Dutch bodybuilding mass monster Roelly Winklaar hasn’t completely turned his back on competing. On the January 30, 2025 episode of The Menace Podcast, he discussed the possibility of a comeback at 47 and gave his top six Open picks for the 2025 Arnold Classic.
From 2009 to 2021, Roelly Winklaar dominated as a premier Men’s Open competitor. He was known for his horseshoe triceps and massive legs, which catapulted him into the limelight as an IFBB Pro. Having tested his will at Mr. Olympia 10 times, his experience and muscularity made him one of the most imposing talents to step on stage.
Winklaar stacked up well against contemporaries in the Men’s Open. At one point, he gave the late Shawn Rhoden all he could handle at the 2018 Mr. Olympia contest. He cracked the first callout at this event, took third place, and walked away with the coveted Olympia People’s Champ Award.
While he’s downsized since stepping away from the stage in 2021 (Romania Pro 9th Place), that hasn’t stopped fans from discussing a possible return to action. Even Winklaar himself has emphasized that he has not officially retired.
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Roelly Winklaar Talks Possible Comeback Plans, Gives Top 6 Open Picks for 2025 Arnold Classic
In a recent YouTube video, Winklaar made it clear that, unless he can defeat the previous packages he’s brought to the stage, he won’t return to bodybuilding.
“You know, I tell myself how I was last [time], If I’m not going to beat that, I’ll never go on stage. We bodybuilders, you know… we are always hungry to go on a stage. Even everybody wants the challenge, oh I feel good, I want to be on stage. Maybe someday if I feel so good, maybe, you never know,” he explains.
Dennis James encouraged his return, revealing that he had held on to the size and definition in his legs.
“You look like you’re still in your early 30s, for you, this does not even apply, age doesn’t even matter because you don’t look 47, you don’t feel 47, and therefore, I think for you, I think because I saw a video if I’m not mistaken I think it’s on your page, even your legs are back. You have a good set of legs to match your upper body,” shared Dennis James.
Winklaar shot down the idea of competing at the 2025 Masters Olympia.
“No, the guys are good man,” Winklaar said.
“You don’t think you can beat these guys?” asks James.
“No,” Winklaar said.
He explained that he doesn’t feel comfortable enough to compete in a show like the Masters Olympia.
“I don’t feel that comfortable yet,” says Winklaar. “I’m exactly using nothing, exactly nothing. I just eat good. Just train for the fun now. Try to be good with everything.”
Roelly Winklaar’s 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Top 6 Picks
Below, you can find Roelly Winklaar’s official picks for the 2025 Arnold Classic:
- Winner — Samson Dauda
- Second Place — Derek Lunsford
- Third Place — Andrew Jacked
- Fourth Place — Brandon Curry
- Fifth Place — Shaun Clarida
- Sixth Place — William Bonac
Still maintaining his signature muscle mass, fans would love to see Winklaar mount a comeback. Previously, he mentioned that shoulder surgery got in the way of him potentially returning. If that injury has healed up, perhaps we could see him back doing what he does best in due time.
Watch the full video from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel below:
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