By Francis Xavier Updated: October 19, 2025
Back in 2022, professional climber Magnus Midtbø pulled off one of the most hilarious pranks in the climbing community by disguising himself as a complete beginner at Climb Alpine in Ripon, California. Posing as a dorky newbie filming a promo video for Icelandic Airlines, Midtbø fooled instructor Triston Rendon—at least for a little while. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment Rendon realized something was off, but the suspicion built early on. Midtbø, with 15 years of pro climbing experience under his belt, delivered a convincing performance that had everyone laughing.
Check out the original prank video here: Pro Climber Pretends to Be Beginner at Climbing Gym.
This lighthearted stunt quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and highlighting the fun side of climbing gyms. But with climbing’s popularity surging in recent years—thanks to its inclusion in the Olympics and a boom in indoor facilities—we thought it was time to revisit this classic. In this 2025 update, we’ll dive into what Magnus has been up to lately, explore similar pranks that have kept the community buzzing, and share some beginner tips to get you started safely.
Magnus Midtbø in 2025: From Pranks to Extreme Challenges
Magnus Midtbø hasn’t slowed down since his gym prank days. Now a YouTube sensation with over a million subscribers, he’s shifted from competitive climbing to creating epic content that blends adventure, fitness, and humor. In 2025 alone, Midtbø has tackled some insane feats:
- Solo Climbing Europe’s Deadliest Mountain: In September, he attempted a solo ascent of what he calls Europe’s most deadly peak, sharing the gripping experience in a video that racked up nearly 3 million views.
- The Norseman Triathlon: With just two weeks of training, Midtbø completed the grueling Norseman—one of the world’s toughest triathlons—leveraging his elite climber’s fitness to push through.
- Climbing Retreats: He’s hosting sold-out retreats, like one in Mallorca with climbing legend Chris Sharma in October 2025, and another planned for Kalymnos in 2026. These events offer fans a chance to climb alongside pros in stunning locations.
- Military Record Attempts and Hard Routes: Midtbø tried breaking a military record in September and pushed limits on Norway’s hardest route, proving his versatility beyond the gym walls.
His channel continues to inspire, with videos like climbing with Jakob Schubert in Innsbruck, blending pro tips with entertaining storytelling.
With climbing gyms popping up everywhere, it’s easier than ever to start. Who knows? You might even spot a pro in disguise.
Similar Climbing Pranks Keeping the Fun Alive
Climbing pranks have evolved since Midtbø’s incognito stunt, with creators pushing boundaries for laughs. Here are some standout examples from recent years:
- Jump Scare Pranks on the Wall: A viral TikTok from April 2025 shows climbers getting hilariously startled mid-route, complete with fake falls and screams that had viewers in stitches.
- Pro Pretends in Sydney: Midtbø himself did a follow-up in 2024, going undercover at a crowded Sydney gym to tackle impossible comp boulders, fooling everyone again.
- Best of 2023 Pranks Compilation: Just For Laughs Gags compiled rock climbing gags, including fake gear failures and over-the-top beginner fails, racking up laughs online.
- Classic Funny Clips: From “Top Rope Tough Guys” to Simpsons-inspired spoofs, Reddit threads highlight timeless videos that poke fun at climbing culture.
These pranks remind us that while climbing is serious business, a good laugh can make the community even stronger. Just remember: Safety first—don’t try these without consent!
Beginner Climbing Tips: Get Started Without the Pranks
If Midtbø’s prank has you inspired to hit the gym (as a real beginner), here’s some updated advice for 2025:
- Choose the Right Gym: Look for facilities like Climb Alpine with certified instructors. Many now offer intro classes with VR simulations for safe practice.
- Gear Essentials: Start with rental shoes, harness, and chalk. Invest in quality as you progress—brands like La Sportiva and Black Diamond are top picks.
- Build Technique: Focus on footwork over arm strength. Apps like Climbing Coach provide tutorials, and YouTube channels (including Midtbø’s) offer free lessons.
- Safety First: Always double-check knots and belays. Take a belay certification course to avoid real mishaps.
- Community and Etiquette: Be mindful of others—wipe down holds, spot safely, and join group sessions to make friends.
