The Race for Silver: Lee, Schalck, and Van Duysen Battle for Men's Boulder Podium as 2026 Season Nears Finale

The 2026 World Climbing Series Men's Boulder season has been defined by one undeniable truth: Japan's Sorato Anraku is in a league of his own. With five consecutive victories across Keqiao, Bern, Alcobendas, Prague, and Innsbruck, the 19-year-old phenom has already mathematically locked up his fourth consecutive overall title with 5,000 points.[1]

But behind Anraku's historic sweep, one of the most thrilling subplots in modern competition climbing is quietly reaching a boiling point. As the circuit prepares for its grand finale in Salt Lake City this October, the race for the overall silver and bronze medals remains wide open.

South Korea's Lee Dohyun currently holds the pole position for silver, sitting in second place with 3,095 points. France's Mejdi Schalck trails in third with 2,587 points, while Belgium's Hannes Van Duysen lurks in fourth with 2,345 points, keeping his podium dreams very much alive.[1]

For Lee Dohyun, the 2026 campaign has been a masterclass in consistency. The South Korean star has reached the podium in three of the five events, securing silvers in Keqiao and Prague, and a bronze in Innsbruck.[2]

Lee's technical prowess on delicate slabs and his calm demeanor under pressure have allowed him to navigate the increasingly complex route-setting that has defined the 2026 season. Even when he isn't flashing boulders, his ability to secure crucial zone holds in fewer attempts has consistently kept him ahead of the chasing pack.

Chasing him is Mejdi Schalck, the dynamic French climber who entered the season as a heavy favorite to challenge Anraku for the crown. Schalck started the year strong, taking bronze in Keqiao and Prague, and a silver in Bern.[2][3]

However, the race for silver took a dramatic turn at the recent World Climbing Series stop in Innsbruck. In a shocking upset, Schalck failed to advance past the qualification round, finishing 29th overall with just 69.6 points.[1]

It was only the third time in 25 Boulder appearances at the World Cup or World Climbing Series level that the explosive French athlete missed a semi-final cut. That rare stumble cost him valuable ranking points and allowed Lee to build a comfortable 508-point buffer heading into the finale.[1]

"It's a long season, and maintaining peak physical and mental form across continents is the true test of the overall standings," noted climbing analysts following the Innsbruck shakeup. Schalck's early exit proved that even the sport's brightest stars are vulnerable to the grueling demands of the international circuit.[3]

Meanwhile, Belgium's Hannes Van Duysen has quietly positioned himself as the ultimate spoiler. With 2,345 points, he sits just 242 points behind Schalck for the overall bronze medal.[1]

Van Duysen has been a model of steady improvement, highlighted by a bronze medal finish in Bern and a solid sixth-place showing in Innsbruck. If Schalck falters again in Salt Lake City, the Belgian is perfectly positioned to snatch the final podium spot.[1][3]

The stakes for the Salt Lake City finale extend beyond just the 2026 hardware. Securing an overall series podium is a massive psychological boost and a critical data point for national federations as they begin allocating resources for the LA28 Olympic qualification cycle.

For Lee, holding onto silver would cement his status as the undisputed best-of-the-rest behind Anraku. For Schalck, reclaiming second place would be a statement of resilience after his Innsbruck heartbreak. And for Van Duysen, a podium finish would mark a historic milestone for Belgian sport climbing.[1]

The route setters in Utah will ultimately decide the battlefield. If the boulders favor explosive, parkour-style coordination moves, Schalck's raw power could give him the edge to close the gap.

Conversely, if the final round features technical, friction-dependent slabs, Lee's methodical approach will be incredibly difficult to beat. Van Duysen, known for his well-rounded skill set, will need to capitalize on whatever style the setters throw at them.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 Men's Boulder season will be remembered not just for Anraku's dominance, but for the fierce, high-stakes battle raging just below the summit. When the chalk settles in Salt Lake City, the podium will reflect a grueling, globe-trotting test of endurance, skill, and nerve.[1]