Ivan Beerkus is one of the most daring rooftoppers in the world today. Known for climbing some of the tallest skyscrapers without safety gear, he has built a reputation as both a fearless adventurer and a creative storyteller. His breathtaking photos and videos have gone viral across social media, making him a global name in the world of extreme sports and urban exploration.
In July 2026, Ivan once again captured headlines when he proposed to his longtime partner, Angela Nikolau, on top of the Empire State Building spire in New York City. The dramatic moment was followed by their arrest, but it also cemented their image as the “daredevil couple” who mix love with adventure. His life story is not just about risky climbs; it is also about passion, art, and a philosophy that blends danger with beauty.
Ivan Beerkus Age, Fiancée, BIO, Career, Arrest
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ivan Artemovich Kuznetsov |
| Popular Name | Ivan Beerkus |
| Profession | Rooftopper, Blogger, Musician |
| Date of Birth | 11 May 1994 |
| Age (as of July 2026) | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Physical Appearance | Blue hazel eyes, light gray hair |
| Hometown | Moscow, Russia |
| Fiancée | Angela Nikolau (rooftopper and artist) |
| Famous For | Daring rooftopping climbs, viral photos and videos, Netflix documentary |
| Major Achievements | – Winner of Best of Russia Photo Contest (2013) – Climbed Eiffel Tower, Shanghai Tower, Mercury City Tower, CTF Financial Centre – Viral Merdeka 118 climb (2022) with 8.6M views |
| Documentary | Skywalkers: A Love Story (2024, premiered at Sundance, later on Netflix) |
| Recent Highlight | Proposed to Angela Nikolau atop Empire State Building spire (1 July 2026) |
| Controversies | Multiple arrests for trespassing and reckless endangerment during climbs |
| Social Media | • Instagram: @beerkus/ • Facebook: @Ivanbeerkus/ • YouTube: @beerkus/ |
Early Life and Background
Ivan was born on 11 May 1994 in Moscow, Russia. His birth name is Ivan Artemovich Kuznetsov, but he later became known worldwide by his chosen name, Ivan Beerkus. Growing up in Moscow, he was fascinated by heights and photography from a young age. While most children played on the ground, Ivan often looked up at tall buildings, dreaming of reaching the top. As of July 2026, Ivan is 32 years old.
Curiosity and a desire to view the world from a different perspective characterized his early years. Moscow, with its mix of historic and modern architecture, gave him plenty of inspiration. By his teenage years, Ivan had already started experimenting with rooftopping, sneaking onto tall structures to capture unique views of the city.
Career Beginnings
His journey started in his teenage years when he began climbing rooftops in Moscow. At first, it was just curiosity and a love for photography. He wanted to capture the city from angles that no one else could see. Slowly, this hobby turned into a passion that shaped his future.
Ivan’s skill was acknowledged in 2013 when he took first place in the “People. Events. Life” category of the Best of Russia Photo Contest. This was a turning point. His photos showed not only the height and danger of his climbs but also the beauty of cities from above. Soon, he was climbing famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Moscow State University building.
Major Rooftopping Achievements
Ivan’s career is filled with daring climbs across Asia and Europe. He has scaled some of the tallest and most iconic skyscrapers in the world. Among his most famous climbs are: Shun Hing Square in Shenzhen, China, Mercury City Tower in Moscow, Russia, Shanghai Tower in China, and CTF Financial Centre in Guangzhou, China.
Each climb was risky, often done without official permission or safety equipment. But Ivan believed that rooftopping was not just about danger. For him, it was about art, perspective, and showing the world a different view. His photos and videos from these climbs went viral, gaining millions of views online.
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Documentary Feature
Ivan and Angela Nikolau’s story was not just about rooftopping; it was also about love and art. Their journey was captured in the documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story”, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. The film gave audiences a closer look at their lives, their daring climbs, and the emotional bond that kept them together even in the most dangerous situations.
The documentary was later acquired by Netflix, which brought their story to a global audience. Viewers were fascinated not only by the breathtaking visuals of skyscraper climbs but also by the human side of their relationship.
International Fame with Angela Nikolau
Ivan’s relationship with Angela Nikolau is both personal and professional. Angela is also a rooftopper and artist, and together they became known as the “daredevil couple.” Their partnership brought them international fame.
In 2016, they climbed the Goldin Finance 117 tower in Tianjin, China, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The photos and videos from that climb spread quickly across social media. Later, in 2022, they scaled Merdeka 118 in Malaysia, the second tallest building in the world. Angela shared a video of the climb on Instagram, which gained more than 8.6 million views.
The Empire State Building Incident (July 2026)
On 1 July 2026, Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau attempted one of their most daring climbs yet — the Empire State Building in New York City. During the climb, the couple displayed a banner that read: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” This message reflected their philosophy of combining love with adventure.
At the very top, Ivan proposed to Angela on the spire, creating a dramatic and unforgettable moment. However, the celebration was short-lived. Soon after the proposal, both were arrested by the New York Police Department. The charges against them included burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglar’s tools.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Ivan has always faced criticism for his rooftopping activities. While fans admire his bravery and creativity, authorities often see his climbs as dangerous and illegal. The Empire State Building incident was not the first time he faced legal trouble. In the past, Ivan and Angela had been detained for trespassing during their climbs in different countries.
Critics argue that rooftopping puts not only the climbers at risk but also emergency services and the public. Supporters, however, believe that Ivan’s work is a form of art that challenges fear and inspires people to see the world differently. The July 2026 arrest added fuel to the controversy, making him both a hero to some and a lawbreaker to others.
Relationship and Engagement
Ivan’s relationship with Angela Nikolau is central to his story. Angela is not only his partner in life but also his collaborator in rooftopping. Together, they have scaled some of the tallest buildings in the world, creating visuals that blend danger with intimacy.
On 1 July 2026, Ivan proposed to Angela on the spire of the Empire State Building. The moment was dramatic and symbolic, showing how their love story is tied to their passion for heights. Even though the proposal ended with their arrest, it became a global headline and a viral story.
Social Media Presence
Ivan has built a strong presence across social media platforms. His Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts showcase his daring climbs and artistic photography. Millions of followers watch his content not only for the thrill but also for the unique perspective he brings to urban landscapes.
His posts often go viral, especially when he shares videos of climbs with Angela Nikolau. The couple’s daring acts, combined with romantic storytelling, make their content stand out in a crowded digital space. For Ivan, social media is not just about fame; it is a way to share his philosophy of mixing love, art, and adventure.
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