Chris Sharma

Born: 1981-04-23 in Santa Cruz, California, USA

Known For: Acting

Biography

Chris Omprakash Sharma, born April 23, 1981, in Santa Cruz, California, is recognized as one of the greatest climbers in the history of modern climbing. He discovered climbing at the age of 12 and quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional talent, winning the US Open Bouldering Nationals in the adult category at 14. From the very beginning, Sharma impressed the international community with his ability to push the boundaries of what was possible, both in sport climbing and bouldering. In the late 1990s, he made the first ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14c) in the Virgin River Gorge, then the most difficult route in North America. But it was in 2001 that he made history by making the first ascent of Biographie in Céüse, France, the first route in the world to be graded 9a+ (5.15a). This success cemented his reputation and placed him at the top of the world's elite. Sharma then went on to make first ascents of extreme routes, including Dreamcatcher (9a) in Squamish, Jumbo Love (9b) on Clark Mountain, and La Dura Dura (9b+) in Oliana, contributing to the evolution of grades and difficulty standards in sport climbing. Alongside his exploits on the cliff, Sharma also distinguished himself in bouldering, notably completing Dreamtime (8B+) in Cresciano, Practice of the Wild (8C) in Magic Wood, and Witness the Fitness (V15/8C) in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. He also invested in the development of psicobloc, a spectacular unroped climbing discipline over water, for which he became an ambassador with the first ascent of Es Pontas in Mallorca, a natural arch that has become emblematic of the genre. Sharma is also a pioneer in the media promotion of climbing. A key figure in numerous films and documentaries, he has inspired generations of climbers with his aesthetic approach, his pursuit of pure lines, and his humble attitude. For over a decade, he was considered the best climber in the world, setting records and world firsts, while promoting major sites such as Bishop in California and Margalef in Spain. Based in Barcelona, he now divides his time between opening new routes, managing climbing gyms in California and Spain, and producing content to promote his sport. In 2023, he co-created the television series The Climb, broadcast on HBO Max, with his friend Jason Momoa, aiming to democratize climbing among the general public. Married to Jimena Alarcón, he is the father of two and continues to push boundaries, as evidenced by his first ascent of Black Pearl in Mallorca in 2023, considered the world's most difficult psicobloc route. Chris Sharma embodies the quest for perfection and aesthetics in climbing, combining strength, creativity, and humility. His influence extends far beyond sport, making him a living legend and a source of inspiration for the entire contemporary climbing community.

Filmography

2025

Black Pearl as Self

2023

Sleeping Lion as Self
The Climb as Host
Ashima as Self

2017

2014

Into The Light as Self
Solo: Climb to Live as Self

2013

Reel Rock 8 as Self

2012

Reel Rock 7 as Self
La Dura Dura as Self
Abyss as Self

2011

Petzl RocTrip China 2011 as Self
The Scene as Self

2010

Reel Rock as Self
Reel Rock 5 as Self

2009

Progression as Self
The Players as Self

2008

Dosage V as Self
The Fanatic Search as Self

2007

King Lines as Self
Big Game as Self

2006

Dosage IV as Self

2005

Dosage III as Self
Depth Charge as Self
Best of the West as Self

2004

Dosage II as Self

2003

Pilgrimage as Self

2002

Dosage I as Self

1999

Rampage as Self

1998

Free Hueco as Chris Sharma
Inertia

1997

Masters of Stone IV - Pure Force as Self