Mr. Olympia 2026 — The Top of the Mountain
Mr. Olympia 2026 is set to return to Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing the world’s best professional bodybuilders together for the biggest title in men’s bodybuilding. The 2026 Olympia Weekend will take place from September 24 through September 27, 2026, with the main Mr. Olympia competition taking place on Friday and Saturday.
The weekend will feature the Olympia World Fitness Expo, professional bodybuilding competitions, the Mr. Olympia prejudging, Friday evening finals, and the highly anticipated Mr. Olympia final on Saturday night.
The official host hotel for the 2026 Olympia is Palms Casino Resort, while the major Friday and Saturday evening competitions will move to Orleans Arena. The Olympia World Fitness Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Mr. Olympia 2026 |
| Olympia Weekend | September 24–27, 2026 |
| Mr. Olympia Prejudging | Friday, September 25 |
| Mr. Olympia Finals | Saturday, September 26 |
| Main Final Time | 7:00 PM PT |
| Location | Orleans Arena, Las Vegas |
| Expo Location | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall |
| Official Host Hotel | Palms Casino Resort |
| Governing Organization | IFBB Professional League |
| Current Champion | Derek Lunsford |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) |
The official Olympia schedule currently lists 7:00 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, September 26 for the Saturday Finals, where Mr. Olympia will be crowned.
When Is Mr. Olympia 2026?
Mr. Olympia 2026 will be held on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, as part of the larger Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend running September 24–27.
The key dates for fans are:
- Thursday, September 24: Olympia Press Conference and Superstar Kickoff Party
- Friday, September 25: Olympia World Fitness Expo, prejudging and Friday Finals
- Saturday, September 26: Olympia World Fitness Expo, additional prejudging and Saturday Finals
- Sunday, September 27: Olympia Champions Seminar
The official Olympia schedule is subject to change, so fans should check the official schedule for final updates before traveling or planning their viewing schedule.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Time in the USA
Because the competition is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the official event times are given in Pacific Time (PT).
Friday, September 25
Olympia World Fitness Expo
- VIP Entry: 8:00 AM PT
- General Public Entry: 9:00 AM PT
- Olympia Prejudging: 9:30 AM PT
The morning prejudging includes the 212 Olympia, Classic Physique Olympia, Figure Olympia, Women’s Physique Olympia, Ms. Olympia and Wellness Olympia.
Friday Finals
- 6:00 PM PT
- Venue: Orleans Arena
Friday evening includes the finals for Figure, Women’s Physique, Wellness, 212, Ms. Olympia and Classic Physique. The program also includes Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging.
Saturday, September 26
Olympia World Fitness Expo
- VIP Entry: 8:00 AM PT
- General Public Entry: 9:00 AM PT
- Prejudging: 9:30 AM PT
Saturday morning features Men’s Physique, Fitness, Bikini, Wheelchair and Fit Model competitions.
Mr. Olympia Finals
Saturday, September 26 — 7:00 PM PT
The Saturday evening finals at Orleans Arena will feature:
- Fitness Olympia
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Mr. Olympia
The official schedule lists 7:00 PM PT as the start of the Saturday Finals and the time when the Mr. Olympia champion will ultimately be crowned.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Schedule: USA Time
| Date | Event | Time | U.S. Time Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 24 | Olympia Press Conference | 12:00 PM | PT |
| Sept. 24 | Superstar Kickoff Party | 8:00 PM General Entry | PT |
| Sept. 25 | Expo VIP Entry | 8:00 AM | PT |
| Sept. 25 | Expo General Entry | 9:00 AM | PT |
| Sept. 25 | Olympia Prejudging | 9:30 AM | PT |
| Sept. 25 | Friday Finals | 6:00 PM | PT |
| Sept. 26 | Expo VIP Entry | 8:00 AM | PT |
| Sept. 26 | Expo General Entry | 9:00 AM | PT |
| Sept. 26 | Prejudging | 9:30 AM | PT |
| Sept. 26 | Mr. Olympia Finals | 7:00 PM | PT |
| Sept. 27 | Champions Seminar | 11:00 AM | PT |
Important: The official schedule provides the overall start time for the evening programs, but it does not currently give a separate exact stage time for the Men’s Open Mr. Olympia prejudging or the moment the champion will be announced.
What Time Is Mr. Olympia 2026 in Eastern Time?
Las Vegas uses Pacific Time, so viewers elsewhere in the United States should convert the schedule accordingly.
For the most important event:
Mr. Olympia 2026 Finals
- 7:00 PM PT
- 8:00 PM MT
- 9:00 PM CT
- 10:00 PM ET
Therefore, viewers on the U.S. East Coast should plan for the Saturday finals to begin at approximately 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
The exact time that the Mr. Olympia winner is announced will depend on the length and running order of the Saturday evening show.
Where Is Mr. Olympia 2026 Being Held?
The 2026 Olympia is returning to Las Vegas, Nevada.
However, the event will use multiple venues rather than a single location.
Orleans Arena
The main Friday and Saturday evening finals will take place at:
Orleans Arena
4500 W Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV
This includes the Saturday night Mr. Olympia Finals.
Las Vegas Convention Center
The Olympia World Fitness Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
The Expo is scheduled for Friday and Saturday and gives fans access to bodybuilding brands, athletes, exhibitors and fitness-related events.
Palms Casino Resort
The Palms Casino Resort is the official host hotel for the 2026 Olympia Weekend.
Several Olympia events will take place at the Palms, including the Thursday press conference and Superstar Kickoff Party.
Who Is the Current Mr. Olympia Champion?
Derek Lunsford enters the 2026 season as the reigning Mr. Olympia champion.
Lunsford won the 2025 Mr. Olympia title in Las Vegas, defeating Hadi Choopan and a deep Men’s Open field. He previously won the Mr. Olympia title in 2023, making him one of the most successful active competitors in the division.
His 2025 victory also followed wins at the 2025 Arnold Classic and Pittsburgh Pro, giving him considerable momentum heading into the 2026 season.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Competitors
The final Men’s Open lineup should be treated as subject to official qualification and roster updates.
The Olympia qualification system is administered under the IFBB Professional League, and athletes must meet the applicable qualification requirements to earn a place on the Olympia stage. The official Olympia website maintains the current qualified-athlete information.
Among the names attracting significant attention heading into the 2026 season are established Olympia contenders such as:
- Derek Lunsford
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
- Andrew Jacked
- Nick Walker
- Brandon Curry
- Martin Fitzwater
- William Bonac
- Regan Grimes
- Urs Kalecinski
- Rubiel Mosquera
- Behrooz Tabani
The final competitor list should be confirmed against the official Olympia qualified competitors list before publication of a final lineup.
This distinction matters because an athlete appearing in recent Olympia competition does not automatically mean that he is confirmed for the 2026 contest.
Who Are the Favorites for Mr. Olympia 2026?
The 2026 Men’s Open contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched Olympia battles of the year.
Derek Lunsford
As the reigning champion, Lunsford begins with the biggest advantage: he knows exactly what it takes to win the title.
His strengths include proportion, symmetry, conditioning and an exceptionally polished presentation. His ability to combine classic lines with modern muscularity makes him one of the most difficult athletes to defeat.
Hadi Choopan
Choopan remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the division.
The Iranian bodybuilder has consistently demonstrated elite conditioning, dense muscularity and an extremely competitive stage presence. He finished second behind Lunsford in 2025.
Samson Dauda
Dauda brings a different type of threat: enormous size combined with impressive structure and aesthetics.
His previous Olympia performances established him as a legitimate championship contender, and improvements in conditioning and presentation could make him a major factor again in 2026.
Andrew Jacked
Andrew Jacked’s combination of height, structure, muscularity and proportions makes him another athlete capable of challenging the leading contenders.
He finished third in the 2025 Mr. Olympia according to the published results.
Nick Walker
Nick Walker remains one of the most recognizable names in modern bodybuilding.
His extreme muscular development and distinctive physique make him a major attraction whenever he competes. His placement in the 2025 Olympia field also keeps him firmly in the conversation heading into 2026.
Mr. Olympia 2025 Results
The 2025 Men’s Open results provide useful context for the 2026 championship.
| Place | Competitor |
|---|---|
| 1st | Derek Lunsford |
| 2nd | Hadi Choopan |
| 3rd | Andrew Jacked |
| 4th | Samson Dauda |
| 5th | Martin Fitzwater |
| 6th | Nick Walker |
| 7th | Brandon Curry |
| 8th | Tonio Burton |
| 9th | William Bonac |
| 10th | Vitalii Ugolnikov |
Derek Lunsford won the 2025 title, with Hadi Choopan finishing second and Andrew Jacked third.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Prize Money
The Olympia is one of the most lucrative competitions in professional bodybuilding.
However, the official 2026 Mr. Olympia prize-money breakdown should be confirmed before publishing specific dollar amounts. The official Olympia site currently emphasizes its substantial overall prize commitment, but a definitive 2026 Men’s Open payout table should not be confused with unofficial projections circulating online.
The Olympia organization has stated that it commits nearly $1.7 million in prize money each year across its competition structure, while individual event purses can vary.
For SEO purposes, it is better to update this section once the official 2026 payout is announced rather than publish an unverified figure.
How Does Qualification for Mr. Olympia 2026 Work?
Qualifying for the Olympia stage is one of the most difficult achievements in professional bodybuilding.
The 2026 Olympia qualification system is administered through the IFBB Professional League. Different divisions can have different qualification pathways, and athletes must meet the applicable rules to secure their Olympia position.
The official Olympia qualification page provides the current qualification rules and qualified competitors.
This system means that the final Mr. Olympia lineup is not necessarily known far in advance. Athletes can earn qualification through designated professional competitions and other pathways established under the current rules.
Mr. Olympia 2026: Full Olympia Weekend Schedule
Although the Men’s Open Mr. Olympia is the headline attraction, the entire Olympia Weekend includes multiple professional divisions and events.
Thursday, September 24
Olympia Press Conference
12:00 PM PT
Location: Palms Casino Resort — Pearl Theater
VIP entry begins at 11:30 AM, followed by general public entry at 11:45 AM.
Olympia Superstar Kickoff Party
- VIP Entry: 7:00 PM
- General Entry: 8:00 PM
Location: Palms Casino Resort, Palms Pool.
Friday, September 25
Olympia World Fitness Expo
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall
- VIP Entry: 8:00 AM
- General Entry: 9:00 AM
- Prejudging: 9:30 AM
Friday Finals
6:00 PM PT — Orleans Arena
The Friday evening program includes:
- Figure Olympia
- Women’s Physique Olympia
- Wellness Olympia
- 212 Olympia
- Ms. Olympia
- Classic Physique Olympia
- Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
Saturday, September 26
Olympia World Fitness Expo
- VIP Entry: 8:00 AM
- General Entry: 9:00 AM
- Prejudging: 9:30 AM
Saturday’s morning program includes:
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Fitness Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Wheelchair Olympia
- Fit Model Olympia
Mr. Olympia Finals
7:00 PM PT
Location: Orleans Arena
The Saturday Finals include:
- Fitness Olympia
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Mr. Olympia
This is the most important moment of the entire weekend for Men’s Open bodybuilding, as the new Mr. Olympia champion will be crowned.
How to Watch Mr. Olympia 2026
Fans who cannot attend the event in Las Vegas will be able to watch the Olympia through the official Olympia Productions pay-per-view platform.
The official Olympia FAQ states that fans can order and watch the 2026 Olympia online through Olympia Productions, including access to previous Olympia replays.
For viewers attending in person, tickets for the Finals and World Fitness Expo are available through the official Olympia ticketing channels. The Olympia also warns fans to avoid unauthorized third-party sellers.
Free Shuttle Transportation
The Olympia will provide free shuttle service between the major venues on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, September 25
Palms Casino Resort ↔ Las Vegas Convention Center
- 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Every 20 minutes
Palms Casino Resort ↔ Orleans Arena
- 4:00 PM–11:30 PM
- Every 20 minutes
Saturday, September 26
Palms Casino Resort ↔ Las Vegas Convention Center
- 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Every 20 minutes
Palms Casino Resort ↔ Orleans Arena
- 4:30 PM–11:30 PM
- Every 20 minutes
The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Tickets
Tickets are available for the Olympia Finals, World Fitness Expo and related experiences.
The official ticket information confirms that Friday and Saturday Finals tickets are available, while different Expo and VIP packages provide different levels of access.
The Olympia has also stated that its authorized ticketing channels should be used when purchasing tickets.
Where Should Fans Stay?
The Palms Casino Resort is the official host hotel of the 2026 Olympia Weekend.
The hotel is located close to the major Olympia venues and will host several official Olympia activities throughout the weekend.
Fans should be careful with unofficial accommodation offers. The Olympia organization specifically warns attendees about companies falsely presenting themselves as the event’s official housing provider.
What Makes Mr. Olympia So Important?
Mr. Olympia is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional men’s bodybuilding.
Unlike ordinary bodybuilding competitions, the Olympia brings together athletes who have qualified through the professional competition system and gives them the opportunity to compete for the most prestigious title in the sport.
Winning the Olympia can define an athlete’s career.
The competition is not simply about who has the most muscle. Judges evaluate the overall package, including:
- Muscular development
- Conditioning
- Symmetry
- Proportion
- Presentation
- Posing
- Overall aesthetics
That combination is what makes the final judging so unpredictable.
Mr. Olympia 2026 Predictions
The biggest question heading into September is whether Derek Lunsford can successfully defend his title.
Lunsford’s 2025 victory puts him in the driver’s seat, but the Men’s Open division has several athletes capable of challenging him.
Hadi Choopan’s conditioning and density, Samson Dauda’s size and structure, Andrew Jacked’s proportions and Nick Walker’s extreme muscularity create several potential threats.
The most important factor will be how each athlete arrives on the day of judging.
Bodybuilding is particularly unforgiving because a competitor can make enormous improvements throughout the year but still lose if another athlete presents a better overall package on the Olympia stage.
When Will the Mr. Olympia 2026 Winner Be Announced?
The Mr. Olympia 2026 champion will be crowned during the Saturday Finals on September 26 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
The Saturday Finals officially begin at 7:00 PM Pacific Time.
That corresponds to:
- 7:00 PM PT — Las Vegas
- 8:00 PM MT
- 9:00 PM CT
- 10:00 PM ET
The exact stage time for the final Men’s Open announcement has not been separately published in the official schedule, so viewers should plan to watch the complete Saturday evening program rather than rely on a specific winner-announcement time.
Mr. Olympia 2026: What to Expect
The 2026 Olympia represents another major chapter for professional bodybuilding.
With the event returning to Las Vegas, the Olympia is introducing a different venue structure, with the major championship finals moving to Orleans Arena and the World Fitness Expo taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The central storyline will be the battle for the Men’s Open title.
Can Derek Lunsford repeat?
Can Hadi Choopan reclaim the championship?
Can Samson Dauda make another run at the top?
Can Andrew Jacked continue his rise?
Or will another competitor produce the performance of his career?
Those questions will be answered on the Olympia stage in Las Vegas on September 26.
Final Mr. Olympia 2026 Schedule at a Glance
Friday, September 25
- 9:30 AM PT — Olympia Prejudging
- 6:00 PM PT — Friday Finals + Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
Saturday, September 26
- 9:30 AM PT — Olympia Prejudging
- 7:00 PM PT — Mr. Olympia Finals
- 10:00 PM ET — Saturday Finals for East Coast viewers
Sunday, September 27
- 11:00 AM PT — Olympia Champions Seminar
The official Olympia schedule remains the best source for any last-minute changes to times, venues or event order.
Official Links
Official Mr. Olympia website: MrOlympia.com
Official 2026 Schedule: Olympia Weekend Schedule
Official Tickets: Olympia Tickets
Official Qualification System: Olympia Qualification System
Official Olympia FAQ: Olympia FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mr. Olympia 2026?
Mr. Olympia 2026 will take place as part of the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas from September 24–27, 2026. The Men’s Open finals are scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
What time is Mr. Olympia 2026?
The Saturday Finals begin at 7:00 PM Pacific Time at Orleans Arena. The corresponding U.S. time is 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
Where is Mr. Olympia 2026?
The main Friday and Saturday evening competitions will be held at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Who won Mr. Olympia 2025?
Derek Lunsford won the 2025 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open title.
Who is the favorite for Mr. Olympia 2026?
Reigning champion Derek Lunsford enters as one of the leading favorites, with Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked and other elite Men’s Open competitors expected to challenge for the title.
How can I watch Mr. Olympia 2026?
Fans who cannot attend in person can purchase the official Olympia pay-per-view through Olympia Productions.
Is Mr. Olympia the same as Olympia Weekend?
No. Olympia Weekend is the larger event featuring multiple bodybuilding and fitness divisions, the World Fitness Expo and other activities. Mr. Olympia specifically refers to the Men’s Open bodybuilding championship.
When will the Mr. Olympia 2026 winner be announced?
The winner will be crowned during the Saturday evening Finals on September 26. The official program begins at 7:00 PM PT, although the precise time of the Men’s Open winner announcement depends on the running order of the show.