Owen Whaley has completed Grand Illusion 8C+/V16. A formidable boulder problem located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. First ascended by Nathaniel Coleman in 2020, this V16 (8C+) problem is an extension of Chris Sharma’s “Euro Roof,” adding approximately 25 moves through a 70-degree overhanging roof without any rest points. The climb demands exceptional power and endurance, with some climbers likening its difficulty to that of a 9a+/9b sport route.
Whaley, who had previously completed several 9a routes, dedicated numerous sessions to mastering this challenging problem. His ascent was notably broadcasted live, allowing the climbing community to witness his accomplishment in real-time.
Whaley’s success on Grand Illusion underscores his growing prominence in the bouldering world and highlights the ongoing evolution of climbing standards. His achievement adds to the problem’s esteemed list of ascents, which includes climbers such as Sean Bailey, Daniel Woods, Matt Fultz, and Zach Galla.
