Since 1965, the Olympia has been the premiere event in bodybuilding and fitness. The sport's best bodies and biggest names will grace the stage and inspire fans from around the world as they gather in Las Vegas, Nevada over the weekend of December 16-18 for the 2022 edition of Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend gather .
While the Olympia is always recognized as the biggest bodybuilding weekend, thanks to the Olympia World Fitness Expo, it has also become an attraction for other strength sports and events. The Venetian in Las Vegas will host several events and competitions for fans to enjoy. Olympia Expo Director Tim Gardner is looking forward to this year's Expo more than any other.
"Just having a collective gathering of fitness enthusiasts all coming into one area and also having different groups participating is a big deal," Gardner said. The Olympia was hosted in Las Vegas for many years prior to the pandemic, but being at the Venetian this year breathes new life into the fan experience as well as the experience for all the different sports taking part this year.
"I just feel like this is a weekend where the vision of Joe Weider and the Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend will be a true collective of not just bodybuilding fans but all like minded fitness enthusiasts."
Current Olympia owner Jake Wood bought the Olympia in 2020 and was immediately faced with the problems caused by the pandemic. netheless, Wood and Olympia President Dan Solomon have spearheaded a positive-minded team, including Gardner, to organize the best possible event in Orlando, FL for 2020 and 2021. Gardner is optimistic that 2022 will be a year when fans can see and get a full appreciation of Wood's passion for bodybuilding and fitness.
"We've more than tripled the space at the Venetian this year," Gardner said. “Jake has gone above and beyond every statement he has made about promoting the Olympia. He said, "We'll do better," and he doesn't just stop. Despite all the obstacles, it gets better every year.”
The result of this improvement is a variety of strength sports and competitions that will continue to benefit spectators and athletes long after the Las Vegas weekend is over. Below are some of the events to look forward to at the Venetian for the 2022 Olympics weekend.
Strong man
Tim Gardner
Strongman Corporation will host America's Strongest Man, America's Strongest Woman and 2022 Masters Nationals competitions at the Olympia on Friday, December 16th and Saturday, December 17th. These competitions could feature future stars of Strongman and Strongwoman, as well as inspiring exploits from Masters competitors. For more information about this event, Click here!
Powerlifting and Strict Curl
The International Powerlifting League (IPL) will host the 2022 IPL Olympia Pro Powerlifting Meet at the Venetian. Events include full meetings, individual bench press events, and individual deadlift events for both men and women. Details and registration forms can be found below Here!
The "fourth powerlifting" will also be shown at the Olympics. The United States Strict Curl Association will host the 2022 Olympia Strict Curl Championships on Saturday, December 17th. Strict Curl and Cheat Curl competitions are held. Click here for more information!
arm raise
Tim Gardner
Armlifting is the sport that tests your grip, and Armlifting USA will be hosting its 2022 World Championships at the Olympia World Fitness Expo. Promoter and strength legend Odd Haugen will welcome athletes and test their grip on a variety of lifts including the Country Crush Blocks with 3" grips, the Saxon Bar and more. Click here for more information!
Ultimate Ninja Athlete
The Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) hosts a spectacular obstacle course racing series at the Olympia. This late addition to the show is sure to challenge attendees while entertaining and inspiring fans in attendance. You can see this event at the World Fitness Expo starting Friday, December 16th.
OLYMPIA Las Vegas Fitness Challenge - The Ultimate CrossFit Training Experience
Yes, the Olympia will host a CrossFit competition in 2022. The Olympia Las Vegas Fitness Challenge will test participants' strength, athleticism, functional fitness, endurance and more. This competition is presented at Olympia by Branded One and Elev8tion Gym. Click here to find out more about this event and the competition!
arm wrestling
Tim Gardner
The Ultimate Armwrestling League (UAL) will host professional and amateur arm wrestlers from around the world who will compete in front of crowds of fans at the Venetian. Several prizes will be raffled off at this event, including a special Olympic jacket. Click here for more news! and Find out more here!
Hoopin' with heroes
This three-on-three basketball tournament will highlight and feature members of the United States Armed Forces as well as a variety of competitors serving in the public service, including police, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders. Guest stars and live entertainment will also be part of this event. Also follow @hoopinwithheroes on Instagram.
Bare Knuckle Fighting
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is the first legal and regulated bare knuckle organization in the United States. Battles are fought in a circular ring of four ropes, which can encourage fast-paced and exciting fights. The fighters are all professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or muay thai, making this martial art one of the most exciting in the world. Potential attendees can try and learn how to become a fighter, meet many of the professional fighters, participate in an official Round Card Girl search and much more. For more information on the BKFC, see Click here to get more information!
Other events
Tim Gardner
Aside from many of your favorite supplement companies hosting booths at the expo, you can see other venues and events including Zumba dancing, bikini fashion shows, Stan Efferding's World's Strongest Gym competition and more. You can see all the events and more at the Olympia World Fitness Expo, and tickets are available at mrolympia.com. Also, follow @mrolympiallc on Instagram to keep up with all the events of the 2022 Olympics weekend live from Las Vegas.
