Mr. Olympia 2026 begins in Las Vegas amid Brazilian visa issues

The 2026 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition has commenced in Las Vegas, with the first amateur category winners announced. The event is scheduled to run through September 27, covering both amateur and professional divisions.

However, the competition faces challenges regarding international participation. Several Brazilian athletes, including Classic Physique competitors Ângelo Marques and Livingstone ‘Livinho’, have been unable to attend due to United States visa denials. Marques reported that despite attempting to transition from a tourist visa to an athlete visa, bureaucratic hurdles have prevented his participation for the second consecutive year.