Bodybuilder Wesley Vissers is laying out his expectations for the 2026 bodybuilding season. On Feb. 26, he said he’s looking at his absolute best ahead of the Arnold Classic and confirmed his entry for the Detroit Pro.
Wesley Vissers won the 2024 Arnold Classic against Ramon Rocha Queiroz, making him a frontrunner this year. In 2025, his peak fell apart after he fell ill in the final days leading up to the Arnold Classic. As a result, Vissers finished fifth.
He rebounded quickly at the Detroit Pro but narrowly lost to Matt Greggo. Pressure is mounting for Vissers; if he fails to win the 2026 Arnold Classic, he’ll have to string together a pair of Pro show victories to qualify for Mr. Olympia. Previewing what lies ahead, he joined Dennis James for a candid discussion.
Wesley Vissers Looking His ‘Absolute Best’ Ahead of 2026 Arnold Classic, Reveals Next Contest
In the video, Vissers revealed that he’s looking his absolute best right now.
“I did promise myself I would not go into the show thinking I’m going to win. When I won the Arnold Classic in ’24, I had no expectations at all. Kind of like an underdog position, and top five was already a happy place for me. But I have to be honest, I’m looking my absolute best right now.”
Aside from the Arnold Classic UK, he committed to the Detroit Pro on March 14.
“Depending on how the Arnold Ohio goes… and what happens after, I might do Detroit. I’m doing the Arnold Classic UK for sure.”
“There’s also a show in the Netherlands,” adds Vissers. “At the FIBO, I will be there regardless anyway [not committing to competing].”
Thanks to the new rule change, to qualify for the Mr. Olympia, Vissers must win two Pro shows:
“I really want to do multiple shows for sure, especially with how the new rules are. Of course, you have to win two Pro shows to even qualify for the Olympia,” he said. “The UK doesn’t [auto qualify] but the Ohio one does.”
Vissers believes his quality muscle separation is among his biggest strengths heading into the event.
“The quality that you’re able to show in the separation of the muscles. Without saying anything, people know it takes effort to create.”
Dennis James agreed, noting that it’s rare to see competitors with fine shoulder striations today.
“It looks clean, crisp. I would call this crisp. Something that you don’t see on 80 percent of other competitors simply because their shoulders are too… You know… they use their shoulders to inject, and there’s too much scar tissue; you don’t see the fine striations in certain body parts. You just don’t see it like this anymore. I appreciate when you bring that to the stage because this is what’s helping you,” shared Dennis James.
Vissers will face a strong lineup in Ohio. Reigning champion Mike Sommerfeld has a chip on his shoulder after taking runner-up for two consecutive years at the Mr. Olympia. Fans also expect Andrea Mammoli, Matheus Menegate, and Sam Sulek to make waves.
Vissers is confident this package could give him the edge when he makes his way onstage. The 2026 Arnold Classic takes place March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio. Our Fitness Volt team will have extensive live coverage of the action.
RELATED: 2026 Arnold Classic Physique Preview and Contenders to Watch
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