2026 Empro Classic Spain Pro Preview: William Bonac, Sas Heirati, and Behrouz Tabani Headline Stacked Men’s Open Show
The 2026 Empro Classic Spain Pro is set to take place this weekend and features one of the deepest Men’s Open lineups seen outside of the Olympia and Arnold Classic this season. With Olympia qualification on the line and several established contenders battling for momentum, the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated contests of the summer.
Leading the field are recent Tsunami Nutrition Pro winner William Bonac, 2026 Cali pro champion Sas Heirati, and former Dubai Pro winner Behrouz Tabani. All three competitors have already built strong résumés this season and enter the contest as legitimate title contenders.
2026 Empro Classic Spain Pro Information
Date: June 20-21, 2026
Location: Alicante, Spain
Division: Men’s Open Bodybuilding
Olympia Qualification: Winner qualifies for the 2026 Mr. Olympia
Top Storylines Heading Into The Empro Classic
William Bonac Looks To Continue His Winning Streak
Veteran star William Bonac continues to prove that age is just a number.
The former Arnold Classic champion picked up a victory at the Tsunami Nutrition Pro earlier this month, defeating Sas Heirati in a closely contested battle. Bonac was also the highest Olympia finisher among the top contenders expected in Spain, placing ninth at the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Despite being in his 40s, Bonac remains one of the most complete bodybuilders in the sport. His trademark density, muscle maturity, and polished posing continue to make him a threat whenever he steps on stage.
Sas Heirati Continues His Breakout 2026 Season
Few competitors have been busier than Sas Heirati.
The British standout already owns victories at the California State Pro and FIBO Pro this season and finished runner-up to Bonac at the Tsunami Nutrition Pro. He also impressed with a top-four finish at the Pittsburgh Pro against one of the strongest lineups of the year.
Heirati’s biggest weapon remains his conditioning. Time after time he arrives on stage peeled, allowing him to challenge competitors with more size or shape. If he brings his trademark conditioning once again, he could very well leave Spain with another title.
Behrouz Tabani Aims To Return To The Winner’s Circle
Behrouz Tabani remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the Men’s Open division.
The Iranian bodybuilder earned one of the biggest wins of his career at the 2025 Dubai Pro, defeating Bonac in a stacked lineup that included several Olympia-caliber athletes. Tabani later made his Olympia debut and finished 11th in the world.
Known for his dramatic conditioning, small waist, and aesthetic structure, Tabani often draws comparisons to fellow Iranian star Hadi Choopan. Recent physique updates suggest he is once again bringing elite conditioning into contest week.
With coach Milos Sarcev in his corner, Tabani could be poised for another major victory.
William Bonac, Sas Heirati, and Behrouz Tabani Could Deliver One of the Best Men’s Open Battles of the Year
Unlike some recent contests where a clear favorite emerged before the show, the Empro Classic appears far more difficult to predict.
Bonac enters with the momentum of a recent victory. Heirati has arguably been the most active and consistent competitor in Men’s Open bodybuilding this season. Tabani possesses the type of conditioning and structure capable of winning any lineup when he is at his best.
The battle for first place could ultimately come down to who arrives in peak condition on contest day.
Dark Horses To Watch
- Emir Omeragic
- Ed Carvalho
- Daniel Goss
- Brian Drago
- Roman Fritz
All have shown competitive physiques throughout the season and could shake up the first callout if any of the favorites are slightly off.
Men’s Open Competitor List
- Abdullah Al Sarafi
- Dmitrii Anisimov
- Nicolas Bernhard
- Andrea Bolzoni
- William Bonac
- Brian Drago
- Roman Fritz
- Daniel Goss
- Sas Heirati
- Ed Carvalho
- Lorenzo Leeuwe
- Antoine Loth
- Justin Musiol
- Emir Omeragic
- Jonathan Pietro
- Andy Scott
- Behrouz Tabani
- Kamal Elgargni
Prediction
Picking a winner before prejudging feels almost impossible in this lineup. William Bonac enters as the slight favorite after his recent victory over Sas Heirati at the Tsunami Nutrition Pro, but Heirati’s consistency and elite conditioning make him a legitimate threat. Behrouz Tabani may have the highest upside of the trio if he arrives at his absolute best.
Favorites to Win:
- William Bonac
- Sas Heirati
- Behrouz Tabani
On paper, these three appear to be a step ahead of the rest of the field, and it would be a surprise if the eventual winner comes from outside that group. The real question is whether Bonac can continue his momentum, Heirati can add another title to his breakout season, or Tabani can remind everyone why he is considered one of the most dangerous dark horses in the Men’s Open division.
Featured image via Instagram @william_bonac, @sas_heirati, @behrouz_tabani
