Red Bull Up The Mast Plymouth 2026 crowns local student as winner as event returns for a second year

28th September 2026

On Saturday 26 September, Archie Zarezadeh, was crowned the winner of Red Bull Up The Mast Plymouth 2026.

Taking place for a second year running at Barbican and Sutton Harbour, up to 7000 spectators were captivated throughout the afternoon by the event’s exciting format and outstanding efforts, as competitors took it in turns to run up the greasy mast to attempt to capture the flag.

As the sun shone down, the crowds cheered all-comers with ‘Mexican waves’ breaking out around the harbour as fans enjoyed their day. Viewers at home also enjoyed a live stream of the event hosted by local favourite Jack ‘Pieface’ McDermott, a content creator and YouTuber.

10 challengers out of 260 qualified for the Final after capturing the flag in the first round of the competition. A tense final went to three rounds as no competitor captured the flag at the first or second attempt, with only Archie claiming the flag in the Final round. Second and third place were determined by those who got the furthest up the mast.

After winning the event for the first time and being crowned Red Bull Up The Mast Plymouth 2026 Champion, Archie Zarezadeh said “I’m chuffed, I’m surprised, it’s not something you do every day and I was just happy getting to the Final, but you always have that feeling that it might be your day and it was this time! You don’t expect these things to come to the South West so to win it here at home makes it even more special”

For more information about Red Bull Up The Mast, please visit: www.redbull.co.uk/up-the-mast

Photo credits: Mark Roe / Red Bull