YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has just completed a remarkable feat by conquering the Burj Khalifa climb, the world’s tallest building, located in Dubai. This stunning achievement has captured millions of views, showcasing MrBeast’s adventurous spirit and his pursuit of extraordinary experiences. But how does MrBeast's Burj Khalifa climb compare to those of the first seven daredevils to reach the top? Here's the list of climbers who have ascended this iconic skyscraper.
1. Tom Cruise (2010) - The First Iconic Burj Khalifa Climb
Tom Cruise became the first person to complete the Burj Khalifa climb as part of his Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol stunt. The action-packed sequence featured Cruise hanging from the building's exterior, performing his own death-defying stunts, and cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most fearless actors.
2. Sheikh Hamdan (2018) - Dubai’s Crown Prince Climbs Burj Khalifa
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, completed the Burj Khalifa climb in a remarkable 38 minutes. Wearing weighted vests and training with a team, Sheikh Hamdan demonstrated incredible athleticism and endurance, inspiring many with his ascension.
3. Nicole Smith-Ludvik (2021) - The First Woman to Complete the Burj Khalifa Climb
Stuntwoman Nicole Smith-Ludvik became the first woman to scale the Burj Khalifa in a viral Emirates Airlines ad. Her climb drew global attention, with her placard reading “I’m still here” making an iconic statement atop the tallest building in the world.
4. Will Smith (2021) - A Fitness Journey to the Burj Khalifa
Hollywood actor Will Smith took on the Burj Khalifa climb as part of his Best Shape of My Life YouTube series. Ascending 2,909 steps in 51 minutes, Smith documented his journey toward fitness with the world’s tallest building as his backdrop.
5. Sam Sunderland (2022) - A Thrilling Motocross-Inspired Burj Khalifa Climb
British motocross champion Sam Sunderland took on the Burj Khalifa climb for a Dubai Tourism and Red Bull collaboration. In full motocross gear, Sunderland tackled a metal ladder to reach the top, producing an exhilarating promotional video.
6. Alain Robert and Alexis Landot (2023) - French Spider-Man Climbs Burj Khalifa
Known as the “French Spider-Man,” Alain Robert completed the Burj Khalifa climb in 2023, alongside fellow climber Alexis Landot. The duo, armed with only ropes and harnesses, climbed the skyscraper as part of a global mountain clean-up campaign, battling extreme conditions like high winds and scorching temperatures.
7. Alexis Landot (2023) - Teaming Up for the Ultimate Burj Khalifa Ascent
Alexis Landot joined Alain Robert for the epic 2023 Burj Khalifa climb, facing strong winds and intense heat. Their ascent was a demonstration of the strength and determination required to scale the world’s tallest building.
8. MrBeast (2024) - The Latest Addition to the Burj Khalifa Climb Legacy
In 2024, YouTuber MrBeast joined the list of elite individuals who have completed the Burj Khalifa climb. This event marked the grand finale of his latest video, where he compared luxury experiences from $1 to $500,000. For MrBeast, scaling the Burj Khalifa became the ultimate challenge and a crowning moment of his adventure in Dubai.
These climbers—ranging from Hollywood stars to extreme athletes—have made history by conquering the Burj Khalifa climb, each bringing their own motivations and impressive feats to the challenge. As more personalities take on the climb, the Burj Khalifa remains a symbol of architectural wonder and human achievement.
