Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada’s return to the bodybuilding stage is coming soon. In a YouTube video from June 19, 2026, he confirmed his plan to enter the 2027 Arnold Classic.
In 2021, Hunter Labrada became the fourth-best bodybuilder in the world at the Mr. Olympia. He’s built a solid reputation in the IFBB Pro League, having followed in his father Lee Labrada’s footsteps. Labrada last tested himself at the 2024 Italy Pro and won the event handily.
At the Mr. Olympia, Labrada’s conditioning and fullness carried him to a sixth-place finish. Since then, the surging Men’s Open star has recovered from a shoulder operation that prevented him from competing. And as long as that issue doesn’t hold him back from training, Labrada sees himself back onstage next March.
Hunter Labrada Sets Sights on 2027 Arnold Classic, Hits Back Workout With Terrence Ruffin
Find their exercises from the video below:
- Blade High Row
- T-Bar Smith Row
- Hero DY Row
- One-Arm Machine Preacher Curl
Mid-workout, Labrada revealed his plan to return at the 2027 Arnold Classic. He shared that this would be the first Arnold Classic contest of his career:
“It’s not a secret, but lord willing, my shoulder cooperates for me. Then, it’s going to be the 2027 Arnold. Come back, do an Arnold.”
“I still haven’t done one. I figured it’s time,” he shared.
While he’s taken months away from the stage, Labrada is confident it will be worth the wait. He explained that he’s mentally refreshed and intends to come back better than ever.
“In addition to rehabbing the shoulder and getting my head right, I’ve spent a lot of time on what matters to me, reconnecting with my family and friends,” he shared. “Things are firing in the gym again. Mentally, I feel refreshed.”
“I am not done. I will be back. I will be better than I’ve ever been before.”
Previously, Labrada suggested that he might retire in two or three years. He made that statement back in 2024, which means he could be approaching the tail-end of his bodybuilding career. With time to pack on mass, fans are curious if he can make a run at the Olympia title next season.
At this point, it appears health and recovery will dictate Labrada’s competitive timeline. He hopes to be back in action at the 2027 Arnold Classic, held in early March every year.
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