Hadi Choopan OUT of 2026 Mr. Olympia Due to Visa Issues
Hadi Choopan is officially out of the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
In a stunning announcement Wednesday morning, the former Mr. Olympia champion revealed that he has withdrawn from this year’s contest due to visa and travel issues, that prevented him from completing the process required to enter the United States.
Choopan had been preparing to make his eighth consecutive appearance at the Mr. Olympia and challenge for another Sandow Trophy.
Hadi Choopan Withdraws From 2026 Mr. Olympia
Choopan explained that he had an interview scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21 at the U.S. Embassy in Dubai. His plan was to fly from Iran to Dubai, remain there while completing the visa process, and then travel to the United States to finish his Olympia preparation.
Those plans fell apart before he could even leave Iran.
According to Choopan, he traveled to the airport in Shiraz last Wednesday for a direct flight to Dubai but was not allowed to board. He was informed that his 10-year UAE Golden Visa had been deactivated.
Choopan then attempted to travel through Tehran but said he received the same information.
“I was told that because of the current political situation and restrictions, I would not be allowed to enter the UAE.”
As a result, Choopan missed his scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy and ultimately determined there was no realistic path to completing the visa process in time for the Olympia.
After discussing the situation with his family and team, he made the decision to withdraw.
“At this point, I do not see a realistic way to complete the visa process in time, and I do not want to prepare for the Olympia under this level of stress and uncertainty.”
A Massive Shakeup For The 2026 Olympia
Choopan’s absence dramatically changes the outlook of the Men’s Open division.
The Iranian superstar won the Mr. Olympia title in 2022 and has remained among the world’s elite bodybuilders ever since. He finished runner-up to Derek Lunsford in 2023 before Lunsford reclaimed the Olympia crown again in 2025.
Choopan entered 2026 determined to return to the top. In his announcement, he said he had worked throughout the year to bring a “bigger, improved and better than ever” version of his physique to the stage.
Instead, circumstances outside the gym have ended his Olympia campaign.
Choopan stressed that the withdrawal does not signal the end of his competitive career.
“This decision hurts deeply, but this is not the end. I will continue training, improving and fighting.”
He finished with a warning for the rest of the Men’s Open division: “When Hadi Choopan returns to the stage, he will return to win.”
For now, however, one of the biggest threats to the 2026 Mr. Olympia title is officially out of the contest.
Imade embed via Instagram @hadi_choopan
