Fans will have to wait a while longer to see one of bodybuilding’s hottest prospects back on stage. In a recent Instagram post, Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera announced his withdrawal from the nearing 2024 Arnold Classic due to visa issues. The show takes place from February 29 to March 3.
It didn’t take long for Rubiel Mosquera to make his grand entrance into the IFBB Pro League. Hailing from a rival federation, Mosquera’s combination of tree-trunk legs and muscularity made him an instant standout despite his lack of experience as a Pro. Having earned his Pro card at the recent Amateur EVLS Prague show, Mosquera turned around a day later to test himself against top-tier talent.
Ultimately, the Columbian mass monster took third place at the EVLS Prague Pro behind Michal Krizanek and Samson Duada in a highly successful debut. The intrigue surrounding his bodybuilding future heated up again after organizers for the 2024 Arnold Classic revealed the competitors list. While Mosquera’s name has now been removed, fans anticipate a firefight between frontrunners — defending champ Samson Dauda and former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan.
Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera Out of 2024 Arnold Classic Due to Visa Issues
In addition to Andrew Jacked’s sudden removal from the event, Rubiel Mosquera joins him as the latest Open star to bow out of the second-most prestigious contest of the year.
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“Important Update: Due to unexpected visa challenges and my readiness, I’m stepping back from competing at @arnoldsports in Ohio, USA this year.
My sincerest apologies to @arnoldsports and all my supporters. My journey to the stage is on hold, but the dream lives on. 🌟 Grateful for your endless support, and looking forward to sharing my journey to the stage soon!” Rubiel Mosquera shared.
Garnering comparisons to Victor Richards and the former eight-time Mr. Olympia kingpin Ronnie Coleman, it’s clear the bodybuilding community has quickly taken notice of Rubiel Mosquera’s staggering size and potential. He is currently being trained by bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier, who has suggested that Mosquera can already defeat Nick Walker in a couple of mandatory poses.
Visa issues were unfortunately par for the course in 2023 with many high-caliber talents forced out of contests. Behrooz Tabani, who has qualified for the 2022 and 2023 Olympia events, was unable to travel to the US due to visa issues. It remains to be seen if Iranian native and bodybuilding champion Hadi Choopan will have trouble gaining US entry.
The show must go on and assuming Hadi Choopan touches down on US soil, the bodybuilding world will be in for an epic rematch. The live stream will be free of charge, and fans are excited to see ‘The Persian Wolf’ take on Samson Dauda as it will paint a clearer picture of what’s to come at 2024 Olympia.
RELATED: Nick Walker on Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera: “I’m A Fan Dude, I Think He’s Fuc**ng Awesome”
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