As fans of bodybuilding we all know that the Olympia is often compared to the Superbowl because of the fact that it is the ultimate contest for all physique-based divisions. There are many important contests around the world, such as the Arnold Classic, the NY Pro, and the Dubai Pro, but none can hold a candle to the Olympia. It has been this way for 60+ years and it will be this way for the future. Anything related to the Olympia is simply put, in a league of its own. That said, the contest has changed hands in ownership from The Master Blaster, to AMI, to Jake Wood of Wings Of Strength. American Media had a good run, but with all due respect to them, there’s a stark difference between the Olympia being owned by suits and the Olympia being owned by the likes of Joe Weider and/or Jake Wood. Jake, like the late great Joe Weider, is an actual fan and supporter of bodybuilding. And that’s significant for all those who compete either at the Olympia Weekend or related events like the Masters Olympia.
Joe Weider’s Mr Olympia is the ultimate title and it’s the only title that whose winners can lay claim to being the #1 competitor in the world. Whether it’s bodybuilding, physique, or any other division, winning the Olympia means you’re the best of the best. Moreover, if you win the Olympia, you’re now part of an elite club. You’re the best in your respective division and doors – everywhere – will open for you. Furthermore, as an Olympia winner there are certain things that are givens. As we’ve established, you’re the #1 in your division, you are part of an elite club, and you can count on getting your prize money.
Unfortunately, 2025 Masters Olympia competitors have not received their contest earnings as of October 22nd, 2025. This reality has resulted in public outcry among competitors who competed at the contest, as well as independent media outlets. Just today, I was contacted by two such news outlets that I hold in very high regard. I’m sure there are other outlets doing their due diligence, trying to make heads or tales out of what’s going on. The fact is, the contest was held on August 9th-10th and it’s now over two months later and prize money has still not gone out. Competitors are frustrated and media outlets are scrambling to break the story. And what I’ve noticed is that a snowball effect is beginning to develop.
Since the Masters Olympia is linked to the Olympia, many of the folks demanding answers have thought it best to direct their questions to Jake Wood, the owner of the Olympia. Others, I’m sure, have probably messaged Dan Solomon, the President of the event and/or to the sanctioning body, the IFBB Pro League. As is sometimes the case when questions do not get immediate answers, it may lead some outlets to run with whatever they do have. It’s not my place to opine on what’s right or wrong. I’m just another writer and I’m just sharing my two cents.
I don’t want to criticize anyone for contacting either Jake or Dan, but the person who should be contacted is the Masters Olympia promoter out of Tokyo. He is the person who’s responsible for making good on the promise to pay out $229,000 in prize money and he is the best person to direct such questions to. Nonetheless, when I was contacted by two outlets I highly respect, I decided to reach out to Dan Solomon and Jake Wood directly.
I was able to speak with Jake at length and I’m happy to report that he will personally see to it that all Masters Olympia competitors get paid – both U.S. based and international athletes. That’s something Jake was going to do all along – it had nothing to do with me asking him. I’m also pleased to announce that Olympia LLC will be releasing an official statement tonight that should answer everyone’s questions. Again, this is why having a true fan and believer as an owner of the Olympia is so important. I can tell you that Jake is not required to do this, but he has chosen to do this to do right by the athletes. And I think that speaks volumes about him.
The fact that Jake is promising to make good on someone else’s promise in order to expedite the process for competitors speaks volumes. I’m sure he will be able to recoup those expenses down the road, but instead of athletes having to wait indefinitely, he’s going to make sure the wait stops now. That’s not how a suit would take care of the problem, but that’s how an owner who loves bodybuilding does.
