It’s been years since we’ve seen bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest on stage, but that could change soon. On January 27, 2025, Priest revealed that he renewed his IFBB Pro card for the 2025 bodybuilding season, leading fans to spread rumors about his possible return.
During the prime years of his career, Lee Priest was a force to be reckoned with. He sported some of the most impressive arms in the sport, regardless of the bodybuilding era. Even at 19 years old, mainstays of the Men’s Open such as former four-time Olympia Jay Cutler, have claimed that nobody had a physique that ‘could blow your mind’ like Lee Priest.
Throughout his tenure, Priest tested himself against titans of the sport, including eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman. At one point, Priest defeated him in competition, which Coleman described as the ‘lowest’ moment of his bodybuilding career.
Before sailing off into the sunset, Priest amassed three victories in a row. He won gold at the 2006 NOC New York and PDI Night of Champions before clinching the title at the NABBA Mr. Universe in 2013. At 52 years old, he remains in stellar shape, which has led the bodybuilding world to wonder, will we see him back on stage this year?
Lee Priest Reinstates His IFBB Pro Card, Fans Question If He Plans to Make Comeback
In a recent Instagram post, Lee Priest revealed that he renewed his IFBB Pro card.
Fans were quick to give their two cents on the rumors surrounding Priest’s return.
“He’s finally coming out?!” one user posted.
“Why on earth does he want to compete at his age…” shared another.
“Lee’s comeback would break social media” stated Ron Harris.
“Masters Olympia???😮” an onlooker commented.
“Master Olympia 🔥🔥🔥🔥” another shared.
“He could easily get back on stage any day of the week. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid!” one person shared.
Interestingly, it just so happens that the prestigious Masters Olympia contest is returning for the 2025 bodybuilding season. As of this writing, the Masters Olympia event is slated to take place August 9-10 in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. The last Masters Olympia event in 2023 featured the Men’s Open category with former 212 Olympia Kamal Elgargni winning gold.
Also of note: the IFBB Pro League issued a new ruling on inactive competitors, revealing that if you choose to not register, your Pro card could be revoked, especially after three years of inactivity. So it’s possible Priest is simply renewing his Pro card so his status isn’t revoked.
While Lee Priest has yet to make a formal statement on whether he plans to compete or not, that hasn’t stopped fans from talking about his return to the stage. Should he confirm that he plans to compete imminently, Fitness Volt will keep you up to date on his next move!
RELATED: 2025 IFBB Pro League Official Contest Schedule Released
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