Keone Pearson will compete in Men’s Open for the first time in October.
Men’s 212 champion Keone Pearson has officially announced his move to Men’s Open for the 2025 EVLS Prague Pro. This will be the first time that he takes the stage in the biggest division in the sport.
[RELATED: Keone Pearson to Make Men’s Open Debut During 2025 EVLS Prague Pro]
Many have praised Pearson’ physique over the years. This is a move that was going to happen eventually and Pearson will now get to display his makeup against the elite. Is this something he is ready for? Bodybuilding legend Lee Haney believes that it is time.
“There’s not another physique in the world of Bodybuilding to compare with Keone. He is Excalibur.”
Pearson has emerged as a star in bodybuilding in a short amount of time. His pro career, beginning in 2016, started in Classic Physique before making the move to 212. He spent a few years in the division before going head-to-head and defeating Shaun Clarida. Pearson is now the new face of the 212 division after winning back-to-back Olympia titles.
Is Keone Pearson the Best in Bodybuilding?
Lee Haney is not the first bodybuilding legend to speak highly of Keone Pearson and his potential. Eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman has claimed that Pearson is a future Olympia champ himself.
“He’ll win it. He will win it for sure. That’s how confident I am in him and I’m pretty sure he’s that confident in himself.”
Pearson has trained with Martin Fitzwater in the past. During one intense session, Fitzwater called Pearson the “greatest 212 of all time.” This is above the likes of Flex Lewis and Derek Lunsford.
Lewis won seven consecutive titles while Lunsford was able to successfully make the move into Men’s Open. Lunsford won his first 212 Olympia title in 2021 before making the big jump to Men’s Open. Two years later, Lunsford became the first bodybuilder to win an Olympia title in two divisions, being crowned the 2023 Mr. Olympia. I
It is unknown if Pearson plans to compete in the Olympia if he qualifies but the overall plan seems to be like Lunsford. If Pearson is next in line, it will not be soon as he claims to have work to do before making the jump.
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