As the IFBB Pro and Olympia qualifiers return to Turkey in 2026, Burak King recently commented on the exciting opportunities and dilemmas close to his heart as men’s Physique navigates his Olympic qualification campaign this year.
Who is Burak King? Male Physique star on the rise
Burak King is one of the most famous bodybuilders in Turkey, who moved from Izmir to the USA as a child and was inspired by him. The story of Arnold Schwarzenegger and wanted to find his American dream. “Bodybuilding has given me many opportunities,” he tells M&F. Indeed, proving that hard work pays off, King has been hired as a trainer for WWE Superstar Roman Reigns and is now working on launching his own supplement line, BK Nutrition.
When he took the stage at the 2022 Olympics, King made his way to the pinnacle of bodybuilding. Last year came second impressive in the Chicago Pro. So it’s no surprise that the King has become an inspiration in his homeland. “They followed my journey,” he says, noting that bodybuilding fans even wait for him at airports for selfies or autographs. “It was amazing to see,” he said, surprised to see his success celebrated in Turkey.
What is Turkey Pro 2026 and why is it important?
Those looking to follow in King’s footsteps have the option of going professional or earning Olympic qualifying points in 2026, but King says he will have to wait and see how his campaign goes before deciding whether to compete in Turkey. This is because IFBB Pro League official closing date for selection Until the 2026 Olympics in Las Vegas is August 30, 2026. While the show, which will take place in Izmir, Turkey, from September 17 to 20, will help bodybuilders qualify for the 2027 Olympic competition, instead providing an opportunity for athletes to start the qualification campaign next year. Turkey Pro will likely miss this year’s Olympics as they focus on their preparations in Sin City.
However, as Men’s Physique competitors get an immediate Olympic berth if they win two professional performances, Turkey is off the table for those who are already looking forward to 2027. “First of all, it is a good country to visit,” explains King, noting that Turkey, like England, Spain, Italy, for the location of Europe, or Greilps. based and don’t want the cost of a return trip to the U.S. “So if you had a choice of, say, a four-hour flight from England to Turkey versus an 11-hour flight to Vegas, you’d choose Turkey.”
Burak King 2026 Competition Strategy
While King cannot confirm or deny an entry for the 2026 Turkey Pro at this stage of the season, he has high hopes for the country’s future contributions and says the first entry was very encouraging. “I hope they will do more shows in the future,” he says, citing the country’s largest city, Istanbul, as another location that could be used for another part of the season.
But for those who will qualify this year in Izmir, the American dream is getting closer. “If it’s going to stop me from doing well at the Olympia, then I should just get out of it and just focus on preparing for the Olympia, you know?” Shares King. “But if it turns out that I don’t have this year’s Olympics to participate in, I will enjoy Turkey and immediately throw my hat in the ring for next year,” he adds. “But in any case, I think Turkey is a great country.”
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