Despite initially thinking a sit start might not be possible due to the lack of footholds, Core eventually discovered a beta that made the link-up possible. Over the course of four months, Core worked the moves, trips to the cave becoming increasingly more frequent in an effort to dial in the beta for each move, despite the skin-shedding nature of the razor-sharp crimps.

As winter conditions started to set in over December 2007 in the cave, its hugely condition-dependent crimps were becoming unworkable. During one of his winter attempts, Core accidentally broke a hold in the start sequence, the most difficult part of the problem. Worried that he might cause further damage to the boulder, and lose the possibility of a sit-start link up forever, Core decided to wait for a better weather window. 

Eventually, in early 2008, the weather began to clear and allowed for workable conditions. Core went on to claim the first ascent on the 25th of February stating that it was the hardest climb of his life. While he didn’t offer an official grade for the problem, he suggested it to be around 8C/V15. 

Three years later, the now-notorious problem received its second ascent at the hands of Czech crusher, Adam Ondra. Fresh off his send of Terranova, another boulder-traverse Ondra had been projecting in his hometown on Brno, which he awarded the grade of 8C+/V16. 

Ondra was on the hunt for more world-class lines. The Czech climber worked Gioia for a total of 11 days, with only 1 attempt on each day due to the razor-sharp crimps making any additional attempts near impossible. The holds were so bad, Ondra mentioned in an interview with Planet Mountain that he wasn’t able to complete a single move for a staged photoshoot after his ascent. 

Ondra had never experienced a climb like that before and as a result, suggested a new grade of 8C+/V16. He stated that if Gioia was given the grade of 8C/V15, bouldering grades wouldn’t make sense, and subsequently, there would need to be a downgrading of every 8B+ and many 8C problems.

In 2013, Nalle Hukkataival, one of the most accomplished boulders of his generation took to Varazze attracted by the notoriously difficult Gioia. 

Like many other climbers, the Finn made quick work of the stand start, claiming an ascent in a handful of days. Although, when it came to linking up the sit start, his thrashed skin and poor conditions meant Nalle left Italy without an ascent. 

He returned again in 2014, looking to the elusive sit variation. With only a few days of work, Nalle came tantalizingly close to a send, although fell off on the final move of the problem. With progress once again hampered by conditions, Nalle was forced to wait several more days before eventually claiming the third ascent on the 22nd of February 2014.

As he stated on his blog, “What makes Gioia even more challenging is the Mediterranean climate and skin being a limiting factor on the small sharp holds. One moment it can be grippy and the wind will change direction blowing from the sea, making the small crux hold almost un-grabbable”

When it came to suggesting a grade, Nalle seemed conflicted. On one hand, he confirmed it to be one of the hardest boulders in the world, and harder than many other V15 problems. Yet, on the other hand, wasn’t sure the difficulty merited a whole extra grade, stating that if Gioia was indeed a V16/8C+, then there would be other problems that would also need to receive an upgrade.