Notably, the kick-off evening for WICS 2023 featured a different kind of bouldering competition – Set&Send. With its was novel format, the comp provided spotlight on routesetting as a major part of comps along with the athletes performance. Moreover, climbers and routesetters teamed up to work together on setting the problems on three signature Walltopia boulders featuring the latest panel designs from the company – the wooden boulder, the bamboo boulder and the stone boulder.

The boulders’ geometry is designed with both simplicity and versatility in mind, as part of the modules within the harmonized system. This system allows any climbing gym using the same modules to replicate the problems (with route setters’ copyright applying). Additionally, the boulders’ visual design, created by long-time Walltopia designer Margarita Kozhuharova, incorporates natural aesthetics. By blending veneers, dual textures, and LED lights, the design creates an intriguing and challenging climbing experience. Specifically, there are three walls divided into five sectors: the Wooden Boulder, Bamboo Boulder, and Stone Boulder. Furthermore, the silhouette lines extend onto the Climbmat flooring, ensuring a cohesive design.

The setters had the morning and early afternoon to set the problems, and climbers were allowed to assist. Each team could forerun their own problems but could not climb the other team’s problems. However, they were permitted to watch the setting and forerunning, making the competition not fully onsight. While this approach wasn’t ideal for conserving climbers’ energy, it helped create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where everyone enjoyed a climbing session together.

The competition started at sundown to avoid the summer heat. To ensure fairness, lots were drawn to determine the climbing sequence. Male and female climbers from each team climbed together, with the “owner” of each boulder climbing last to avoid revealing the beta. Despite the problems not being onsight, the combination of excellent setting and world-class climbers led to surprising outcomes. Moreover, the audience was highly engaged, cheering throughout the event. The thrilling competition remained unpredictable until the very last send, making it exciting for everyone involved.