KATHMANDU, JUNE 14
Acclaimed elite Iranian mountaineer and successful entrepreneur, Andrew Aziz (Amin Aziznia), has just completed his ascent of Denali, the highest peak in North America, solidifying his place in history as the first Iranian to conquer the formidable Seven Summits (Wilhelm version). This remarkable achievement was completed on June 13, 2024, adding another notable milestone to his already impressive mountaineering resume.
The Seven Summits are comprised of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, presenting a unique challenge for even the most seasoned climbers. Aziz's final ascent of Denali, standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), follows his successful climbs of Mount Everest in 2023 and Mount Vinson in Antarctica earlier this year​.
Conquering the Seven Summits is one of the most formidable challenges in the world of mountaineering. This elite endeavor requires climbers to ascend the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, including Everest in Nepal, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Blanc in Europe, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and Mt. Wilhem in Oceania (based on Wilhem-Aziz version). Each peak presents unique obstacles, such as extreme altitudes, unpredictable weather, technical climbing difficulties, and harsh environmental conditions. Due to these challenges, only a small number of climbers (fewer than 400 in total) have successfully completed the Seven Summits, making it a rare and prestigious accomplishment in the mountaineering community.
Andrew Aziz's journey began in the financial world, where he made a name for himself as a top trader and author. He founded Bear Bull Traders, an online community for traders, and has authored several best-selling books on trading strategies and market psychology. His expertise has not only garnered him recognition in the financial sector but also provided him with the resilience and strategic thinking necessary for high-altitude mountaineering​.
Among his notable climbs, Aziz has reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in South America, and Mount Elbrus in Europe. His ascent of Mount Vinson in Antarctica earlier this year was particularly challenging, with extreme cold and treacherous conditions. A summary of Andrew Aziz's climbs follows.
- Asia
Elevation: 29,029 ft (8,848 m), Country: Nepal, Date: 2023
Damavand
Elevation: 18,406 ft (5,610 m), Country: Iran, Date: 2015 (Winter ascent)
Mount Ararat
Elevation: 16,854 ft (5,137 m), Country: Turkey, Date: 2023
- Europe
Elevation: 15,781 ft (4,810 m), Country: Italy/France, Date: 2019
Dufourspitze
Elevation: 15,203 ft (4,634 m), Country: Switzerland, Date: 2019
Weisshorn
Elevation: 14,783 ft (4,506 m), Country: Switzerland, Date: 2019
Matterhorn
Elevation: 14,692 ft (4,478 m), Country: Switzerland, Date: 2019
Dent Blanche
Elevation: 14,295 ft (4,357 m), Country: Switzerland, Date: 2019
- North America
Elevation: 20,310 ft (6,190 m), Country: United States, Date: 2024
Pico de Orizaba
Elevation: 18,491 ft (5,636 m), Country: Mexico, Date: 2018
Iztaccihuatl
Elevation: 17,160 ft (5,230 m), Country: Mexico, Date: 2018
- South America
Elevation: 22,838 ft (6,961 m), Country: Argentina, Date: 2022
Chimborazo
Elevation: 20,548 ft (6,263 m), Country: Ecuador, Date: 2020
Cotopaxi
Elevation: 19,347 ft (5,897 m), Country: Ecuador, Date: 2020
Cayambe
Elevation: 18,996 ft (5,790 m), Country: Ecuador, Date: 2020
Antisana
Elevation: 18,714 ft (5,704 m), Country: Ecuador, Date: 2022
Illiniza
Elevation: 17,218 ft (5,248 m), Country: Ecuador, Date: 2021
Sajama
Elevation: 21,463 ft (6,542 m), Country: Bolivia, Date: 2023
Illimani
Elevation: 21,122 ft (6,438 m), Country: Bolivia, Date: 2023
Huandoy
Elevation: 20,866 ft (6,360 m), Country: Peru, Date: 2021
Chopicalqui
Elevation: 20,846 ft (6,354 m), Country: Peru, Date: 2021
Chinchey
Elevation: 20,699 ft (6,309 m), Country: Peru, Date: 2021
- Africa
Elevation: 19,340 ft (5,895 m), Country: Tanzania, Date: 2021
- Oceania
Elevation: 14,327 ft (4,367 m), Country: Papua New Guinea, Date: 2019
Mount Giluwe
Elevation: 14,793 ft (4,509 m), Country: Papua New Guinea, Date: 2024
- Antarctica
Elevation: 16,050 ft (4,892 m), Country: Antarctica, Date: 2024
