Former 2019 Men’s 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni is gearing up for a return. On Dec. 10, 2025, he set his sights on the 2026 Tampa Pro and discussed training with Open star Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea.
Kamal Elgargni made it clear that he intends to hit the stage sooner rather than later. In his last contest appearance, he was crowned the 2023 Masters Olympia champion. Through the years, he’s shown he can best top-tier talent, from Derek Lunsford and Shaun Clarida to reigning 212 Olympia Keone Pearson.
“I didn’t quit. I still want to compete,” he shared. “Yeah, maybe even next year.”
Elgargni was forced out of the 2023 Olympia due to a family emergency. His brother’s cancer diagnosis led him to spend extra time with his family. Looking ahead, it seems the former 212 titleholder is eying another run up the ladder.
Kamal Elgargni Wants a Win at 2026 Tampa Pro, Talks Pushing Andrew Jacked in Training
In the Cutler Cast Podcast, Elgargni confirmed his sights are set on winning the 2026 Tampa Pro.
“I want to win Tampa Pro. That show is like home. I competed in Tampa after six months I moved here. As soon as I came out onstage, the feeling from the crowd, I felt like I was born here, to be honest, the love from the crowd, it’s crazy.”
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He also opened up about training with Jacked at MI40. According to Elgargni, Jacked has the potential to win five Mr. Olympia titles before his career ends.
He said to me, we’re thinking Andrew Jacked, [he wants to train with you], what do you think? He chose three guys. He trusts whatever; he gave those three names to Andrew, and Andrew said, well, he wants to go with Kamal. Tell him to come, I said it’s fine.”
“We will try to help him,” said Elgargni. “We’ve been training MI40, me and them. He came and we started with him. We tried to help him, to push him. Come on, the guy knows how to train.”
Cutler was worried that Jacked might struggle with Elgargni’s signature training intensity:
“When Chris brought it up to me, I was a little nervous for Andrew, to be honest. Because you have a heavy reputation for burying guys in the training sessions,” said Cutler.
“Yes, I know, but to be honest, I’m not that kind of person,” Elgargni said.
Elgargni has options heading into next year. Having won gold in the Open at his last contest, he could choose to either return to a 212 or Men’s Open contest. Other 212 Olympia champions have found success in the Open, like Clarida, who recently won the Japan Pro crown.
Though his plans aren’t set in stone, it looks like we could see Elgargni standing onstage soon. He hopes to win the 2026 Tampa Pro when the show takes place from July 30 to Aug. 1.
RELATED: Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker And Kamal Elgargni Build Roadmap Backs In Prep For 2022 Olympia
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