The 2026 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open lineup just took a devastating blow. On August 26, bodybuilder Hadi Choopan confirmed his withdrawal from the prestigious contest due to visa issues.
“WITH A HEAVY HEART, I HAVE DECIDED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE 2026 MR. OLYMPIA. After competing in the last seven Mr. Olympias, it is extremely difficult for me to announce that I will not compete at this year’s 2026 Mr. Olympia.”
Hadi Choopan Out of 2026 Mr. Olympia Due to Visa Issues
In the statement, 2022 Olympia winner Choopan revealed that his 10-year United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa was deactivated. He was told that he’d be unable to enter the UAE due to the ‘political situation and restrictions.’ As a result, he’s ended his preparations for the Olympia.
“On Wednesday afternoon, I went to the airport in Shiraz to take my flight directly to Dubai. I was not allowed to board. I was informed that my 10-year UAE Golden Visa had been deactivated.”
“I immediately decided to fly to Tehran and try again from there. Unfortunately, I was given the same information. I was told that because of the current political situation and restrictions, I would not be allowed to enter the UAE.”
Given the time constraints, he sees no realistic path back to the Mr. Olympia contest this season:
“At this point, I do not see a realistic way to complete the visa process in time, and I do not want to prepare for the Olympia under this level of stress and uncertainty. For me, Mr. Olympia is not a competition where I simply want to show up. If I step on that stage, I want to be at my absolute best.”
Choopan will continue training in the meantime, emphasizing that this ‘is not the end.’
“Trying to continue training under this level of uncertainty and stress would not allow me to prepare mentally and physically the way I know is necessary to challenge for the title. This decision hurts deeply, but this is not the end.”
“I will continue training, improving and fighting. When Hadi Choopan returns to the stage, he will return to win,” shared Hadi Choopan.
How Will Choopan’s Absence Shape the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
Choopan’s absence leaves room for new threats to emerge as title contenders in Las Vegas. Among those who could benefit most is Nick Walker. Choopan and Walker are known for freaky conditioning levels that are hard to match. With one less contender to deal with, “The Mutant” could easily improve on his sixth-place performance from last season.
Choopan’s physique also matches up well with Walker’s and Derek Lunsford’s shorter builds. Now, there are greater concerns about whether taller athletes like Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked can overpower the stockier contenders and take over the podium.
Martin Fitzwater is another big name who could capitalize on Choopan’s withdrawal. Additionally, other athletes, including Behrooz Tabani, Michal Krizanek, and Tonio Burton, could use the opportunity to jump up the ladder.
Fortunately, Choopan has made it clear this isn’t the end of his bodybuilding journey. It will be interesting to see how the 2026 Mr. Olympia unfolds from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
