pull on an individual tendon. Amazing! I understand that injuries are a part of any sport, but as a fan, I can say that there is nothing I want to see him send so badly that would be worth such a cost.

[@TheNails3]

You are so inspiring! And the way you grabbed the two holds at the start from the dyno was AMAZING!

[@ivangradisar7302]

This is a very well-made video that allows an average person to experience the thrills of climbing with the best climber in the world and I love it.

[@AB-fh9zh]

Not only a great climber, but a great story teller. Thanks for making this.

[@jakobmartens9170]

Pietro is an absolute beauty!

[@Mike-oz4cv]

If only he’d learn how to belay. 12:14 makes me shudder.

[@robroskey6515]

I love it when people who are at the top of their game, whatever that may be, are humble about their abilities like Adam is. It brings them to a whole other level in my mind than someone who may be equally good but conceited. I've never rock climbed in my life but I love watching people do highly skilled things I have no ability myself to do. Ever since Alex Honnold mentioned Ondra on joe rogans podcast years ago I love watching his and other climbers amazing climbs.

[@urbaquake9033]

Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!

[@Excubitor]

12:15 is it possible to put a disclaimer in the video when people didn't Belay like how it is supposed? because i think some people will maybe imitate the of belaying and that is not good

[@King-Kazma]

It is amazing that sending the route (or not) comes down to the strength of one tiny tendon. I don’t think I have ever heard of a physical limit that is so precise and specific.

[@shoemakerleve9]

I love the feeling of excitement after completing a project at my bouldering gym after a few days, but cannot imagine the feeling of doing the same on an outdoor project after weeks months and years or work.

[@ktinxx]

Mad respect for letting us in on the deep frustration a professional climber sometimes undergoes! Adam is usually cheeriness himself; seeing him so dejected and resigned is rare. On top of the sense of failure he must have been experiencing, towards the end of the video you can clearly see how banged up Adam is physically. Not that that would have stopped him had there been the slimmest chance to send without risking an injury. What impresses me most, therefore, is that inspite of all the time, money, and preparation that went into the project, not to mention his passionate wish to master this challenge, he was able to make the right decision and step back from it. This signifies the real pro! You only have one body. And there will always be another day, another chance succeed. Well done, Adam! 👏

[@ikra]

I saw Stefano's Excalibur send video yesterday in a climbing festival and I'm in absolute awe how hard this route is. It's basically a boulder problem from start to finish.

[@esforex]

Your content is ELECTRIC! Work hard! You will crush it! Work Work Work! You are the best!!!!!! Good luck!

[@jonnysolaris]

Adam we'll never climb like you, but you're a beast and it's both entertaining and super inspiring seeing you go for it with your usual magic and abilities

[@hyde4004]

It's very human to see Adam doubt himself and wonder if he truly has it in him to actually send the project. Any difficult endevour is sure to cause you to doubt your own abilities, and it's humble of Adam to show his low moments on camera as well. It is a natural part of doing something incredibly difficult.

[@gdominik4599]

Production is insane good on these videos, top-notch

[@briansanchez4767]

Love the stoke that’s built around this project, who will be Arthur? Thanks for leading the path Adam, you’re a legend.

[@aidanscarffe5256]

Incredible! Actually nice to see something that cant be tamed with the kneepad. Come on Bosi

[@johnmcmillen4540]

Thanks Adam. This is true greatness in showing one's failure. It was a thriller to watch. Btw, being able to fail is a mastery. It took me a long time to get halfway there...

[@demoniccat1005]

Adam- are you ever going to try DNA? a newer vid with seb would be super cool

[@kraluhorska6523]

Na stare kolena som zacal lozit po stenach, a obdivujem aku silu a techniku maju mlady chalani.... A tiez zazivam ked nejaku cestu tesne ale neviem vyliezt,ako mi to vrta v hlave, a aky mam respekt ked to musim vzdat. V tomto videu ukazal Adam , svoju skromnost, ktoru nie kazdy spickovi sportovec ma. Dakujeme.

[@flowrida1138]

Thanks again for being an inspiration to the whole community Adam! Has Alex given this a try? Looks like it could be something for him. Looks the purest board climb and he's used to gnarly finger pockets.

[@oudinpaul7816]

Huge respect for posting your "failures" in a world where most just show their victories @adamondra

[@bb1039]

Such vanzinnich inspiration, know limit and when to stop

[@gavyndame3700]

Amazing video even if you didn’t get to send the climb the video was so beautiful to watch your dedication is what sets you apart

[@nickhenscheid369]

Would be really interesting to see some of the elite 9A boulderers on this route (Raboutou, Roberts, Woods, Nalle etc.).

[@_igormaldonado]

Would be really interesting seeing Nalle anywhere, haha.

[@nickhenscheid369]

@@_igormaldonado Ha yeah I don't blame him for dropping of SM altogether, I'm sure he's out there grinding stones to dust as always

[@Shima_zu]

I wish I was strong enough to even think about trying that route😂. Watching how you tried so hard to do this project gave me courage to keep on going on for my goals. I feel crushed sometimes to believe that I can become stronger. But even the best fails sometimes. I’m so grateful that you don’t just put out videos of you succeeding but also ones that you couldn’t (for now).

[@leenarauramo8850]

I like his thoughtfulness in how he approaches the project. Really smart. And always blame the shoes 😅😅

[@DeHoutgreep]

"It's the problem of the shoes" lmao I like this guy!

[@greent26tube]

This was actually really refreshing to see a failure, and the process and hard work that goes into prep. It’s not for nothing!

[@everydaymotivatedua]

Never give up bro! You are amazing climber !!

[@juanmelgar152]

I did not expect that ending, he always makes it. haha. But is good to know ones limitations and to protect his body. That's his career.

[@cosmicstrand9976]

Un ejemplo de fuerza!

[@thomasstegen3507]

It shows great maturity to forego a potential send to avoid a small tweak becoming an injury. Many of us have learned that the hard way. Several times ;)

[@TheNails3]

Happy 30th birthday, Adam! Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám!! 😀

[@benediktgsell4428]

Three champions next to each other trying a hard route and commentating on it. I love it.

[@kaspianocz6330]

Another amazing one, I didn't think it's doable, almost got it, you'll get it next time!

[@ericconnor3728]

buro has such a cool start :D

[@sebastian31337]

Happy birthday, Adam! 🥳🎉

[@oliviabaklaton4552]

Well done Adam, bravo.😊

[@vagdemarrs]

"9b+ rock climber" as a description, at this point I'm not sure it looks like some kind of roast :)

[@elenasu7369]

I laughed out loud when the belayer was warming up 😂

[@noeee1234]

Best video

[@miguelcuestaalendar904]

Menudo reto! Para el top de la escalada deportiva mundial!

[@SaltStorm007]

14:45 this is how you avoid injuring yourself....know when to say when and ALWAYS follow tour gut💯Amazing climbing skills...absolutely amazing🤯

[@chitragthapaa]

Happiest Birthday My Friend❤️ Stay Happy stay Grow on Life.

[@kun072]

Pietro è semplicemente un grande! Quando si scalda per fare sicura è impagabile :D

[@jonahmetzer]

It's amazing how just massive pieces of rock break off and become stranded in an open area like that to be routed and climbed by you guy's.Natural playgrounds all over the 🌎!

[@SSmilingSoul]

thats not how these rocks end up here....they get carried away by glaciers then left there as the glaciers melt

[@tyler___3]

What a MASSIVE dyno onto tiny crimps. 3:42 Like wow!

[@AMMarfianto]

always awesome!

[@zdeneksefl3381]

Škoda Adame,mrzí mě,že jsi to nedal, ale chápu Tvou myšlenku,že vše nejde mít, každopádně krásné video a těším se až zas nějakému kameni natres zadek!zdravím z Olomouce

[@sebipongratz7164]

Just WOW!

[@TheMechatronicEngineer]

Great video man!

[@francescocapponi5184]

Truly inspiring :)

[@theclimbingtourist4404]

Pietro warming up to belay.....Priceless😄

[@oracla]

Again with the bad form belaying... 12:16

[@theoutsider6191]

Damn if we've not all had a bad day at our chosen sport and blamed the kit at least once :-) Loved that little exchange about the shoes lads 🙂