The conclusion of the 2024 Olympia has set the stage for bodybuilders to gear up for their efforts to qualify for next year’s prestigious event.
The qualification window kicked off on September 16 and will close on September 14, 2025. Unlike previous seasons, where accumulating points was possible, since 2022, the IFBB has abolished the points-based qualification for all divisions except Wheelchair Bodybuilding. As a result, athletes must now clinch a victory in a sanctioned contest within this period to secure their place at bodybuilding’s pinnacle event.
This year’s guidelines have changed, and staying informed is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a new entrant ready to make your mark, understanding these qualification parameters is your first step toward triumph.
- Gain insights into qualification criteria.
- Learn about the crucial timelines and deadlines.
- Discover the updated rules that could impact your journey to Olympia 2025.
Critical Dates for the 2025 Olympia Qualification Season
- Start date: September 16, 2024
- End date: September 14, 2025
Methods of Qualification for 2025 Olympia
The following competitors qualify for the 2025 Olympia:
1. For all Divisions except Wheelchair Bodybuilding
- Top 3 from the 2024 Mr Olympia;
- Top 3 from all other 2024 Olympia divisions; and
- Winner of each OPEN contest held during the qualification period.
If you’ve won an Olympia title, you have lifetime eligibility to compete in the same division, which is a unique benefit. However, if more than five years have passed since you last won, you’ll need approval from the IFBB Pro League before you can participate again.
For instance, consider Brandon Curry, who clinched the Mr. Olympia title in 2019. By 2025, it will have been over five years, so he must either secure IFBB approval or triumph in a qualifying event to reclaim his spot.
Another straightforward pathway to the 2025 Olympia is for the top three competitors in each of the 11 pro divisions at the 2024 Olympia. Their top-three finish guarantees qualification, regardless of their outcomes in other competitions. Notably, their Olympia qualifications are secure even if they compete in additional pro events and fall short.
Moreover, if you win any IFBB Pro League event during the qualifying season, you earn an automatic berth at the Olympia. Here’s a critical point: if an already qualified athlete triumphs again, no additional spots are offered to other competitors. This heightens the stakes for every contest throughout the season.
On rare occasions, unique invitations from either the IFBB Pro League or Olympia organizers recognize remarkable athletes, often in acknowledgment of their contributions or exceptional circumstances. Noteworthy examples include Kevin Levrone, who was invited back from retirement for the 2016 Mr. Olympia, and Flex Lewis, who extended an invitation for the 2020 Mr. Olympia, though an injury sidelined him.
2. For Wheelchair Bodybuilding
- Top 3 from the 2024 Wheelchair Olympia;
- Winner of each OPEN contest held during the qualification period and
- Top 5 in the point standings
In the Men’s Wheelchair division, the points-based qualification system remains in place. Pro show winners automatically secure their spot, while other top contenders accumulate points. The five athletes with the highest points, excluding winners, qualify for the Olympia.
Points are allocated as follows:
- 2nd – 10 points
- 3rd – 9 points
- 4th – 8 points
- 5th – 7 points
This system guarantees a well-rounded lineup of elite athletes.
Notable Changes and Consistencies
- The qualification system for 2025 is broadly similar to 2024, offering consistency and transparency for competitors.
- Other divisions, except for Men’s Wheelchair, have eliminated the points system, streamlining the path to qualification.
Why Qualification Matters
Securing a place in the Olympia goes beyond prestige; it showcases an athlete’s relentless consistency, exceptional skill, and sheer dominance during the competitive season. With limited pathways to qualify, only top-tier athletes earn the honor of competing on the Olympia stage.
Individuals who have already earned their qualification
Here’s who has already secured their spot for the 2025 Olympia in each of the 11 divisions.
2025 QUALIFIED: MR. OLYMPIA
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Samson Dauda (UK)
Hadi Choopan (Iran)
Derek Lunsford (USA)
Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
Martin Fitzwater (USA)
2025 QUALIFIED: 212 OLYMPIA
Zhaofeng He (China)
Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy)
Keone Pearson (USA)
Shaun Clarida (USA)
Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
Vitor Alves Porto De Oliveira (Brazil)
Iurii Sologub (Russia)
Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria)
Ahmad Ashkanani (Kuwait)
Kerrith Bajjo (USA)
2025 QUALIFIED: CLASSIC PHYSIQUE OLYMPIA
Michael Daboul (Kuwait)
Miguel Malimo (Mozambique)
Franklyn Audu (Canada)
Damien Patrick (USA)
Andrea Mammoli (Italy)
Chris Bumstead (Canada)
Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
Justin Badurina (USA)
Yemi Adefioye (United Kingdom)
Ramon Rocha Queiroz (Brazil)
Luca Reger (Germany)
Josema Munoz (Spain)
Fanni Fuadi (Indonesia)
Daryn Shirbayev (Kazakhstan)
Zhivko Petkov (Bulgaria)
Jaehun Park (South Korea)
Fabio Junio (Brazil)
Kyrylo Khadaiev (USA)
Kenny Moreira (Brazil)
Richard Nagy (Hungary)
Sabur Favors (USA)
Patrick Teutsch (Germany)
Seonghun Park (South Korea)
Jesus Rodriguez Sendra (Spain)
2025 QUALIFIED: MEN’S PHYSIQUE
Riccardo Croci (Italy)
Alexander Rogers (USA)
Felipe Goncalves (Brazil)
Jinbo Li (China)
Bong Seok Choi (South Korea)
Benquil Marigny (USA)
Jefferson Lima (Brazil)
Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
Ryan Terry (United Kingdom)
Ali Bilal (Afghanistan)
Erin Banks (USA)
Mehdi Kabbadj (USA)
Jason Huynh (USA)
Yemi Awoyemi (United Kingdom)
Joven Sagabain (Philippines)
Isai Kesek (Indonesia)
Emile Walker (United Kingdom)
Juxian He (China)
Rafael Oliveira (Brazil)
Victor Ramirez (Venezuela)
Titus Mbayoh (Canada)
Omar Suleiman (United Kingdom)
Rhyan Clark (USA)
Corey Morris (USA)
Sidy Pouye (Spain)
2025 QUALIFIED: WHEELCHAIR OLYMPIA
Harold Kelley (USA)
Kevin Secundino (France)
Karol Milewski (Poland)
2025 QUALIFIED: MS. OLYMPIA
Andrea Shaw (USA)
Angela Yeo (USA)
Ashley Lynnette Jones (USA)Ashley Lynnette Jones USA
Anastasia Korableva (Romania)
2025 QUALIFIED: FITNESS OLYMPIA
Allison Kramer (USA)
Missy Truscott (USA)
Jaclyn Baker (USA)
Taylor Learmont (Canada)
Tamara Vahn (Canada)
Jessica Zehr (Canada)
2025 QUALIFIED: FIGURE OLYMPIA
Jennifer Zienert (Germany)
Natalia Soltero (Mexico)
Nadine Claudia Huber (Germany)
Rejoice Godwin (Spain)
Adela Ondrejovicova (Slovakia)
Cydney Gillon (USA)
Jessica Reyes Padilla (Puerto Rico)
Lola Montez (Canada)
Ayra Bahar (Germany)
Maria Diaz (USA)
Chelsea Mooney (Canada)
Lena Ramsteiner (Germany)
2025 QUALIFIED: BIKINI OLYMPIA
Deanna Dang (USA)
Iulia Baba (Romania)
Jordan Brannon (USA)
Zsofia Molnar (Hungary)
Sara Choi (South Korea)
Ashley Hampton (USA)
Jess Feeney (Ireland)
Lauralie Chapados (Canada)
Ashley Kaltwasser (USA)
Jasmine Gonzalez (USA)
Adair Libbrecht (Canada)
Patrizia Vaccaro (Italy)
Vania Auguste (USA)
Eugenia Shatova (Russia)
Ivi Escandar (Spain)
Nittaya Kongthun (Thailand)
Adrianna Kaczmarek (Poland)
Mirian Barbosa (Brazil)
Lacy Rutland (USA)
Kerry Sexton (United Kingdom)
Lawna Dunbar (USA)
Valeria Fedorenko (Ukraine)
Wu Bi (China)
Taylor Crowell (USA)
Sara Punzetti (Italy)
Ndeye Ndour (USA)
Uyanga Bataa (Mongolia)
2025 QUALIFIED: WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE OLYMPIA
Elena Aviles Romero (Spain)
Evon Pennington (USA)
Sarah Villegas (USA)
Natalia Abraham Coelho (USA)
Sheronica Henton (USA)
Caroline Alves Dos Santos (Brazil)
Trisha Pollydore (Canada)
2025 QUALIFIED: WELLNESS OLYMPIA
Lisa Meiswinkel (Germany)
Alicia Romero (Spain)
Isabelle Nunes (Brazil)
Francielle Mattos (Brazil)
Eduarda Bezerra (Brazil)
Giselle Machado (Brazil)
Karol Borrero (Colombia)
Sina Maria Teresa (Angola)
Maria Rita Penteado (USA)
Jade Cristaldo (Spain)
Closing Thoughts
The 2025 Olympia is gearing up to be a showcase of top-tier bodybuilding talent. It will feature a carefully crafted qualification process that ensures only the most exceptional athletes make it to the stage. Whether you’re a seasoned winner, a leading contender, or an emerging pro, the journey to Olympia requires unmatched dedication and commitment.
For athletes and enthusiasts, the road to the Olympia embodies the essence of competitive bodybuilding: an unwavering quest for excellence. As the season unfolds, keep an eye out for the official competition dates and upcoming news.
