Two daredevils, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, made global headlines on July 1, 2026, after scaling the Empire State Building, the iconic Manhattan skyscraper standing 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna—one of the tallest structures in the world. The pair, stars of the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story", were arrested shortly after their dramatic climb. This daring feat had an added layer of romance. Beerkus proposed to Nikolau atop the towering edifice.
Swooning and Scaling: The Romantic Climbers
The climbers, known as "Skywalkers," are Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32. Their high-stakes proposal atop the Empire State Building was more than just a daring stunt; it was a public declaration of love. The couple, known for their extreme stunts, have made a career out of scaling some of the world's tallest buildings. Their previous climbs have been documented in the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story".
In an interview with USA TODAY, the couple had previously talked about the risks and thrills of their extreme career, hinting at a possible climb of the Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building is a monument to human ambition, a beacon of New York City's skyline, and one of the most visited landmarks in the world.
The Iconic Skyscraper: A Historical Perspective
Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years. Its architectural style is a mix of Art Deco and Art Moderne, reflecting the optimism and ambition of the era.
Despite its height, the building has long been a target for daredevils. The first recorded climb was in 1923, when a young man named George Willig scaled the building during its construction. The building's security has since been tightened, but that hasn't deterred climbers from attempting the feat.
The couple's climb is a reminder of the building's enduring allure and the human desire to push boundaries. Beerkus and Nikolau's climb is the latest in a long line of daring stunts at the Empire State Building.
The Next Daredevil Climbers?
Last year, a couple announced their engagement after climbing the Empire State Building's antenna. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus hung a flag at the top with the words "When can we get married?" The climbers were then arrested and taken into custody.
The pair’s stunt highlights the ongoing fascination with the Empire State Building and the individuals who dare to conquer its heights. As the building continues to attract visitors and daredevils alike, the next generation of climbers is likely already plotting their own daring ascents. The Empire State Building remains a global symbol of audacity, drawing adventurers and historians alike.
“Love is like heights. The fear never goes away. You just get better at dealing with it.” — Angela Nikolau, Extreme Climber
