Hitting The Jackpot At Mr. Olympia Fitness Expo

Yesterday we introduced you to the 51st annual Mr. Olympia events in Las Vegas, and today we’ll be visiting the competitions proper, as well as the most fun a fit guy or gal can have in Sin City. By that we mean the Olympia Fitness Expo at Las Vegas Convention Center. So bring an empty gym bag and get ready to fill it.

0919150911

The two-evening Mr. Olympia competitive events at Orleans Arena are high-priced affairs. Like any other sporting event, prime tickets sell out quickly and even the nosebleed sections are usually filled. Hawkers and the ticket-needy alike pace the front of the 9,500 seat venue, hoping to make a score.

IMG_1038

0918152219

The initial night offers two events for ladies – Fitness Olympia (winner Oksana Grishina – Russia) and Bikini Olympia (Ashley Kaltwasser – U.S.A.). The traditional Ms. Olympia title was retired in 2014 – a reflection of changing tastes, perhaps. Gone are the goals of overly-muscular females. Today it’s all about grace. femininity, symmetry, and an active lifestyle. Votes are tabulated and trophies/prizes are awarded, all in one evening.

IMG_0772

It’s also the first opportunity for fans to witness the condition of every contender for the Mr. Olympia title. The judging phase is where the big boys pose to music and whip up the crowd, 21st-century style. Clear your mind of images of static and stiff posing set to music from Apocalypse Now. Expect dancing, acrobatics, CGI-created backdrops and high-tech lighting, all enhanced with electronic dance music, rap, and anything else that will draw the crowd…and hopefully the judges…into their efforts.

0918152206With over 20 giants vying for the title, it’s a lengthy evening that passes very quickly. The purpose is to whittle down the number to ten top competitors for the Saturday finals, which is the biggest event of the weekend. Before that happens, the final evening will also see the crowning of Figure Olympia (Latorya Watts- U.S.A.) and finals of the 212 Showdown (winner James “Flex” Lewis), a special  category for men weighing 212 pounds or under. It was announced during this year’s competition that the 212 category will be fully integrated into the Mr. Olympia finals next year.

IMG_1181

During the daytime hours on Friday and Saturday is where you’ll find the biggest collection of fans. The Olympia Fitness Expo draws thousands from around the world. For a $30 admission price (or $50 for a two-day pass), visitors can completely envelop themselves in the world of physical fitness.

0918151305p

Dozens of booths and exhibitors line two levels of the Las Vegas Convention Center floor, and it’s anything but a static business presentation. Both sides of the space have areas for physical competitions such as power lifting, martial arts, Tae Kwan Do, kickboxing, wrestling, karate, Olympic weightlifting and Rhino CrossFit.

0918151246

On the Convention Center stage, there are contests for Men’s and Bikini Modeling, judging and awards for Men’s and Women’s Physique, and judging/posing for that unique 212 Showdown we told you about earlier. But the masses gravitate towards the vendor exhibits, where paydirt awaits.

IMG_0655

IMG_0692

Upon entry, attendees are given an enormous shopping bag, which quickly becomes filled with giveaways. We’re talking protein powders, energy drinks, pre-workout mixes and pills, skin products, snack bars, weight-loss stimulants, shakers, t-shirts, and more. Those who purchase VIP packages get to enter an hour before the general public, and are able to snag the best goodies on both days (I even got a zippered hoodie and five workout shirts). Better freebies go to those who take on physical challenges, like chin-ups, arm curl contests, high jumps…and giant bowling?

IMG_0633

The photo below is just a sampling of what I collected while making my rounds and meeting the vendors. Most merchants require an email or Facebook registration to collect a sample bag, yet those lines are usually the longest…because they give away the best stuff.

0927150808 (1)

0918151058

For those who find it hard to stay on their fitness plan when visiting Vegas, consider planning a trip around the Olympia weekend next year. It takes place every September, is a lot more fun than you’d think, and you’ll come home a winner.

Just remember to bring an extra suitcase for all those freebies.

Photos: Sammasseur

One thought on “Hitting The Jackpot At Mr. Olympia Fitness Expo

  1. Great to see you here sammasseur! I missed your articles!!!
    It looks like you will not have to purchase any protein power for the next year.

Comments are closed.

Previous post Strip Bits: New Off-Strip Lodging Going Up
Next post Off-Strip Stay: La Quinta Inn South