Mr. Olympia

Mr. Olympia is an international bodybuilding competition which is held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). Winning is considered to be the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field. The competiton was invented by Joe Weider to allow the Mr. Universe winners to continue competing and to earn money. The first Mr. Olympia was held on September 18, 1965 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City.

Qualifying

In order to keep Mr. Olympia a high quality event, all competitors must meet the qualifying criteria. Possible methods of qualifying are:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Previous Mr. Olympia winner (but if more than 5 years have passed IFBB approval is required).
• Top 6 finalist from previous year's Mr. Olympia.
• Top 6 finalist from same year's Arnold Classic
• Top 5 finalist from same year's New York Men?s Professional (previously the Night of the Champions)
• Top 3 finalist from any other competition in the I.F.B.B professional tour held during the subsequent year prior to the Mr. Olympia.

On top of this the event organizer can nominate one competitor, as a ?special invitee?, who has not qualified by other means.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~