Behrouz Tabani’s arrival at Mr. Olympia felt like the climax of a drama many fans had feared might end prematurely. After weeks of visa uncertainty, the Iranian standout touched down in the United States with just enough time to take the stage. At the official press conference he spoke plainly, but with obvious relief and joy.
“Today is the best day of my life… I am so happy. So motivated. And ready to show my best.”
Those words captured the moment. For Tabani, making it to the 2025 Olympia is more than a travel victory. It is the payoff for a year of dominant showings across Asia and the Middle East, and the end of a two-year fight with bureaucracy that nearly cost him a chance to perform on the sport’s biggest platform.
Visa Problems Nearly Derailed his Dream
Tabani qualified for Olympia after an impressive run on the international show, where his mix of dense muscle, mature conditioning, and clean lines made him a favorite among fans and insiders. But the journey to the stage was blocked by red tape. His U.S. visa hung in limbo for weeks, and rumors circulated that he would miss the event. In a dramatic twist, the paperwork cleared one week before Olympia weekend, allowing Tabani to fly in and take his place among the field.
The near-miss is not new. Tabani also missed an earlier opportunity to compete at Olympia in 2024 because of visa issues, a disappointment that only fueled his determination in 2025. That hunger was visible onstage and in his later showings, where judges and fans took note of his improved presentation, tighter midsection, and stronger upper chest and delts.
A breakout season and dark-horse potential
Despite qualifying for the last five years, this will be the first time we see Tabani compete at the Mr. Olympia. Coached by Milos Sarcev, Tabani has all the makings of a champion: tight waist, aesthetics, mass, and balanced proportions. To qualify for the Olympia, he was triumphant at the 2025 Dubai Pro, where he took home an impressive $100,000 purse. He’s a definite dark horse heading into the event.
Experts believe his combination of mass and conditioning gives him the potential to shake up the top six if he brings everything he has on contest day. His stage presence and nuance of conditioning have improved, positioning him as a serious dark horse.
Tabani will line up against an elite field, featuring champions and proven contenders like Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, and Samson Dauda. The depth of this Olympia could make for dramatic judging, but Tabani’s physical tools and newfound momentum mean he should not be written off.
Beyond the physique, Tabani’s story resonates because it is about resilience. Negotiating visas, traveling long distances, and navigating the logistical nightmare of international competition is part of life for many non-U.S. athletes. Tabani’s late arrival and emotional response at the press conference remind fans that the path to greatness is often messy and unpredictable.
As he said onstage, he is motivated and ready to show his best. Now the only thing left is for him to let his physique speak for itself under the Olympia lights.
Get Prepared for 2025 Mr. Olympia
Previews
- 2025 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding Preview
- 2025 Classic Physique Olympia Preview
- 2025 Men’s 212 Olympia Preview
- 2025 Mr. Olympia Final Qualified Athletes for All Divisions and Schedule
How to Watch
- How To Watch 2025 Mr. Olympia Online Livestream
- Watch the 2025 Mr. Olympia Press Conference Live and See All Athletes Ahead of Las Vegas
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