The annual Masters Olympia is back. In an Instagram post shared on August 27, 2024, the 2025 Masters Olympia confirmed it will return to Tokyo, Japan from August 22-23. Qualification criteria for athletes hoping to participate have also been revealed.
The Masters Olympia has a rich history in the IFBB Pro League. It serves as a haven for older competitors (over 40) who still want to test their resolve against top-tier bodybuilders. After an 11-year absence in 2023, the event made its return at the BT Arena in Cluj Napoca, Romania, and was a resounding success.
Despite overwhelming demand by fans, the Masters Olympia wasn’t included in the 2024 IFBB Pro League calendar of events. However, that will change in 2025. With Japan as its new location, bodybuilders will have the chance to travel and compete, making for an unforgettable experience. Given that this event has seen prolific bodybuilders such as Dexter Jackson, Vince Taylor, and Robby Robinson hoist gold above their heads, fans, and competitors are already exhilarated for its comeback next summer.
2025 Masters Olympia Heads to Tokyo Japan, Aug 22-23, Athlete Qualification Criteria Released
Thanks to a recent press release, we now know the 2025 Masters Olympia will head to Tokyo, Japan from August 22-23. The contest features 10 divisions, showcasing athletic talent over 40 years old.
“2025 Masters Olympia Update!
Get ready to witness the top IFBB Pro League competitors as the Masters Olympia returns in 2025 in Tokyo, Japan! 🌟 This prestigious event will feature 10 divisions, showcasing athletes over 40 who continue to defy age and inspire us all.
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More than just a competition, it’s a celebration of strength, dedication, and athletic excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a passionate fan, the 2025 Masters Olympia promises to be an unforgettable event. 🥇
The show promoter, @takayukishoji8 from Fitness World Japan @team_fwj, is excited to welcome athletes and fans for a weekend packed with action and energy.
Stay tuned for more details and join us in honoring these incredible athletes as they take the stage!” the Masters Olympia Instagram channel shared.
2025 Masters Olympia Athlete Qualification Criteria
List of additional selected athletes in these four divisions will be published on May 9th, 2025.
Age: 40+
-Top 5 from 2023 Masters Olympia in ALL DIVISIONS
-Winner of each IFBB Pro League masters pro 40+ class that took place between Aug 28 2023 – Aug 17 2025 in ALL DIVISIONS
-ADITIONALLY, athletes will be selected based on an individual application process that will take place between Feb 1 – April 30th 2025 in the following FOUR DIVISIONS:
• Open BB
• 212 BB
• Womens’ BB
• Fitness
For these four divisions, applications and letters of intent to be sent to:
[email protected]
Application letters need to include:
-athlete background such as age, country, titles
-competitive history, including the last show the athlete took part in
-social media accounts
The architect behind the annual Masters Olympia contest was the former Olympia President Joe Weider, who created the competition to accommodate older athletes. This show was included in the IFBB schedule from 1994 to 2003 before returning in 2012. Vince Taylor holds the record for most Masters Olympia victories at six, which he accomplished from 1996-2001. The last person to win gold at the Masters Olympia was Kamal Elgargni.
Masters Olympia Past Winners
- 2023 – Kamal Elgargni
- 2012 – Dexter Jackson
- 2003 – Claude Groulx
- 2002 – Don Youngblood
- 2001 – Vince Taylor
- 2000 – Vince Taylor
- 1999 – Vince Taylor
- 1998 – Vince Taylor
- 1997 – Vince Taylor
- 1996 – Vince Taylor
- 1995 – Sonny Schmidt
- 1994 – Robby Robinson
Enthusiasts of bodybuilding look forward to finding out which athletes will vie for gold in Tokyo, Japan next year. Stay tuned for further updates regarding the 2025 Masters Olympia contest and its lineup of competitors.
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