Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus and Angela Nikolau are two of the most recognizable urban climbers, racking up millions of followers for their daredevil rooftop expeditions. The Russian couple starred in Netflix’s Skywalkers: A Love Story for their relationship and extreme adventures. Once again, they are in the spotlight for their latest high-risk stunt, this time atop one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, but for one unexpected and intensely romantic reason.

Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus and Angela Nikolau recently made headlines after illegally scaling the Empire State Building, adding another daring feat to their long list of urban climbs. They are already known for scaling towering skyscrapers without ropes or safety equipment. However, this time, they turned the risky stunt into a deeply personal moment. They appeared to get engaged at the summit as Beerkus dropped to one knee and proposed.

When they were seen 1,454 feet in the air hanging from the iconic building, they attracted news choppers and 911 calls. The stunt caught the attention of emergency responders and much online interest. They were later taken into police custody. 

“When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace,” the giant flag that the couple waved read, while remaining atop the Empire State Building for nearly half an hour.

The two later went to Instagram to share pictures of the proposal. The happy couple is still in police custody, though. How Beerkus and Nikolau scaled the building is not clear. However, if Skywalkers is any indication, the duo likely spent months training for the stunt.  

The dramatic stunt is the latest chapter in a relationship already familiar to Netflix audiences.

Who are the stars of Netflix's Skywalkers: A Love Story? 

Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus and Angela Nikolau are Russian urban climbers, photographers, and content creators. They are best known for scaling some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. The pair met in 2016 through the global rooftopping community and quickly became partners in life and adventure. They have chronicled dangerous climbs throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.

With their jaw-dropping photos and videos, they have built up millions of followers online. Netflix’s 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story helped put their story in front of a wider audience. It follows the couple as they prepare to climb the Merdeka 118 in Malaysia, the second-tallest building in the world.

Now, Beerkus and Nikolau are back in the global spotlight after the Empire State Building stunt. The dramatic proposal captured widespread attention but also carried legal consequences. The incident only adds to the fearlessness that has made the pair the subject of Netflix’s Skywalkers: A Love Story, where their passion for extreme urban climbing is as much a central figure as their relationship.

Will the Empire State Building stunt become Beerkus and Nikolau's most talked-about climb yet? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Written by

Bias Sinha

Edited by

Adiba Nizami