{"id":14044,"date":"2026-02-16T21:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T21:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14044"},"modified":"2026-02-16T21:01:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T21:01:00","slug":"coach-stefan-kienzl-reveals-urs-kalecinskis-next-shows-gives-top-4-mens-open-picks-for-2026-arnold-classic-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14044","title":{"rendered":"Coach Stefan Kienzl Reveals Urs Kalecinski’s Next Shows, Gives Top 4 Men’s Open Picks for 2026 Arnold Classic \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Bodybuilder Urs Kalecinski is mapping out his next plan of attack in the Open class. On Feb. 15, 2026, he opened up about his future contest plans, targeting the Pittsburgh and New York Pro. Additionally, his coach, Stefan Kienzl, provided his top four Open picks for the upcoming Arnold Classic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen you want to go to the top, you need to challenge the top. As Arnold said.\u00a0 Think big: that\u2019s how it goes,\u201d said Stefan Kienzl.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Urs Kalecinski<\/a> raised eyebrows when he announced his foray into the Open class. Some thought he wouldn\u2019t have the size; others thought his aesthetics wouldn\u2019t translate onstage. Neither was true. Kalecinski bulked up to over 260 pounds<\/a> and presented a shredded physique to win back-to-back contests (2025 Promuscle Italy Pro<\/a> & Europa Pro Championships<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite being a relative newcomer to the Men\u2019s Open, he didn\u2019t fold under pressure at the Olympia<\/a>. \u201cThe Miracle Bear\u201d boasted one of the best posing routines<\/a> of the night, helping him secure 13th place. With the 2026 bodybuilding season underway, he previewed what might lie ahead for him and his budding career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Urs Kalecinski Reveals Next Contests in 2026<\/h2>\n

In the video, Kienzl discussed Kalecinski\u2019s thought process behind competing often. They teased that his next pair of shows will come at the stacked Pittsburgh and New York Pro, two of the most highly respected contests on the IFBB Pro League calendar.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cBodybuilding is about competing, and the bodybuilder who doesn\u2019t compete is not a bodybuilder, or at least not a competitive bodybuilder. The schedule of the show is as it is, would I\u2019ve liked to have it one or two months later? Probably yes, but it is what it is. You are not the guy who hides from the favorites. You are a guy who challenges the favorites. That\u2019s why you\u2019re going to Pittsburgh and New York,\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d replied<\/a> Kalecinski.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Stefan Kienzl\u2019s Top 4 Favorites for the 2026 Arnold Classic \u00a0<\/h3>\n

Find his top picks from the video below (in no particular order):\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n