How Is The Arnold Different From The Olympia?
4 Top Pros Answer





Branch Warren


The Olympia is the Olympia. You have the top 20 or so guys in the world, and you have to qualify for the right to be there. The Arnold is also a lot of top guys, but it's invitation only. I would have to say there is a lot more pressure on you to do well at the Mr. Olympia. It can be a very intimidating contest for the newer guys. For us veterans, there's a lot of pressure to do well and stay on top. If we slip in the placings there, right away the talk starts up that you're all done and it's time to retire. They were saying how tough this last Olympia was, but it's always tough. When has there ever been an easy Mr. Olympia contest? The Arnold is definitely a tough show too, but there's not as much pressure. You can relax a little bit and have fun with it, even though I still take it very seriously and I am there to win.





Victor Martinez


The Arnold is less work in the sense that it's a one-day show and the Olympia is two days. You also have to do more press and meet and greet things for the Mr. Olympia. The Arnold has less competitors, so you get more individual attention. Plus, you get to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger, and that's always an awesome experience. The show is very well organized. But I take nothing away from the Olympia, that's still the top title in the game.





Dennis Wolf


To me the biggest difference is the format. The Olympia is held over two days, or should I say, two nights. We are all heavier and not quite as sharp usually in the evening compared to how we look earlier in the day. It's also much harder to hold a peak condition over two days and not either get flat or fade a little bit. I much prefer having the whole contest in one day, judging in the late morning or early afternoon and then the finals at night. Every time I do that, it's easier to hold my condition.





Evan Centopani


They both have a different feel, and I love them both for different reasons. The Olympia feels huge, not just in scope but in significance and prestige. That's the title we all want, the one that makes you a legend if you can win it. It's quieter backstage at the Olympia, because they don't allow much press (note: the event is promoted by Weider/AMI, so other magazines aren't allowed backstage). There are so many members of the press backstage at the Arnold, plus by the end of the night you have all the Strongmen back there with us too. It's like a circus, but it's a blast, so much energy. I do like the fact that the Arnold is closer to home. Bottom line, they are both great shows.