The Olympia Champions Seminar aired on Oct. 12, 2025, after the epic conclusion of the 61st Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend. During the ceremony, Dan Solomon confirmed that the 2026 Mr. Olympia will remain in Las Vegas. However, he teased a different, brand-new venue to be announced soon.
“We’re making some moves next year that are going to create those opportunities and I’m very excited to share that with you.”
Over $2 million was divided among 11 IFBB Pro League divisions at the Mr. Olympia this year. The stakes were as high as ever, as returning Men’s Open champion Samson Dauda gave it his all in hopes of walking away as a two-time winner. Unfortunately, his aspirations were stopped by a surging Derek Lunsford, who won back his title.
While some fans were critical of the venue lighting during prejudging inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, the finals seemed to go over much more smoothly, which took place in the Resorts World Theatre. Those concerns won’t be on the Olympia radar in 2026. Dan Solomon, along with the Mr. Olympia brand, has promised a bigger, more spacious venue on the horizon, capable of holding boatloads of hardcore fans.
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Dan Solomon Confirms 2026 Mr. Olympia Staying In Las Vegas, Teases New, Bigger Venue
During the Olympia Champions Seminar, Solomon confirmed that the Mr. Olympia will remain in Las Vegas, but will have a different venue in 2026.
“I’m going to tell you something now: I’m going to tell you that the Olympia is going to stay in Las Vegas next year. I’m also going to tell you that it’s not going to be here [at this venue].
Next week or so we’re going to announce where it’s going to be and I think you guys will be really pleased because what we do is we always try to figure out ways to put more people in the building.”
He explained that the reason for his move is to accommodate more fans and open the doors for them to witness the Olympia in person.
“We also want to create more ways to put people in the building at different price points. This building is expensive. We understand that. It’s a major commitment to come out here.
The tickets are expensive, the venue is smaller, which forces us to have to create pricing that isn’t friendly for everybody. You guys are fortunate to be able to be here and not everyone can and it’s important to all of us.”
There have been continuous talks about moving the Mr. Olympia overseas, as some argue, such as Shawn Ray that a location like Dubai, might even help boost the prize money. It would also help further grow the Olympia brand so it can continue to expand its global footprint.
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has expressed interest in changes at the Olympia, too. He would like to see post-event press conferences, where the winners and losers come face to face with each other after battling, similar to the UFC and WWE.
With a bigger venue in the works, the Mr. Olympia looks primed to have another massive year in the sport, helping showcase the best bodybuilding talents in existence. Dan Solomon is confident it will help grow bodybuilding to even greater heights.
Related: Samson Dauda Issues Statement After Shocking Drop to 4th at 2025 Mr. Olympia: “This Isn’t The End”
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