Bodybuilder Urs Kalecinski is mapping out his next plan of attack in the Open class. On Feb. 15, 2026, he opened up about his future contest plans, targeting the Pittsburgh and New York Pro. Additionally, his coach, Stefan Kienzl, provided his top four Open picks for the upcoming Arnold Classic.
“When you want to go to the top, you need to challenge the top. As Arnold said. Think big: that’s how it goes,” said Stefan Kienzl.
Urs Kalecinski raised eyebrows when he announced his foray into the Open class. Some thought he wouldn’t have the size; others thought his aesthetics wouldn’t translate onstage. Neither was true. Kalecinski bulked up to over 260 pounds and presented a shredded physique to win back-to-back contests (2025 Promuscle Italy Pro & Europa Pro Championships).
Despite being a relative newcomer to the Men’s Open, he didn’t fold under pressure at the Olympia. “The Miracle Bear” boasted one of the best posing routines of the night, helping him secure 13th place. With the 2026 bodybuilding season underway, he previewed what might lie ahead for him and his budding career.
Urs Kalecinski Reveals Next Contests in 2026
In the video, Kienzl discussed Kalecinski’s thought process behind competing often. They teased that his next pair of shows will come at the stacked Pittsburgh and New York Pro, two of the most highly respected contests on the IFBB Pro League calendar.
“Bodybuilding is about competing, and the bodybuilder who doesn’t compete is not a bodybuilder, or at least not a competitive bodybuilder. The schedule of the show is as it is, would I’ve liked to have it one or two months later? Probably yes, but it is what it is. You are not the guy who hides from the favorites. You are a guy who challenges the favorites. That’s why you’re going to Pittsburgh and New York,”
“Let’s go,” replied Kalecinski.
Stefan Kienzl’s Top 4 Favorites for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Find his top picks from the video below (in no particular order):
- Martin Fitzwater
- Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea
- Hadi Choopan
- Nick Walker
It’s incredible that in just three shows, Kalecinski has garnered massive hype for himself in the Men’s Open class. It’s not imaginary; legitimate bodybuilding legends are getting behind him. Recently, former four-time Olympia champ Jay Cutler suggested that Kalecinski would one day win the Open Mr. Olympia title.
“I really, truly think, in time, you can win Mr. Olympia in the Open,” said Jay Cutler.
If Kalecinski makes it to the Pittsburgh and New York Pro, it’ll be a great opportunity to test himself against elite-level talent. That could pay dividends if he manages to qualify and compete at the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
Watch the full video from the Stefan Kienzl YouTube channel below:
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