Bilal stands out as the on-paper favorite heading into New York. In 2025, he claimed gold at the 2025 Arnold Classic against Erin Banks, showcasing his signature dry conditioning. However, in the contest’s aftermath, Bilal took issue with Arnold Schwarzenegger calling board shorts ‘bogus.’ As a result, he’s decided to boycott future events.
Since then, Bilal impressed en route to a silver medal finish at the 2025 Olympia. He pushed reigning three-time Men’s Physique Olympia Ryan Terry, proving that he could stand against the best in the world. Bilal is hedging his bets to ensure he becomes Olympia qualified. He announced imminent plans to compete at the New York Pro and Pittsburgh Pro.
It won’t be a cakewalk for Ali Bilal. He’ll have to once again get through former 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia champ Erin Banks. Banks is known for his back width and stature, which could be problematic for Bilal if his conditioning isn’t top-notch. With the event just a few days away, Bilal gave fans a sneak peek into what he’s bringing to the stage.
Men’s Physique Frontrunner Ali Bilal Shares Diced Physique Update 1 Week from 2026 New York Pro
Check out his update from Instagram below:
“1 week out from New York Pro 🏆 2 weeks out from Pittsburgh Pro 🏆” Ali Bilal shared.
Bodybuilders and fans reacted to Bilal’s update in the comment section:
“Absolutely peeled. Insane work, Ali 👏” Jeremy Buendia said.
“Shredded” Jay Cutler wrote.
“My boi”
“Finish the job bro 🔥 🥇”
“The champ of Pittsburgh New York and MR 🅾️ 2026”
“Wow 😯 the job is finish bro inshallah👏🔥”
“You look insane bro🫡🔥🔥🔥”
This won’t be a new path to the Mr. Olympia for Bilal. Back in 2024, the rising star laid claim to dominant victories at the Pittsburgh and New York Pro. Having taken runner-up to Terry for the last two years, time will tell if Bilal can capture the sport’s most prestigious title in Las Vegas.
Making matters more complicated, athletes from the Men’s Physique category must win two Pro shows to qualify for the Mr. Olympia, or place within the top 25 in point standings. These new rules were announced by the IFBB Pro League for the 2026 bodybuilding season.
One thing seems clear: conditioning won’t be an issue for Bilal when he makes his way to the East Coast. The 2026 New York Pro takes place May 8-9 in Teaneck, New Jersey.
