The first man to reach the South Pole was Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer. Amundsen and his team successfully arrived at the pole on December 14, 1911, beating a rival British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen's meticulous planning, emphasis on proper attire, dog sledding, and his experience from polar expeditions significantly contributed to his success. His achievement is celebrated as a major milestone in the history of exploration, as it represented not only the realization of a bold ambition but also demonstrated the importance of preparation and adaptability in extreme conditions.