Since the competition was founded in 1965, 19 people have been awarded the title of Mr. Olympia. the most elite club in bodybuilding and perhaps in any strength or physical sport. Olympia called the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada its home from 2005 to 2019. This is the 15 edition of the biggest bodybuilding weekend. No other place in its glorious history has hosted Olympia so many times.
The Orleans Arena has been where the legacies of several champions, including Ronnie Coleman (who won his eighth and final title there), Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, Phil Heath, the late Sean Roden and the last man to keep Sandow in Orleans, Brandon Curry.
Curry looks back on a historic night
When Olympia returns to the Orleans Arena on September 25-26Curry is making his 14th career Olympic appearance, the most by any male opener on the team. Curry is in an extremely unique position as he is the only former champion in Orleans still competing in the tournament.
Few of the men who qualified for Mr. Olympia in 2026 know what it’s like to stand on the biggest stage in bodybuilding, but Curry confirms that there was nothing in his career like facing a huge audience in Orleans and holding the prestigious Sandow trophy while playing the legendary songs of Mr. Olympia.
“For me, it was surreal because it was where I went to my first one Olympia in 2006 when Jay defeated Ronnieand I saw it from Vader’s skybox,” Curry recalled. “I remember being on stage that night (he won) and trying to slow down time to capture every moment.”
When Curry beat champion William Bonak that night, sports pundits talked more about the non-contest. Champion of 2018 Roden could not compete due to legal issuesSeven-time winner Heat also bowed out due to recovery from hernia surgery, and the famous Mamdouh “Rami Kalon” Elssbiai also withdrew from the competition.
Despite the shadow cast over the Tennessee native’s moment, the prize was the same, the $400,000 prize worth the same, and the title as legitimate as in previous years. Curry’s job was to hit everyone on stage, not those who weren’t, and he expected this moment to be his.
“I had a feeling it was going my way that night.”
Dominance other than others
Curry may also have the most unique reign of all champions. In the months since the title was awarded, the world has changed dramatically due to the pandemic. Many gyms have been closed or restrictions imposed throughout 2020, athletes have had to find different ways to train and prepare for performances, and competitions have been rescheduled and moved to different cities, including the 2020 Olympics. The situation in Las Vegas at the time was what prompted new owner Jake Wood and president Dan Solomon to move the annual event to Orlando, Florida, and move it from September to December of that year.
Issues related to the pandemic also meant that Curry’s travel was limited and he could not be the champion and ambassador for the sport that he felt he could be.
“When I got into travel and sports promotion, it closed the door on everything. It made everything bitter because I was disabled in the process of winning the title and should have been celebrated around the world.”
Still, bodybuilding needed a reason for optimism, and Curry’s performance during his 15-month reign helped. Heath’s announcement of his return to the scene in hopes of reclaiming the top spot also brought additional buzz.
Curry’s reign as champion has come to an end in the 2020 Olympics. Some pundits thought Heath would come back and get the win, but Elsbyay actually left the stage with his first of two Sandows. Curry and Heath won silver and bronze, respectively. Curry has yet to win a second Olympics, but his one title still makes him a huge part of bodybuilding history and has done a great deal for him and his family.
“Seeing the top of the mountain will always be special to me. I will never take it for granted and I still cherish it today.”
Return to Orleans in 2026
The Olympia returned to Las Vegas, but was held elsewhere, that is, until now. In 2026, the Olympia will return to the Orleans Arena for the first time in seven years, and it will be much bigger than in 2019. The Wellness and Fit model brings the total number of divisions to 12, but the main event is still the men’s open preview on Friday night and the final on Saturday night.
Many new fans have joined the bodybuilding community and know the excitement that the Olympia brings each year, but those with many years under their belt will confirm that the Olympia in Orleans is simply different and must be experienced in person. Curry has the same advice for athletes who have turned pro in recent years but never graced the stage.
“There’s no other place that gets the fanfare,” Curry said. “The access and the venue is perfect for the show and there will be plenty of space backstage for the competitors too. It will be interesting to see how the athletes who have never been there will respond because they will feel the difference when they step on stage.”
Curry is looking forward to returning to a building he will have a lasting connection with, but knows he is not viewed as a favorite entering this year’s tournament, even as a past champion. But, she also knows that anything can happen when men take the stage, especially in Orleans. That’s why Curry is preparing to be the hero he was and will always be recognized as. Many historical moments have taken place in Orleans Arena. Who’s to say he can’t create another one, or at least be a spoiler and throw out some favorites and be in the mix?
“Every time I come on stage, I bring a surprise. I can be competitive and dangerous at a high level. I can’t wait to see what I can do.”
Get your tickets to the 2026 Olympia Weekend as well as the World Fitness Expo to see what’s happening and be a part of bodybuilding history. www.mrolympia.com.
