Hadi Choopan is stepping down from competitive bodybuilding after a legendary career in the sport
IFBB Pro bodybuilder Hadi Choopan has reportedly confirmed his retirement from professional bodybuilding following a third-place finish at the Arnold Classic in 2026. The announcement closes the chapter on one of the most respected and consistent careers of the modern bodybuilding era
For years, Choopan stood as one of the most dangerous competitors in the Men’s Open division. Known for his razor-sharp conditioning, dense muscle maturity, and relentless work ethic, the Iranian star built a reputation as an athlete who could challenge anyone on stage. His final performance at the Arnold Classic proved he still belonged among the sport’s elite, but the veteran bodybuilder decided the time had come to step away.
A Final Appearance On the Arnold Classic Stage
The 2026 Arnold Classic brought together some of the best physiques in the world. Choopan arrived in Columbus with the same intensity fans have come to expect throughout his career. Despite fierce competition, he managed to secure a third-place finish, marking the final professional contest of his career.
For many fans, the placing was controversial. For others, it was symbolic. It showed that Choopan remained competitive at the highest level even in the final stage of his journey. Rather than fading from the sport, he exited as a top contender still capable of pushing the best athletes in the world.
Soon after the competition, Choopan is reported to have confirmed that he would officially retire from professional bodybuilding – published on social media and shared by the likes of industry insider RxMuscle.
The announcement immediately sparked reactions across the bodybuilding community. Fans, fellow athletes, and coaches took to social media to celebrate a career defined by perseverance, discipline, and historic achievements.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Choopan’s journey to bodybuilding greatness began far from the bright lights of international stages. Born in 1987 in Iran, he grew up in a financially struggling family and worked various labor jobs at a young age to support himself. Despite the hardships, he discovered bodybuilding early and quickly became passionate about the sport.
His early career included success on regional and international amateur stages. Choopan won multiple medals at the WBPF and IFBB World Championships during the early 2010s, establishing himself as one of the top amateur bodybuilders from the region.
By 2017, he had captured the Mr. Olympia Amateur title, which helped propel him toward the professional stage. From that point forward, Choopan’s career accelerated quickly.
Breakout Success in the IFBB Pro League
Choopan made his presence known shortly after entering the IFBB Pro League. One of his early highlights came in 2019 when he won the Vancouver Pro and qualified for the biggest stage in bodybuilding. Later that year, he made his Mr. Olympia debut and shocked many observers by placing third while also winning the People’s Champion Award.
From there, Choopan became a consistent threat at the Olympia.
His Olympia track record speaks for itself:
- 2019 Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
- 2020 Mr. Olympia – 4th place
- 2021 Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
- 2022 Mr. Olympia – Champion
- 2023 Mr. Olympia – 2nd place
- 2024 Mr. Olympia – 2nd place
- 2025 Mr. Olympia – 2nd place
The defining moment of Choopan’s career came in 2022 when he won the Mr. Olympia title. With that victory, he became the first Iranian bodybuilder to ever win the sport’s most prestigious championship. (Wikipedia)
The victory cemented his legacy and elevated him to global superstar status within bodybuilding.
Arnold Classic Champion and Elite Competitor
Beyond Olympia success, Choopan also proved himself on other major stages. One of his most impressive seasons came in 2024 when he captured victories at both the Arnold Classic and the Arnold Classic UK. (Wikipedia)
These wins further established him as one of the most complete competitors of his generation. His physique was often praised for its grainy conditioning, dense muscle structure, and balanced proportions.
Fans and analysts frequently noted that Choopan’s conditioning on contest day was among the best in the world.
The Legacy of “The Persian Wolf”
Throughout his career, Choopan earned the nickname “The Persian Wolf,” a fitting title for a competitor known for his relentless intensity on stage. His rise from humble beginnings to Mr. Olympia champion inspired fans around the world.
Choopan also became a symbol of perseverance for international athletes. Visa challenges early in his career occasionally prevented him from competing in certain events, yet he continued to push forward and ultimately reached the highest level of the sport.
Even after winning the Olympia, Choopan remained a top contender for several years. Finishing runner-up multiple times proved his longevity and ability to maintain elite conditioning well into the later stages of his career.
A Farewell to the Stage
With his retirement following the 2026 Arnold Classic, Choopan leaves behind a legacy that includes one Mr. Olympia title, multiple Arnold Classic victories, and years of consistent top finishes on bodybuilding’s biggest stages.
More importantly, he leaves behind a reputation as one of the hardest working competitors in the sport.
While Choopan may no longer step on stage as a competitor, many believe he will continue contributing to bodybuilding through coaching, mentorship, or media appearances.
One thing is certain. The impact of Hadi Choopan on modern bodybuilding will not be forgotten anytime soon.
*Featured image courtesy of Instagram @whoisthebestbb
