Since 2016, the Classic Physique division’s popularity has only grown, with competitors constantly raising the bar. A decade later, the sport’s best contenders are set to battle at the 2026 Mr. Olympia from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Competitors in Classic Physique must execute five mandatory poses throughout the competition. Judges determine who displays the best balance of aesthetics, shape, proportions, muscularity, and symmetry.
The category has housed greatness for years; Chris Bumstead once helmed the competition with six Classic Physique Olympia titles. Ramon ‘Dino’ Queiroz secured the vacant crown last year and plans to keep it in Brazil. However, with a crop of elite contenders aiming to take him out, he faces a tough test ahead.
2026 Classic Physique Olympia Lineup
- David Aguilar Rosales (USA)
- Mohammad Ali (Austria)
- Abdullah Alrabiah (Saudi Arabia)
- Manual Angelo (Brazil)
- Vahid Badpei (Iran)
- Eric Brown, Jr (USA)
- Joaquim Camps Angel (Spain)
- Niall Darwen (United Kingdom)
- Cezar Falcao (Brazil)
- Diego Alejandro Galindo Garavito (Colombia)
- Ethan Gohari (Australia)
- Matthew Greggo (USA)
- Seungchan Hong (South Korea)
- Johne Jhoninho (Brazil)
- Tae Min Jung (South Korea)
- Fabio Junio (Brazil)
- Chen Kang (China)
- Murat Can Karahasanlar (Turkey)
- Kyrylo Khudaiev (Ukraine)
- Kai Liu (China)
- Xin Liu (China)
- Livingstone Livinho (Brazil)
- Andrea Mammoli (Italy)
- Ferran Minana Ibanez (Spain)
- Richard Nagy (Hungary)
- Rodni Nelson (Nicaragua)
- Prosper Nwafor (United Kingdom)
- Samuel Paquin (Canada)
- Andy Paredes (USA)
- Jaehun Park (South Korea)
- German Pastor (Spain)
- Zhivko Petkov (Bulgaria)
- Jordan Plantiko (USA)
- Anton Ratushnyi (USA)
- Luca Reger (Germany)
- Shuai Ren (China)
- Terrence Ruffin (USA)
- Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
- Tom Stanley (Australia)
- Tomislav Strmecki (Croatia)
- Paulin Tsamezeu (USA)
- Luis Roberto Valenzuela Ramos (Mexico)
- Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
- Kellen Wilson (Canada)
- Piotr Wojtowicz (Poland)
- Gabriel Zancanelli (Brazil)
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz (Brazil)
Top Contenders to Watch
Ramon Dino
Ramon Dino heads into his Mr. Olympia title defense fresh. After his crowning moment at the 2025 Olympia, he took time off to make improvements. Head judge Steve Weinberger made it clear that Dino needed more back width and detail, and the champ listened.
Throughout the season, Dino has offered glimpses of what he’s bringing through shredded physique updates. Having beaten Sommerfeld in a close showdown last year, the reigning champ is confident he can win the Classic Physique Olympia title for years to come.
Mike Sommerfeld
In 2025, Sommerfeld faced a crushing setback that nearly forced him out of the Olympia. He was unable to meet the weight and height cap for Classic Physique. After dropping 14 pounds in just two days, ‘Mike the Badass’ successfully made it to the stage.
Though he stole two poses from Ramon Dino on the scorecards, he ultimately came up short. Since then, Sommerfeld dominated the 2026 Arnold Classic UK against Wesley Vissers. Given his shape, conditioning, and fullness, many believe he could be Dino’s greatest threat in Vegas.
Terrence Ruffin
A two-time Arnold Classic winner, Ruffin stands out as a frontrunner at the Olympia. He boasts arguably the best posing skills of anyone in the IFBB Pro League. In 2025, ‘Ruff Diesel’ proved himself against Sommerfeld and Dino at the Olympia. While he earned third place, there were some fans who thought he could have gotten the nod.
Ruffin kept busy after the Vegas appearance. He claimed gold at last year’s Prague Pro, which gave him a boost of confidence before taking an off-season. With time to grow, Ruffin is on track to present his all-time best.
Wesley Vissers
Vissers led an extremely strong 2026 bodybuilding season. He restored his hype in the class with a near-flawless look at the Arnold Classic Ohio. Vissers claimed gold and then turned around and won the 2026 Detroit Pro. He didn’t get past Sommerfeld at the Arnold Classic UK, but pushed him in a close contest.
“The Dutch Oak” believes leg fullness and detail are his ticket to the Olympia title. His upper body remains dominant, and with the perfect peak, Vissers could pull off one of the biggest upsets of the weekend.
Niall Darwen
Darwen will make a splash in Sin City with wind behind his sails. He’s coming off two consecutive victories at the 2026 New York and Pittsburgh Pro. Having faced top-tier athletes in both contests, he’s on everyone’s radar.
Dark Horses
A few athletes could turn heads when they step onstage and possibly break into the final callout. Matt Greggo is targeting a top spot. His vascular conditioning and massive legs compare well with his rivals. Greggo has also trained with reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford throughout preparations.
Greggo last claimed a victory at the stacked 2026 Chicago Pro. However, he took a back step at the Tampa Pro, finishing third. If his mass and conditioning are in harmony, the Classic Physique standout could live up to his potential at the biggest show of the year.
Anton Ratushnyi, a 22-year-old phenom, has a huge opportunity ahead. He’s got fresh muscle and plenty of detail, two attributes needed to thrive in Classic Physique. He already picked up back-to-back wins at the 2026 Tournament of Champions Pro and the Southern Muscle Showdown Pro. It’s his Olympia debut with nothing to lose and much to gain.
Wrap Up
History will be on the line with a record 12 bodybuilding divisions battling for supremacy. Olympia President Dan Solomon has announced that the 2026 Mr. Olympia livestream will be completely free. Keep it locked on Fitness Volt for the latest Olympia updates, previews, and stories.
RELATED: How to Watch the 2026 Mr. Olympia Free Livestream
