What is Plywood Masters?
Plywood Masters is one of the longest-running bouldering-only competitions in the UK. The first event was held in 2003, when Boulder UK Blackburn first opened.
Plywood Masters is much more than just another bouldering competition; it is a community event with a fun and friendly atmosphere, where new and experienced climbers have the opportunity to climb alongside some of the biggest names in indoor and outdoor climbing in the UK.
What to expect this year
Qualification round with 30 problems set with everyone in mind and using the latest holds, supplied by Beta Setting, Supr, Unleashed Climbing, Contact & Crusher Holds.
£4000 in prize money as well as product prizes from our sponsors and supporters.
IFSC style semi-final and final round with professional lighting and sound.
A high quality limited-edition Rab Plywood Masters T-shirt.
The Rab Service Centre will be offering free repairs on outdoor clothing (subject to demand) and a half-price wash promotion on down and waterproof jackets.
Mad Rock boulder during qualification, top this boulder to be entered into a draw for a free pair of shoes.
Estebans & Hopworks will be offering food & beer on Sunday.
This year, the setting team is led by Yann Genoux – Chief IFSC setter, Max Ayrton – IFSC setter, Dave Barrans – head setter for the British Bouldering Champs (BBCs) 2026 and Nathan Phillips – BBCs 2026 setter.
Plywood’s regular George Lonsdale will provide commentary and in-centre psyche for athletes and spectators.
Event Info
Categories
Senior male & female – age 17 – 44 (inc U19)
Veterans male & female – age 45 – 59
Super veterans (mixed) – age 60+
Time & Dates
Please note timings could slightly change
Qualification
Saturday 7th March:
8:30 AM: Doors open
9:00 AM: Registration for qualifying session 1 opens
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Qualification session 1
1:30 PM: Registration for qualifying session 2 opens
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Qualification session 2
Semi-Final & final
Sunday 8th March:
8:30 AM: Doors open
9:15AM – 10:00 AM: Isolation for semi-final opens-closes
11:00 AM – 1:10: PM Semi-final
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Isolation for Final opens-closes
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Final
Rules
All rounds
- Each problem has a pre designated starting position, consisting of two fixed positions for both hands and optionally two fixed positions for both feet. Starting holds must be clearly marked.
- The finishing hold must be clearly marked.
- Brushes may be used by competitors to clean holds that may be reached from the ground. Other holds may be cleaned by competitors as long as there is no tactile inspection of the holds.
- A technical incident is defined as; a broken or loose hold, or any other occurrence that results in a disadvantage or unfair advantage to a competitor, which is not the result of an action on the part of the competitor. The problem must be repaired and the competitor allowed another attempt on the problem.
Qualifying Round
- Everyone will compete on the same 30 problems.
- There is no isolation for this round. Competitors may watch and communicate with others.
- Competitors will use Griptonite for their score card. Any cheating will be dealt with in an incredibly embarrassing way for that person.
- Competitors are allowed unlimited attempts on each problem. A successful first attempt is worth 10 points, a successful second attempt is worth 7 points, a successful third attempt is worth 4 points. Any successful attempt after 3 tries is worth 1 point.
- After the qualifying round the competitors shall be ranked according to the total number of points scored.
- The top 20 men and women (from all categories i.e. veterans and super veterans can progress to the semi-finals if they score enough points to be in the top 20) will progress to a semi-final round.
Semi-Final Round
The semi-final round will be held on our competition wall in the same format as an IFSC world cup semi-final round. The top 6 men and women from this round will progress to the final later in the afternoon.
Final Round
The final will follow the same format and rules as a 2024 IFSC World Cup bouldering competition.
Spectators
All competition entrants get a weekend pass and can join us on Sunday, the 8th, to watch Semis and Finals, where you get to see some of the best climbers in the UK battle it out for the title of the Plywood Master!
Anyone who has not entered the competition will need to purchase a ticket to watch. There will be a limited number of Sunday day passes for those wanting to climb and watch finals. These are available to purchase here.
Sponsors
Supporters
