The 2026 Olympia Weekend is almost here, and bodybuilding fans are preparing for one of the biggest events on the professional bodybuilding calendar. The Olympia will take place September 24–27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the world’s best male and female physique athletes competing across multiple divisions.
While the Mr. Olympia Open Bodybuilding title remains the biggest attraction, the weekend will feature an extraordinary collection of champions and elite contenders in Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, 212 Bodybuilding, Ms. Olympia, Women’s Physique, Figure, Bikini, Wellness and Fitness.
Men’s Open: The Battle for the Sandow
The Men’s Open division is expected to produce one of the most competitive Olympia lineups in years.
Samson Dauda enters the contest as one of the leading favorites. The massive Nigerian-British bodybuilder has continued working on his conditioning and presentation, with the goal of combining his enormous frame with the sharpness required to win the Sandow. Recent reports indicate Dauda is specifically targeting improved conditioning for the Olympia stage.
Derek Lunsford is another major threat. The former Mr. Olympia champion has demonstrated that he can bring exceptional proportions, conditioning and stage presentation. His combination of muscular density and a highly developed back makes him one of the most dangerous competitors in the lineup.
Nick Walker will also attract enormous attention. Known for his extreme muscularity, thick legs, massive arms and highly developed back, Walker has repeatedly made it clear that he believes he can win when he brings his best package. Recent coverage shows him deep into his 2026 Olympia preparation.
Andrew Jacked remains another major contender. His height, structure, shoulder width and dramatic V-taper make him one of the most visually impressive athletes in the division. If he arrives with improved density and conditioning, he could challenge anyone in the lineup.
Other important Open competitors include Brandon Curry, Hunter Labrada, Martin Fitzwater, Rafael Brandão, Akim Williams, James Hollingshead and Tonio Burton.
One major change to the lineup is the withdrawal of Hadi Choopan. The former Mr. Olympia champion had been expected to play a major role in the title battle, making his absence one of the biggest stories heading into the contest.
Classic Physique: The Next Generation
Classic Physique continues to be one of the most popular divisions at the Olympia.
Mike Sommerfeld is one of the biggest names to watch. His combination of muscularity, proportions and classic lines has established him as a serious championship contender.
Ramon Rocha Queiroz, better known as Ramon Dino, is another enormous fan favorite. The Brazilian possesses one of the most recognizable physiques in the division and continues to be one of the principal threats to the championship.
Urs Kalecinski and Wesley Vissers are also capable of making a major impact. Both athletes bring dramatically different physiques and presentations to the stage, demonstrating the diversity of modern Classic Physique.
The official Olympia site lists Classic Physique as one of the major divisions competing during the 2026 weekend.
Men’s Physique and 212
The Men’s Physique Olympia will feature some of the sport’s most recognizable aesthetic athletes.
Ryan Terry, a former Olympia champion, remains one of the division’s biggest stars. His combination of conditioning, proportions and presentation has made him a perennial championship contender.
The 212 division will also be closely watched. Keone Pearson has established himself as one of the division’s elite competitors, while Shaun Clarida remains one of the most dangerous athletes in the category.
Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw Leads the Women
The women’s divisions are just as competitive.
In Women’s Bodybuilding, Andrea Shaw is the name everyone will be watching. A dominant champion in recent Olympia competition, Shaw has established herself as the leading figure in modern women’s bodybuilding.
Angela Yeo is another major athlete capable of challenging the top positions, while the division continues to feature some of the most muscular and conditioned female athletes in professional bodybuilding.
Women’s Physique will also be highly competitive, with Natalia Coelho and Sarah Villegas among the athletes capable of fighting for the top positions.
Figure, Bikini and Wellness
The Figure Olympia has been dominated in recent years by Cydney Gillon, whose combination of symmetry, muscularity and conditioning has made her one of the most successful competitors in Olympia history.
In Bikini, Laurealie Chapados remains one of the biggest names in the division. Her combination of shape, conditioning and presentation makes her a major contender whenever she steps onstage.
The Wellness Olympia is another division that has exploded in popularity. Francielle Mattos has been one of the defining athletes of the division, while competitors such as Isa Pereira and Elisa Pecini bring additional depth to an increasingly competitive field.
The Olympia officially includes Bikini, Figure, Wellness, Women’s Physique and Ms. Olympia among the Friday finals, with the remaining major divisions completing the weekend schedule.
When Is the 2026 Olympia?
The 2026 Olympia runs from September 24 through September 27 in Las Vegas. Friday, September 25 features the finals for Figure, Women’s Physique, Wellness, 212, Ms. Olympia and Classic Physique, along with Mr. Olympia prejudging. Saturday, September 26 features the finals for Men’s Physique, Bikini and Mr. Olympia.
With champions, former champions and hungry new contenders all fighting for the biggest titles in professional bodybuilding, the 2026 Olympia could be one of the most memorable weekends in the sport’s history.
The biggest question remains simple: Who will leave Las Vegas holding the Sandow?
References
- Mr. Olympia — Official Website — Official Olympia information, competitors and schedule.
- 2026 Olympia Weekend Schedule — Official dates and event schedule.
- Olympia Qualification System — Official qualification information.
- Fitness Volt — Olympia Coverage — Current bodybuilding news, competitor updates and Olympia coverage.
- Generation Iron — Bodybuilding news and Olympia competitor coverage.
