The Olympia is invitation-by-results: athletes earn their place during the season.
Turn pro first
Amateur athletes compete in national-level shows to earn an IFBB Pro League card. Only pros can qualify for the Olympia.
Win a qualifying show
Through the year, IFBB Pro League shows around the world award Olympia qualification in each division. Winning a qualifier is the most common route.
Previous champions and major shows
Recent Olympia champions and winners of the biggest shows, such as the Arnold Classic, are also invited.
Olympia Weekend
Qualified athletes meet at Olympia Weekend each autumn. The 2026 edition ran September 24–27 in Las Vegas, where Nick Walker won Mr. Olympia and the $600,000 first prize.
The 2027 qualification window
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2026 | Window opens |
| Sep 24–27, 2026 | 2026 Olympia top finishers qualify for 2027 |
| Oct 12, 2026 | 64 athletes qualified across all divisions |
| Sep 12, 2027 | Window closes |
In the Men's Open, Regan Grimes, Tonio Burton, Andrea Presti and Michal Krizanek all qualified for 2027 by winning pro shows within weeks of the 2026 Olympia. Our qualification tracker lists every qualifier.
FAQ
Can amateurs compete at Mr. Olympia?
No. Only IFBB Pro League professionals who qualify can compete.
How much does the Mr. Olympia winner earn?
The 2026 winner received $600,000.