Imagine the roar of the crowd in Las Vegas as elite bodybuilders step onto the stage, their muscles sculpted to perfection, vying for glory in one of the most intense divisions of the sport. That's the electrifying scene unfolding at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, and if you're a fan of raw power and precision, the Men's 212 Bodybuilding class is where the real drama hits its peak—especially with reigning champ Keone Pearson looking unstoppable. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Pearson's laser focus on building a dynasty in this division holding him back from conquering the bigger stage? Stick around, and we'll dive into the prejudging action that could redefine his legacy.
The Joe Weider’s 2025 Fitness and Performance Olympia Weekend kicked off officially from October 9th through 12th in the dazzling city of Las Vegas, Nevada. On October 10th, at 9:30 a.m. PST, the Men's 212 Bodybuilding contenders faced off during prejudging inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. For those new to the world of bodybuilding, prejudging is like the opening act of a championship fight—it's where judges get up close and personal, evaluating poses, muscle definition, and overall presentation before the finals. This helps narrow down the field and builds anticipation for the main event.
Men’s 212 Bodybuilding is basically a scaled-down version of the prestigious Men’s Open division. Think of it as the 'lite' edition, but don't be fooled—it's still all about supreme conditioning, impressive muscle mass, and those perfectly balanced proportions that make a physique look like a living work of art. Conditioning here means razor-sharp muscle separation and low body fat, so every vein and striation pops under the lights. Mass refers to the sheer size and volume of the muscles, while balanced proportions ensure no part of the body overshadows another, creating a harmonious, aesthetic package. Flex Lewis, a legendary figure in the sport (check out his profile at FitnessVolt.com), dominated this division for years, securing seven straight Olympia titles from 2012 to 2018. His reign set a high bar, proving that consistency and peak form can turn a competitor into an icon.
Fast-forward to the present, and Keone Pearson—affectionately known as 'The Prodigy'—has firmly gripped the 212 crown. He snatched it away from Shaun Clarida in 2023 and successfully defended it in 2024, showcasing his incredible dedication and talent. Many in the bodybuilding community believe he's primed and ready to make the leap to the Men’s Open, where the competition is even fiercer and the physiques even more colossal. (For more on this, read our piece about Dennis James discussing Pearson's Mr. Olympia future and the 2025 Arnold Classic.) Yet, Pearson himself has kept his sights squarely on cementing a dynasty in the 212 class. And this is the part most people miss: Is staying put a strategic masterstroke for long-term dominance, or is it a missed opportunity to chase ultimate glory? It's a debate that divides fans—some argue loyalty to a division builds legacy, while others say ambition demands bigger challenges. What do you think? Should Pearson stick to his current path, or is it time to level up?
During the final callout, Shaun Clarida brought his signature granite-like hardness to the stage, delivering a front double biceps pose that was arguably his best yet. But Keone Pearson countered with sheer mass that impressed from every angle, his quadriceps flexing powerfully in the comparisons. Adding to the excitement, Nihat Kaya and Lucas Garcia presented their own standout packages, full of symmetry and definition. As the prejudging wrapped up, it's anyone's guess whether Pearson can clinch yet another title defense in the finals—time will reveal all!
For a closer look at the action, here's the breakdown of the callouts from the 212 Olympia Pre-Judging:
First callout:
- Kerrith Bajjo
- Shaun Clarida
- Lucas Garcia
- Nihat Kaya
- Courage Opara
- Keone Pearson
Second callout:
- Jose Maria Bueriberi
- Luiz Esteves
- Frankie Mercado
- Vitor Alves Porto De Oliveira
- Marco Ruz
- Francisco Barrios Vlk
- Giuseppe Zagarella
Third callout:
- Radoslav Angelov
- Lucas Coelho
- Roman Iushchenko
- Sung Yeop Jang
- Ching Chien Lin
- Mazin Al Rahbi
- Samir Troudi
Final callout:
- Shaun Clarida
- Lucas Garcia
- Nihat Kaya
- Keone Pearson
Highlights from the 2025 Mr. Olympia Recap, focusing on Friday's Prejudging:
- 212 Olympia Prejudging Report (available at FitnessVolt.com)
- Fitness Prejudging Report
- Figure Prejudging Report
- Women’s Physique Prejudging Report
- Ms. Olympia Prejudging Report
- Wellness Prejudging Report
Don't forget to check out our comprehensive list of 2025 Mr. Olympia Final Qualified Athletes for All Divisions to see who made the cut. To relive every thrilling moment from the 2025 Mr. Olympia—including prejudging, highlights, expert analysis, and full results—head over to our Olympia hub at FitnessVolt.com/Olympia. For live, minute-by-minute updates, follow our Live Blog.
If you've got questions about this report or want to share your thoughts on Pearson's strategy, drop a comment below—Doug is here to chat!
Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt, specializing in strength sports like bodybuilding and powerlifting. His background in covering everything from MMA to other combat sports for outlets like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress brings a wealth of insight to his reporting.
