In a breathtaking display of skill and daring, American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday, eschewing ropes and protective gear. The ascent captivated onlookers and demonstrated once again why Honnold is celebrated in the climbing community.

As Honnold reached the pinnacle of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper, cheers erupted from a captivated crowd gathered below. The climber, clad in a red short-sleeve shirt, celebrated his achievement by raising his arms triumphantly above his head after completing the climb in roughly 90 minutes.

Renowned for his ropeless climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Honnold tackled Taipei 101 by navigating one of its corners. He skillfully used small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds and deftly maneuvered around the large ornamental structures jutting from the building, relying solely on his strength and agility to pull himself upward.

The challenge of the climb was amplified by the building’s distinctive architecture. Taipei 101 features 101 floors, and the most demanding section was the 64 floors in the middle, known as the “bamboo boxes.” These sections, which are divided into eight segments, each with eight floors, consist of steep, overhanging walls. Honnold used the balconies between these sections to take brief rests as he continued his ascent.

This remarkable free solo climb was broadcast live on Netflix, albeit with a 10-second delay to ensure viewer safety. Initially planned for Saturday, the climb was postponed by a day due to inclement weather, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.

The climb drew both excitement and concern over the ethical implications of attempting such a high-risk endeavor on live broadcast.

Honnold isn’t the first climber to ascend the skyscraper, but he is the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004 as part of the grand opening of what was then the world’s tallest building