Men's 212 Olympia 2025 Preview: who will take the throne?

As the date for one of the world's most prestigious bodybuilding competitions, Men's 212 Olympia 2025, which will take place from October 9-12 in Las Vegas, draws closer, tensions are mounting. The 212 category is known for its incredible muscle density and superior conditioning, where despite the lower weight limit we see some of the best physiques on the scene.

The current king of this division is two-time champion Keone Pearson, who dethroned then reigning champion Shaun Clarida in 2023. Will he manage to complete the hat-trick this year, or will we be in for a surprise? Let's take a look at the biggest favourites and dark horses of the competition.

The main favourites

• Keone Pearson (USA): The defending champion is determined to continue his dominance. His symmetry and muscular fullness make him the clear favourite. He showed in 2023 and 2024 that he is at the top of his form, and everyone is eagerly awaiting what form he will come up with this year.
• Shaun Clarida (USA): The former two-time champion, nicknamed "The Giant Killer", is definitely not going to go down without a fight. Clarida is known for his incredible conditioning and vascularity. After a third place finish at the Prague Pro in the open category and a seventh place finish at the Arnold Classic 2025, it's clear that he's still a huge threat.

Other strong contenders

• Vitor Alves Porto De Oliveira (Brazil): This Brazilian placed a great 5th place at Olympia last year and secured qualification this year by winning the Musclecontest Brazil Pro 2024. His form is steadily increasing and he could shuffle the cards significantly.
• Kerrith Bajjo (USA): The Japan Pro 2024 winner and seventh man from the Texas Pro 2025 in the open category is another strong name in the starting field. Bajjo is known for her massive physique and constant improvement.

Other names to watch include:

• Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy): winner of the Balkan Grand Prix Pro 2024.
• Francisco Barrios Zlk (Brazil): Winner of the prestigious New York Pro 2025.
• Ahmad Ashkanani (Kuwait).
• Mazin Al Rahbi (Oman).

The 212 Olympia category has a rich history, dominated by legends like seven-time champion Flex Lewis and 2021 winner Derek Lunsford, who later moved to the open category and won there as well.

The competition will be available to watch online via pay-per-view. For bodybuilding fans, it's a unique opportunity to see the best of the best battle it out for the title.

Who will be the Men's 212 Olympia 2025 champion? Will it be Keone Pearson again, will Shaun Clarida return to the throne, or will we see a new king? We'll find out soon enough!