Bodybuilding continues to evolve, and so do the physiques presented onstage. In a recent YouTube video shared on Sept. 15, 2025, Sam Sulek discussed longevity, his goals for the Mr. Olympia, and how the sport has evolved past Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Golden Era.
Sulek made his splash in the sport at the 2025 NPC Legends Classic. A lot of questions were answered: fans got to see how his size, conditioning, and stage presence stacked up against real talent. Ultimately, Sulek prevailed and secured overall Classic Physique gold — this set him up to compete at the Arnold Amateur.
In Ohio, he brought an improved look and the judges awarded him for it; he took first place. Instead of jumping straight into his first Pro show, Sulek has made improvements from the sidelines, growing into the class so he can present his best on the horizon.
Sam Sulek on ‘Arnold Era,’ Longevity, & Mr. Olympia Aspirations
In the video, Sulek addressed fans who have continuously asked him when he’ll compete in the Open or become Mr. Olympia.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“That’s one thing I’ll bring up because guys will ask me, are you going to move to Open? Or it’s can’t wait to see as Mr. Olympia, as though that’s the track that I’m on.
For me, it’s more so what am I willing to do that adds to this whole thing with bodybuilding that will take me a certain degree of distance? Because if you’re a top-level Olympia competitor, that comes with its own things.”
Looking toward his future and longevity, Sulek admits bodybuilding greatness isn’t something that can be pursued forever:
“It’s not something to be pursued forever. Actually, the bigger I’ve gotten, the more I’ve started to be content with the size I already am.”
Though reaching 300 pounds was a long-time target, Sulek said his goals have shifted since he first embarked in the sport.
“I used to imagine 300-pound Sam Sulek. I was like, yeah, once I get to 300… but it’s something where you actually get to a different position just over time and through progress, you’re going to have a different perception of what you actually want.”
He also touched on how the sport has changed from the Golden Era.
“I think we’re about to come full circle. Because there’s been a progression since what we’d call the Golden Era of who is trustworthy. It requires some nuance to actually know the real answer.”
“The Arnold Era, Arnold was huge, all these bodybuilders were huge, they work out, I’m going to do their workout. Fast forward, fast forward, now these bodybuilders are getting extra big, they must be getting extra smart. Then queue Rocky IV, steroids are involved,” Sulek said.
After bodybuilders stopped their relentless pursuit of mass, Sulek said the ‘fake natural era’ surfaced, which has now turned into the scientifically explainable era.
“Queue the David Laid era, queue the natural era — these guys work out and they are just like me. These guys know what they are doing. Fast forward a little bit, and these guys are lying. This is the fake natural era. I can’t listen to these guys because they are not actually telling the truth about it.”
“Now, we’re in the scientifically explainable era, where it’s not the gains that I have, it’s the training and the explanations why I do the training that I do, which makes me superior because I can explain it very well and I have different studies to support it.”
This wasn’t Sulek’s first time taking a closer look at the science-based training practices of today. He recently called the system a ‘snake oil of an idea,’ highlighting that it’s full of gym elitism and that there are multiple ways to train effectively.
Sulek has yet to announce his next bodybuilding contest, but he might compete against Larry Wheels at the 2026 Arnold Classic. With goals to hit, Sulek is poised for another huge year in the changing sport.
RELATED: Urs Kalecinski Trains Back with IFBB Pro Sam Sulek in Intense Pump and Posing Session
Watch the full video from the Chris Williamson YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
