Mr. Olympia Events 2026: Dates, Times, Schedule

Get ready for the biggest bodybuilding event of the year! Mr. Olympia 2026 comes to Las Vegas this weekend.

The 2025 Mr. Olympia schedule, dates, times, and live options for the men’s and women’s bodybuilding events have now been confirmed. The 61st edition of this prestigious competition will take place in Las Vegas on October 10 and 11, 2025. The world’s elite bodybuilders will gather for an unforgettable weekend of strength and physical excellence.

This blog offers all the information fans need about the Mr. Olympia event schedule, including official dates, start times, venue details, and more, so you don’t miss any of the action. You can enjoy all of this year’s Mr. Olympia 2026 events, stay up-to-date with your favorite bodybuilders, follow the latest results, and experience the excitement of the Olympia wherever you are.

Mr. Olympia 2026 Overview

Location	Las Vegas, Nevada
Start Date	September 15, 2025
End Date	August 30, 2026
Channel	OlympiaTV

What is Mr Olympia Events?

Mr. Olympia is the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, with the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) as its governing body. Joe Weider created this prestigious competition in 1965. His vision allowed Mr. Universe winners to continue competing professionally and earn money at the same time. Larry Scott won the first title when the competition began on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.

This global celebration of fitness has grown tremendously over the decades. What began as a small men’s competition in New York City during the 1960s has become an international spectacle celebrated around the world.

This prestigious venue has seen many bodybuilding legends leave their mark. Two champions stand out above the rest: Lee Haney (1984-1991) and Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005), who won eight times. Derek Lunsford now holds this coveted title.

The prize pool exceeds $1.6 million across all categories. This substantial purse continues to attract elite athletes from around the world to compete in this premier event.

How to Watch Mr Olympia 2026?

Can’t make it to the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition? You can watch all the action through the official streaming service. Olympia promoters will broadcast a detailed pay-per-view package on Olympia TV for USD 74.99.

Your official viewing package includes:

• Pre-judging and finals of all 11 divisions during both competition days
• Exclusive backstage coverage with celebrity hosts
• Bonus content with press conferences and the Sunday Champions Seminar
• Freedom to rewatch any part of the events whenever you want

You can stream content on your phone, tablet, desktop, or TV without the need for a TV provider. The Olympia app makes it easy to watch on any platform.

The free “Fan Channel” gives you access to:

• Coverage of the Olympia World Fitness Expo
• Thursday Press Conference footage
• Special bonus content

Please note that the Fan Channel does not include competition coverage; it is only available with the paid package.

This streaming option allows fans around the world to watch reigning champion Samson Dauda defend his title against former champions and rising contenders. Want to attend in person? Purchase your tickets at olympiaproductions.com.

Mr Olympia Schedule 2026

Organizers have confirmed some important details about the 2026 Mr. Olympia, although the full schedule is still under development. The 2026 Olympia Qualifying System (SCO) begins on September 15, 2025, and ends on August 30, 2026.

Dan Solomon has confirmed that Las Vegas will host this prestigious competition in 2026. The event will not return to Resorts World. This change demonstrates the organizers’ steadfast dedication to improving the experience for everyone.

Solomon explained, “We’re always trying to find ways to get more people into the venue.” The current venue limits ticket pricing options. Organizers want to create “more ways to get more people into the venue at different price points.” This change will make the event available to more fans.

The official Mr. Olympia website currently displays: “2026 OLYMPIA SCHEDULE INFORMATION COMING SOON!”

Fans can follow their qualification progress throughout the year. Updated lists of qualified athletes will be published on IFBBPRO.com, NPCNEWSONLINE.com, and MROLYMPIA.com after each qualifying competition. The new venue and dates will be announced soon. This gives bodybuilding enthusiasts ample time to plan for this top-level event.

Qualified Athletes for Mr Olympia 2026

Qualification for the prestigious Mr. Olympia 2026 officially begins on September 15, 2025, and continues through August 30, 2026. The IFBB Pro League has established specific qualification criteria for all divisions to ensure elite athletes compete on the highest stage of bodybuilding.

Athletes in the Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness divisions can qualify by winning two competitions during the qualification period or by placing in the top 25 in the points standings. Competition levels determine point values. The top five finishers at the Olympia receive 10-12 points, while major events like the Arnold Classic USA award 7-14 points to the top finishers.

Several athletes have secured their spot in the Men’s Open division:

• Derek Lunsford (USA)
• Hadi Choopan (Iran)
• Chinedu Obiekea (UAE)
• Tonio Burton (USA)
• Martin Fitzwater (USA)
• Sergey Danilov (Russia)
• Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)

The Men’s Open, 212-pound, and Women’s Bodybuilding divisions follow a different system. The top three athletes from the 2025 Olympia automatically qualify, along with the winners of the qualifying competitions. Former Olympia champions retain lifetime eligibility but require approval if their victory occurred more than five years ago.

Official websites will display updated lists of qualified athletes after each qualifying competition. Undoubtedly, the best athletes in bodybuilding will compete fiercely for their chance to compete on the 2026 Olympia stage.

Mr Olympia Prize Money 2026

The 2026 Mr. Olympia competition prize pool continues to grow like never before. The total prize pool is expected to reach or exceed $2 million across all weight classes, a significant increase from the $1.80 million awarded in 2024.

The Men’s Open champion will take home an incredible $600,000. This is the largest individual prize a winner has ever received in the competition’s 60-year history. This massive prize pool demonstrates the growth of bodybuilding as a professional sport and motivates athletes to give their all.

The Men’s Open prize pool breakdown is as follows:

• 1st Place: USD 600,000
• 2nd Place: USD 250,000
• 3rd Place: USD 100,000
• 4th Place: USD 40,000
• 5th Place: USD 35,000

The Men’s Open category takes the lion’s share of the prize money. Winners in other categories also receive substantial sums, usually in the five figures, although not as much as the Open category.

This record prize money demonstrates the organization’s steadfast dedication to making bodybuilding a top-level professional sport. The substantial cash rewards will ensure that each competitor arrives on stage in peak physical shape. The 2026 Mr. Olympia will be both a fight for bodybuilding glory and a chance to win a life-changing prize.

Mr Olympia 2025 Winners List

Derek Lunsford made history at the 61st Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend by reclaiming the 2025 Mr. Olympia title. He defeated Samson Dauda and took home an impressive $600,000 prize. His remarkable comeback year included victories at the Arnold Classic and the Pittsburgh Pro.

The Men’s Open division saw these top five finishers:

1. Derek Lunsford – USD 600,000
2. Hadi Choopan – USD 200,000
3. Andrew Jacked – USD 100,000
4. Samson Dauda – USD 40,000
5. Martin Fitzwater – USD 30,000

The competition weekend takes place from October 9-12 in Las Vegas. The champions took victory in eleven professional divisions:

• Men’s 212: Keone Pearson
• Classic Physique: Ramon Rocha Queiroz
• Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry
• Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw
• Figure: Rhea Gayle
• Fitness: Michelle Fredua-Mensah
• Women’s Physique: Natalia Abraham Coelho
• Wellness: Eduarda Bezerra
• Bikini: Maureen Blanquisco
• Wheelchair: James Berger

The 2025 Olympia set a new record with a prize pool of $2 million, distributed across all weight classes. This prestigious event cemented its position as the premier bodybuilding competition. Lunsford’s achievement is notable as he became the first professional bodybuilder to win two Olympia weight classes, in addition to his 2021 Olympia victory in the 212-pound division.

Olympia 2026 Breakdown

Major changes are coming to the qualification system for the 2026 Olympia. The IFBB Pro League has reintroduced a points structure that applies to multiple divisions. Athletes can qualify between September 15, 2025, and August 30, 2026.

The new system creates different qualification paths based on division:

For Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness:

• Athletes must win two professional competitions or place in the top 25 in the rankings.
• The tiers of each event determine points, with the top five Olympia finishers earning 10 to 12 points.
• Top finishes at major events like the Arnold Classic USA award 7 to 14 points.
• Regular professional competitions award 1 to 10 points to the top five finishers.

For Men’s Open, 212 lbs., Women’s Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, and Women’s Physique:

• The top three Olympia 2025 competitors automatically qualify.
• Winners of qualifying contests secure their spots.

These changes will reduce the number of competitors on the Olympia stage. Bodybuilders must compete more frequently throughout the season, especially in divisions that require two wins instead of one. This means fans will see tougher competition in the qualifiers leading up to the 2026 Olympic Games.

Fans can follow qualified athletes on IFBBPRO.com, NPCNEWSONLINE.com, and MROLYMPIA.com after each competition.

Men’s Open Preview

The 2026 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open division promises an electrifying battle between the world’s most elite physiques. Derek Lunsford is the center of attention as he prepares to defend his title after winning bodybuilding’s top honor in 2025. His incredible combination of muscle mass, symmetry, and conditioning makes him the competitor everyone must beat.

The competition features dangerous contenders like former champion Hadi Choopan, who brings his signature conditioning and muscular maturity to the Las Vegas stage. These two champions share one of bodybuilding’s most intense rivalries, pushing them to reach new heights in their physique development.

Newcomers Chinedu Obiekea and Tonio Burton could shake up the established hierarchy. The Men’s Open lineup features an exciting mix of seasoned champions and ambitious new talents. Martin Fitzwater’s ranking suggests another potential top-five finish, especially given his recent competitive success.

The Men’s Open category remains the crown jewel of bodybuilding. These towering, hulking physiques will battle for glory and an unprecedented $600,000 prize pool. Fans will be able to see every flex and pose via the official PPV broadcast, as judges look for the most complete package on the Olympia 2026 stage.

Women’s Open Preview

The 2026 Mr. Olympia will highlight female competitors in an intense battle for supremacy. Ms. Olympia represents the premier women’s bodybuilding division, distinguished by its muscular development, symmetry, and stage presence, matching the technical excellence of its male counterparts.

Las Vegas will welcome an impressive roster of qualified female athletes who will showcase their best physiques. Athletes will be able to qualify between September 15, 2025, and August 30, 2026, through various events throughout the season.

The Women’s Open division showcases the most muscular female physiques in the sport. This division is distinct from the Bikini, Figure, or Wellness categories because it emphasizes maximum muscle development with aesthetic proportions. The result creates a true display of female strength and physical potential.

Viewers can access both the prejudging and finals of all women’s divisions, including the Women’s Open, with a PPV package priced at $74.99. This comprehensive coverage allows fans to watch every moment of this dynamic competition worldwide.

The 2026 event will strengthen the position of women’s bodybuilding in the sport. The Women’s Open category has seen renewed interest in recent years and continues to attract elite athletes who push the boundaries of female bodybuilding and conditioning.

Other Divisions to Watch at Olympia

The 2026 Mr. Olympia includes several exciting divisions in addition to the main Open Men’s and Women’s categories. Each division follows specific qualification paths established by the IFBB Pro League to ensure competitive excellence.

Athletes in the Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness divisions require two contest wins or a top-25 ranking to qualify. These requirements help control the number of competitors, which used to reach nearly 70 athletes per category.

The 212 Men’s, Women’s Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, and Women’s Physique divisions follow the traditional paths. The winners of each contest qualify directly, along with the top three finishers from the 2025 Olympia.

A unique system applies to the Wheelchair Bodybuilding division. The top three finishers from the 2025 Olympia automatically qualify, in addition to all contest winners and the top five ranked athletes.

The IFBB has added the Fit Model division as the twelfth category of the Bodybuilding Olympia. This addition creates new opportunities for competitors with different physique goals.

These ranking changes increase the prestige of each division. Athletes earn 1 to 10 points for placing in the top five at smaller professional events. Major events like the Arnold Classic offer significantly higher points. The new system creates intense competition as athletes strive to achieve their Olympic dreams.

When to Watch the Olympia

The 2025 Mr. Olympia competition kicks off a week of celebrations on Monday, October 6, when Olympia amateur athletes begin registration. The event schedule spans several Las Vegas venues.

The main competition begins on Friday, October 10, with pre-qualification at 9:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Athletes will compete in the Fitness, 212 lbs., Figure, Women’s Physique, Ms. Olympia, and Wellness categories. The evening finals for these categories begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Resorts World Theater, along with the pre-qualification for Mr. Olympia.

Pre-qualification for the Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wheelchair Olympia competitors will take place on Saturday, October 11, at 9:30 a.m. The excitement reaches its peak with the finals on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. This showcase includes Men’s Physique, Bikini, Classic Physique, and the highly anticipated Mr. Olympia final.

Fans should mark their calendars for the Olympia press conference on Thursday, October 9, at noon. The “Meet the Olympians” event will follow that same evening: VIP admission at 7:00 PM and general admission at 8:00 PM.

The Champions Seminar concludes the weekend on Sunday, October 12, at 11:00 AM. The newly crowned champions will share their experiences with fans.

Mr Olympia FAQs

The most frequently asked questions about the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition cover essential information for both fans and competitors. The qualification period begins on September 15, 2025, and ends on August 30, 2026.

Athletes often ask about the qualification paths, which now follow two main routes. Growing divisions, such as Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness, require athletes to win two competitions or place in the top 25 in the rankings. This new system will help reduce the number of competitors from 60-70 to approximately 33 per division.

Previous Olympia competition champions are eligible to compete for life in their winning division. However, those who have not stepped on stage for more than five years require approval from the IFBB Pro League before returning.

VIP packages remain a hot topic, as they sell out quickly. March gives last year’s Gold VIP package holders the first opportunity to repurchase their packages. Silver VIP package holders will have their turn in April. The remaining packages will be available to everyone by mid-April.

Resorts World Las Vegas will host the 2025 event with special room rates for its guests. Organizers warn of potential booking scams from unauthorized lodging companies.

Fans can enjoy all the action through official pay-per-view at olympiaproductions.com if they are unable to travel to Las Vegas. Military members should inquire about special ticket options through the Military Ticket Program.

Mr Olympia Fans Blog

Bodybuilding fans from around the world connect through online forums and social media communities to discuss Mr. Olympia events. Digital interest is growing with the arrival of the 2026 competition. Dan Solomon understands his passionate fan base and has confirmed that the 2026 Olympia will remain in Las Vegas, but at a new location he will announce soon.

Solomon explained the change of location based on fan preferences: “We’re always looking for ways to get more people in the building… at different price points.” The limitations of the current location made tickets too expensive and prevented many loyal fans from attending.

The bodybuilding community has strong opinions about the major changes to the qualification system. Many fans on Reddit and MuscleMecca forums support stricter qualification rules. One fan wrote, “It’s about time they implemented a system to narrow down the field… It wasn’t about the best anymore.” Someone else added: “With fewer, but higher-quality competitors and a shorter competition duration, we could have a chance to become a mainstream event.”

These online communities are a great way to get live updates, track ratings, and read expert analysis during the qualification period from September 2025 to August 2026.

The Fan Channel

You can experience the excitement of Mr. Olympia for free with the FREE Fan Channel, a separate option from the premium pay-per-view package. This free streaming service offers fans a taste of the Olympia experience at no cost.

The Fan Channel brings you:

• Thursday’s Athlete Press Conference, where athletes share their prep journey and goals
• Meet the Olympians event that lets fans connect with their favorite bodybuilders virtually
• Two full days of Olympia World Fitness Festival (Expo) coverage on Friday and Saturday with booths, demos, and special guest appearances
• Bonus content that shows amazing moments from past Olympia competitions

The Expo brings together fitness brands, enthusiasts, and events that connect the global fitness community. Viewers can watch their favorite bodybuilding stars, industry celebrities, and fitness professionals connect with their fans live.

The Fan Channel does not broadcast live competitions, as they are exclusive to the paid package. It’s a great way to experience the community spirit of Olympia Weekend. Many casual fans and new participants use this option to familiarize themselves with the event before purchasing the full PPV package.

The Fan Channel is complemented by Olympia’s large social media following (with over 22 million followers across all platforms) to create the largest digital bodybuilding community.

Key Takeaways

The 2026 Mr. Olympia brings significant changes to bodybuilding’s premier competition, from venue upgrades to qualifying reforms that will transform the sport’s landscape.

• The new qualifying system reduces the number of competitors: Athletes in select divisions must win two competitions or place in the top 25 in points, reducing the field from 60-70 to approximately 33 per weight class.

• A record $2 million prize pool, with $600,000 for the Men’s Open champion: The largest individual prize pool in Olympia history reflects the growing professional status of bodybuilding and its financial rewards.

• Las Vegas venue change confirmed for a better fan experience: Dan Solomon announced a new Las Vegas location to accommodate more attendees in different price ranges, moving away from Resorts World.

• Wide Viewing Options Available: Fans can watch the competition through the $74.99 PPV package for access to the entire competition or through the free Fan Channel for coverage of the expo and press conferences.

The qualification period runs from September 15, 2025, to August 30, 2026. This extended period offers athletes multiple opportunities to secure their spot in 11 professional divisions.

The 2026 Olympic Games represent a pivotal moment in bodybuilding, combining tradition and innovation to create a more competitive, accessible, and financially rewarding experience for both athletes and fans.