ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Climbing trees just got serious. Tree care professionals from across the Empire State will compete in the New York State Tree Climbing Championship at Washington Park in Albany on Saturday.

25 of the best tree climbers the state has to offer will show off their speed, skill, excellence, and dominance in several climbing events. The events include work climb, speed climb, aerial rescue, throwline, and the ascent event. The top competitors will move on to the Master’s Challenge for the ultimate title of New York State Champion.

This is the first time the competition is being held in Albany. NEWS10 ABC’s Matt Mackie and Giuliana Bruno were joined in-studio by New York State Arborists President John Wickes ahead of the event. You can watch their full interview in the player above.

Despite Saturday’s rainy forecast, the competition is on, and runs until 6:00 P.M.

The winner of the Master’s Challenge will represent New York State at the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship, sponsored by the New York State Arborists.