Ahmed Jureibi becomes first Saudi to qualify for Mr. Olympia open division after Romania gold

In a remarkable achievement that goes beyond sporting competition and puts Saudi Arabia on the global bodybuilding map, Saudi athlete Ahmed Jureibi has written a new chapter in the Kingdom’s sporting history. Jureibi claimed first place and the gold medal at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro 2026, earning a direct qualification for the 2027 Mr. Olympia professional championship in the open division. He is the first Saudi athlete to secure this qualification in the open category, according to Al-Riyadiya newspaper.

Jureibi’s victory in Bucharest was more than just a podium finish; it marked the emergence of a new Saudi presence in one of bodybuilding’s most competitive divisions. He outperformed a field of elite international professionals, finishing ahead of Czech competitor Josef Kveton, who took second place, and Spain’s Pablo Lopez, who came third. The event was held at the Face Convention Center on November 7 and 8.

From Romania gold to the global stage

The significance of this achievement is heightened by the fact that Jureibi accomplished it in only his second appearance in the professional open division, which features the world’s top bodybuilders. He has now secured his place at the sport’s most prestigious event, where he will face the world’s best at Mr. Olympia 2027.

The achievement drew both international and official recognition. The Saudi Embassy in Romania quickly celebrated Jureibi’s success, posting a congratulatory message on its official account and praising Dr. Ahmed Jureibi for his first-place finish at the Romania Pro Championship. The embassy described the victory as a new milestone in the Kingdom’s growing global leadership in sports.

13 years of perseverance lead to global triumph

Behind the gold medal lies a long story of passion, hard work, and sacrifice. According to coverage by Al-Watan newspaper, Jureibi’s journey to professionalism began in 2013 and spanned 13 years of challenges and gradual progress through competitions before reaching this historic turning point.

The champion also made the transition from the 96-kilogram weight class to the open division, a challenge that required significant muscle development and physical readiness, as well as intensive preparation and strict adherence to training and nutrition programs.

According to international sports coverage, the open division at the championship featured 15 professional competitors, all of whom Jureibi surpassed to claim the title—further underscoring the significance of his achievement in one of the toughest professional arenas.

Mr. Olympia: The world’s top stage awaits

With this accomplishment, Ahmed Jureibi moves from competing for professional titles to the global stage, where he will face an even greater challenge at the 2027 Mr. Olympia—the pinnacle of bodybuilding, gathering the world’s top professionals vying for the global crown.

Jureibi’s achievement is more than just another medal; it is a historic milestone for Saudi bodybuilding and proof that years of dedication and perseverance can lead to the world’s biggest stages.

Ahmed Jureibi: 13 years of ambition culminate in a historic moment—a gold medal from Romania, qualification for Mr. Olympia, and a Saudi name entering the global record books.