The top bodybuilders in the world will ascend on Las Vegas to try to become the next Mr. Olympia.
Not only is this the biggest international bodybuilding event in the world, it also comes with a hefty purse for the top finishers. Although the 2016 prize money hasn't yet been released, Phil Heath took home $400,000 with his win a year ago, with each of the top three earning over $100,000, according to Muscle Phone.
The entire weekend expo features a wide variety of activities from autograph sessions to martial arts competitions. There are also different levels of bodybuilding, with trophies handed out for winners in the Fitness Olympia, Bikini Olympia, 212 and more.
Still, Mr. Olympia represents the main event as the best of the best in the sport. Here is a look at what else you need to know heading into the highly anticipated event.
Event Schedule
Mr. Olympia Judging
When: Friday, Sept. 16
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Mr. Olympia Finals
When: Saturday, Sept. 17
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Top Contenders
Phil Heath
Betting against the top competitor in the world would not be smart. In a sport where champions have extended runs, Heath is trying to put his name near the best WHO have ever competed.
The 36-year-old athlete has won the last five Mr. Olympia competitions, the first one to accomplish that feat since Ronnie Coleman had eight from 1998-2005. Only Coleman, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates and Arnold Schwarzenegger have more career titles than The Gift.
Although age might be starting to become a factor, Heath is still the best in the world and doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.
If he is going to lose, it will take a superior effort from someone.
Kai Greene
The only man who could have stopped Heath a year ago was banned from the competition. Kai Greene explained his thoughts on the organization's decision in a video released at the time, via SportAct:
You don’t get this far, you don’t get to this point, and just stop. It doesn’t happen like that. I am not a victim, I’m not a...they ain’t gonna break me. And I don’t wanna speak negatively to anybody. I don’t wanna speak negatively about anything else. Let me just say that there’s more going on than, than I’m able to say.
The good news is he is back and ready to finally contend for a title. Greene has been a runner-up to Heath in his last three competitions before missing the 2015 finals, but he is ready to move to the top of the podium.
So far in 2016, Greene has wins at the Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Australia and Arnold Classic Brazil.
If he can keep up his momentum, we might be looking at a new champion.
Dexter Jackson
It's impossible to ever keep Dexter Jackson out of the conversation after his continued success at this level.
The veteran surprised many with a win at the 2008 Mr. Olympia and turned some heads last year as well with his second-place finish behind Heath.
Greg Merritt of Flex explained what makes him such a tough person to beat:
At 46, Jackson’s remarkable consistency is his greatest attribute and, in a duel with Heath, a liability. He’s perpetually on, even if he’s not as high-def as he was a decade ago, and he always has enough size to contend. ...He can’t beat Heath when Heath is on, but if the champ is off, Jackson, the 12th Mr. O, might be the safest choice to retake the throne.
It's tough to expect Heath to falter, but Jackson is good enough to at least finish in the top three, even at his age.
Predictions: 1. Phil Heath, 2. Kai Greene, 3. Dexter Jackson
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