The event, hosted by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), will take place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas strip.
Mr. Olympia pre-judging will begin on Friday while the Ms. Olympia competition is held for the women’s side. The main Mr. Olympia event and others are set for Saturday night.
The Mr. Olympia competition began in 1965 and was won by Larry Scott in each of its first two years. Arnold Schwarzenegger is perhaps the competition’s most famous champion with seven titles, but Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman both hold the record for most Mr. Olympia wins with eight.
MORE: Live results from 2022 Mr. Olympia competition
Mamdouh Elssbiay, known as ‘Big Ramy,’ has won each of the last two Mr. Olympia titles and will be trying to win a third.
Here’s all you need to know about how to watch the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition and who will be competing.
When is Mr. Olympia in 2022?
Dates: Friday, Dec. 16 - Saturday, Dec. 17
The first round of pre-judging events begins at 9 a.m. ET on Friday. The final events, including Mr. Olympia, begin at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.
This year’s competition is held in Las Vegas, in the Zappos Theater of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
Certain pre-judging events will take place in The Venetian Expo & Convention Center.
Mr. Olympia schedule
Here is the schedule for Mr. Olympia and Ms. Olympia events on Friday and Saturday.
During each designated time, there are multiple events. Therefore, each event listed might not start on time.
Is Mr. Olympia on TV?
Live stream: Mr. Olympia pay-per-view
Mr. Olympia will not be televised on cable this year. Viewers can access the event on Olympia TV, where you can purchase a Premium Package for $69.99.
Who is competing at Mr. and Ms. Olympia?
In order to qualify for the events, the competitors must meet requirements that are set forth by the IFBB Professional League, which is the official sanctioning organization of the Olympia.
Thirty-six men qualified for the Mr. Olympia event, while 18 women qualified for the Ms. Olympia event.
Mamdouh Elssbiay, from Egypt, was Mr. Olympia in 2020 and 2021. He will be competing for a third consecutive title at this year’s event. One other former Mr. Olympia winner, 2019 champion Brandon Curry, is returning for this year’s competition.
The 2021 Ms. Olympia champion was American Andrea Shaw.
Mr. Olympia qualifiers
Ms. Olympia qualifiers
What are the other events held during Mr. Olympia weekend?
There are a total of 11 events held throughout the weekend. Mr. Olympia and Ms. Olympia are the two biggest events.
The other events for men are the following: 212 Olympia, Men’s Physique Olympia, Classic Physique Olympia and Wheelchair Olympia.
The other events for women are the following: Figure Olympia, Fitness Olympia, Bikini Olympia, Women’s Physique Olympia, Wellness Olympia and Wheelchair Olympia.
Mr. Olympia prize money
The total purse for the 11 events held over the weekend is $1.6 million, which is on par with last year’s prize total. $1.6 million in 2021 marked a jump from $1.4 million in 2020.
MORE: 2021 Mr. Olympia prize money breakdown
The event has not specified the amounts per place and per competition. ‘Big Ramy’ came away with $400,000 after winning Mr. Olympia last year.
Mr. Olympia winners list
This list includes each of the previous Mr. Olympia winners from 2000-2021.
Brandon Curry and Mamdouh Elssbiay will both be competing for another title in this year’s competiton, but Phil Heath will not. Heath hasn’t formally retired but hasn’t competed for multiple years.
