IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Nathan De Asha is out of the 2024 Mr Olympia contest, scheduled for Oct. 11-12, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV.
On Oct. 5, 2024, De Asha revealed he is in good health but is making a business decision not to compete in the 60th edition of bodybuilding’s biggest event.
For some people, the Olympia is a big deal. For me, it’s not.
De Asha previously spoke about missing the contest. He concluded that the cost was too high for travel from the United Kingdom to the United States to compete. The potential prize money he could earn would not be worth the financial commitment. He noted that other contenders would likely fill the top six favorites.
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I see bodybuilding now as a business that I want to succeed in. Right now, the Olympia, financially, is just not there for me.
De Asha revealed that he was in his offseason at the time of filming and intended to enter the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, from Feb. 27 through March 2, 2025. The Arnold Classic is an invitation-only contest — De Asha would have to apply to gain entry while promoters are accepting applications.
De Asha won the 2024 Mr. Big Evolution contest to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. His position in the lineup is not expected to be filled. Despite qualifying several times, he has not competed in the Olympia since 2018, when he placed eighth. He missed the 2023 Olympia due to travel issues.
De Asha was the second competitor to withdraw from the contest shortly before the big day. 2024 New York Pro winner Nick Walker bowed out earlier on the same day. 2024 Flex Weekend Pro winner Behrooz Tabani is also out due to visa issues. That leaves 16 Men’s Open athletes to compete in Las Vegas, including defending champion Derek Lunsford.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia contest is the main event of 11 pro divisions that will host competitions in Las Vegas. All pro competitions and the Amateur Olympia will be available to watch live on pay-per-view through the Olympia Productions website.
BarBend will provide updates and coverage leading to and during the 2024 Olympia in Las Vegas.
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Featured Image: @nathandeasha2 on Instagram
