When you thought the bodybuilding world would pause for breath following the 2025 Olympia, you higher suppose once more, as a result of the EVLS Prague Professional has made a huge effect on the highway to turning into the trade’s finest bodybuilder. From rising contenders to emotional roads to redemption, right here’s 5 issues we realized over the weekend.
Martin Fitzwater is On a Mission to Develop into the 2026 Mr Olympia
“The Martian” lived as much as his title on the Prague Professional by bringing an improbable physique that offered muscle fullness, mixed with the much-coveted conditioning that legends of the previous have been craving to see. Throughout the previous 12 months, Fitzwater says he has labored on his confidence by discovering his circulate on stage.
After beating Chris Bumstead in Prague final 12 months, Fitzwater would discover himself up towards the 2024 Mr Olympia, Samson Dauda this 12 months, however nonetheless got here out on high. “Most cool, calm, and composed I’ve ever been on the stage,” explained Fitzwater of his epic showing in Europe. “I additionally know that the physique I’m bringing now’s one thing very, very harmful. That, anybody goes to need to be at their finest to beat me.” Little question, Martin Fitzwater is on a mission to grow to be the 2026 Mr Olympia.
Samson Dauda is on the highway to redemption
The Nigerian Lion, Samson Dauda was king of the bodybuilding jungle after successful the 2024 Mr Olympia competitors, however he admits that dropping an excessive amount of weight to streamline his physique led to a coronary heart breaking fourth place in 2025. Within the two-weeks between the Olympia and the Prague Professional, Dauda was capable of pack on some critical kilos and current a way more aggressive look on the night time, however he’ll need to accept second place due to Fitzwater’s showstopping efficiency. Nonetheless, having proven nice enchancment in so little time, Dauda stays harmful on any bodybuilding stage.
Keone Pearson Makes His Open Debut
Three-time 212 Olympia Champion, Keone Pearson had been toying with making his Open debut for a while, so all eyes have been on “The Prodigy” in Prague. On the night time, he managed an impressive fourth place behind Martin Fitzwater, Samson Dauda, and Michal Krizanek.
“The objective was to see how I stack up with the larger man, and I can inform you; I maintain my very own up there!” wrote Pearson following the show via Instagram. “I really like the work and I’m going to maintain working, you higher consider that.”
Terrence Ruffin Saved His Composure for a Basic Masterclass
Terrence Ruffin motored via an eventful efficiency within the Basic division in Prague after a technical error meant that his routine was abruptly lower off too quickly. Luckily, he was given the prospect to finish his presentation in full and wowed the gang within the course of. Having positioned third within the Basic division simply two weeks in the past on the 2025 Olympia, “Ruff Diesel” claimed first-place honors in Prague and can doubtless be an enormous menace to present Olympian, Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
Prague is Changing into a Pivotal Competitors on the Highway to Olympia
The EVLS Prague Professional proves that reasonably than relaxation up following the Olympia, rivals are extra keen than ever earlier than to set the tone for the 12 months forward. Within the Open division, the sphere turned as unpredictable as ever, with Dauda again on the hunt, and Fitzwater stamping his authority on the occasion, whereas up-and-comers like Brandon Pearson and Michal Krizanek additionally made their presence felt. Additionally on the night time, Yinka Majolagbe had his finest consequence so far after successful the 212 division, and Emile Walker took the Males’s Physique trophy. The total checklist of winners was as follows:
- Males’s Open Division winner: Martin Fitzwater
- Males’s Basic: Terrence Ruffin
- Males’s Physique: Emile Walker
- Males’s 212: Yinka Majolagbe
- Determine: Dorethane Agathina
- Bikini: Jasmine Gonzalez
- Wellness: Chelsey Warnes
