Traditionally, the annual kickoff to the Olympia Weekend was the Thursday press conference, which featured some of the elite competitors from each division in Las Vegas. This is the last chance for the superstars to share their thoughts with the fans watching online, and with each other, before the prejudice begins.
Olympia President Dan Solomon opened the event by expressing gratitude for the best of the best in Las Vegas, including Men’s Open athlete Behrooz Tabani, who has been unable to enter the United States for three years. Solomon said moments like this are why they work so hard to ensure the Olympia stage is there for the best to compete.
“That’s what it’s all about,” says Solomon.
Notable guests such as former Olympia winners Phil Heath, Chris Bumstead and Flex Lewis also graced the stage with their presence. They all shared words of inspiration for the fans and the current crop of athletes.
When it came time for the sport’s current stars to speak, they were questioned by panelists Fouad Abiad, Terrick El Guindy, Dennis James and eight-time Ms. Olympia Lenda Murray.
The main event will feature four Sandow Trophy holders: Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford and reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda. These four superstars joined host Bob Cicherillo to kick off the conference.
Lunsford already made history by winning the Pittsburgh Pro men’s first open title. Earlier this year he also won the Arnold Classic. He wants to complete the triple crown by grabbing another Sandow. Some fans and pundits don’t think this is possible, but Lunsford turned the story in his favor.
“If they believe in you, you can’t shock them.”
Like Lunsford and Curry, Choopan wants to be the second man to regain the title after losing it. He summarized his prediction in one sentence.
“I brought my best version and I believe I will be the last to leave the stage.”
Meanwhile, Curry is making his 13th Olympia appearance this year. Despite finishing ninth last year, he’s not alone in Las Vegas to compete.
“I think it will be very competitive, and I think the judges will have a hard time figuring out what to do with me on stage,” he said. “I think I still have all the tools needed to become a champion.”
However, the reigning champion made it clear that he wants nothing less than a second world title. All he focused on this year was bringing the conditioning the judges want.
“I’m ready to show that tomorrow night,” Dauda told the crowd. Cicherillo continued by asking what the other champions could do to stop them.
“They can’t do anything,” replied the champion
Then there were contenders looking for their first Olympia title. Martin Fitzwater, Andrew Jacked, Tabani, Urs Kalecinski and Nick Walker took to the stage to make their case for why they will be named champions this weekend.
Walker returns to the Olympia for the first time since 2022. He came third then, but said he is winning this year.
“I’ve beaten all these guys before and I expect to do it again Saturday night.”
Fitzwater finished fourth in 2024, but failed to win in Pittsburgh earlier this year. He said he’s more intense and pissed off than ever before, and that’s how he started this prep.
“You’re going to see the best Martin you’ve ever seen,” he told the audience.
Tobani makes his Olympia debut. El Guindy asked him where he thinks he will stand. Before you reply, can you express your appreciation for being here?
“This is the best day of my life,” he exclaimed. “I’m so happy and ready to show my best.”
Kalecinski came to the Open after living in Classic Physique. He has entered his new category long after winning his first two shows and plans to prove why he is ‘The Miracle Bear’.
“This will be very exciting. I want to show all the younger Classic boys that it is possible.”
Jacked came last, but said despite being largely ignored, he has a great spot for the Sandow Trophy.
“Right above my TV in my room.”
“The Mutant” closed out the Men’s Open portion with a solid claim.
“Nick Walker will be Mr Olympia on Saturday night.”
The full press conference can be viewed on the Olympia Productions website. Stay tuned to M&F and follow us on Instagram as we report on the biggest fitness weekend of the year. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive other scoops and stories you won’t see anywhere else.
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