MSA Tree Climbing Championship &
Festival of Trees
May 1-3, 2026 // Augsburg Park, Richfield, MN
Location
VENUE
Augsburg Park / Richfield
7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
PARKING
There is limited onsite parking. Parking areas will fill up quickly, especially on Saturday. See Event Map for gear drop-off areas and where to park and consider carpooling or ridesharing! Also, please be sure to share this information with those who may be coming to watch you compete.
EVENT MAP
Click here to view the Event Map.
2026 Competitor Packet
Click here to read the Full Competitor Information Packet for the 2026 Climbers. It is important to read through all of the information carefully in order to more fully enjoy your experience at TCC.
Gear Check Information
Download/print the GEAR CHECK FORM
PLEASE print and complete Gear Check Form with as much information as possible prior to Friday’s Check-In and Gear Check.*** Tip! An item only needs to be listed once on the form. You do not need to include the same item for each system that you plan to use it.
GEAR INSPECTION
PLEASE inspect your gear prior to Friday’s Check-in! There will not be a gear resource available onsite to purchase new gear.
Other Important Information
2026 Competitor Schedule
All times subject to change. *Masters’ Challenge start times will depend on results from Saturday.
Friday, May 1
3:00 – 8:00 PM | TCC Competitor Check In, Event Walkthroughs, & Gear Check (Mandatory for all competitors!)
Saturday, May 2
6:00 AM | Competitor & Volunteer Check-in & Pre-Stage
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Competition – Preliminary Events
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | FESTIVAL OF TREES
5:00 PM | TCC Awards & Celebration Dinner
Location: Wooden Hill Brewing – 7421 Bush Lake Rd, Edina, MN 55439
Dinner and beverages provided for climbers, volunteers, and those who purchased guest tickets. Contact MSA about purchasing additional tickets.
Sunday, May 3 *
7:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Volunteer Check-in
8:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Competitor Check-in
9:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Competition
Climber Registration Fee Includes
- Gear Inspection
- Competition T-shirt
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks on Saturday, May 2
- Awards Celebration dinner on Saturday, May 2
- 3 ISA CEUs for the completion of events
- And more!
About the Competition
This year’s TCC will bring together 65 arborists from across Minnesota to showcase the highest level of professional tree climbing skills and safety while competing for the title of the 2026 Champion.
TCC simulates working conditions of arborists in the field. Competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds to qualify for the championship. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner.
Preliminary Qualifying Events
Competitors are scored individually in each event–Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. The competitor with the highest score is the winner of that event. First, second, and third place for men and women are awarded for each event.
Competitors’ total scores for all five events are combined and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge Championship.
Masters’ Challenge
The Masters’ Challenge consists of one event and competitors are scored on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female Minnesota Champions and have the opportunity to represent MSA at the International Tree Climbing Championship taking place in St. Louis, Missouri in October 2026.
Review the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship for full rules and competition details.
2025 Results
Congratulations to the 2025 Masters’ Challenge Champions!
Women’s Champion: Mariah Lundstrum
Men’s Champion: Taylor Hamel
Click here for the 2025 Preliminary Results
Click here for a list of Past MSA TCC Winners
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