Zach Galla has achieved the third ascent of Megatron V17 in Eldorado Canyon, Colorado, further establishing himself among the elite in bouldering. This climb follows two earlier V17 ascents, showcasing Galla鈥檚 growing prowess as a climber. He described the mental strategy he employed to tackle the formidable challenge, acknowledging the unique demands of Megatron compared to other climbs. His friends, including top climbers, noted his innovative mental approach to prepare for the ascent. The climb was first ascended by Shawn Raboutou in 2022 and represents a significant benchmark in American bouldering.

By the Numbers
  • Galla's third ascent of Megatron marks his third climb of V17 difficulty.
  • In 2025, he also completed two other V17 climbs: Shaolin and Return of the Sleepwalker.
State of Play
  • Galla is currently one of the leading boulderers globally, also having completed Devilution V16 and Lucid Dreaming V15 earlier this year.
  • The ascent of Megatron places Galla in a competitive field, with only a few climbers having ascended V17 in the U.S.
What's Next

As Galla continues to build on his recent successes, he may set his sights on more challenging projects and potentially push the limits of bouldering in the near future. Future competitions might showcase his refined skills and mental strategies.

Bottom Line

Galla's ascent signals not only his personal growth but also highlights the rising caliber of climbers tackling extreme grades in bouldering. His innovative mental tactics combined with technical skill could redefine strategies in competitive climbing.