The bodybuilding world turned its eyes toward Milan, Italy, on Sunday, June 28, as the Flex Weekend Italy Pro delivered a masterclass in athletic conditioning and aesthetic excellence. With three major IFBB Pro League categories on the line—Open, Men’s Physique, and Classic Physique—the stakes could not have been higher. For the athletes, this wasn’t merely a stage for exhibition; it was a high-stakes gauntlet where the ultimate reward was a coveted invitation to the 2026 Olympia, the pinnacle of the sport, scheduled for September 24–27 in Las Vegas.
As the industry adjusts to recent, sweeping changes in the Olympia qualification system, the pressure to secure a direct win has intensified. In Milan, the results proved that experience is often challenged by hunger, as established favorites were pushed to their limits by rising stars eager to etch their names into the sport’s history.
The Chronology of Competition: A Sunday in Milan
The event commenced with the high-octane energy characteristic of European bodybuilding shows. From the pre-judging rounds in the morning to the electric atmosphere of the evening finals, the Milan venue provided a grand stage for the international lineup.
The Men’s Physique category kicked off the day with a staggering 36 competitors. The sheer density of talent in this division required the judging panel to be razor-sharp, as the difference between a podium spot and a mid-pack finish was often measured in minor details—shoulder-to-waist ratios, abdominal conditioning, and stage presence. By the time the afternoon sessions transitioned into the Classic Physique showdown, the intensity had reached a fever pitch. The day culminated in the Open Division, where the sheer mass and structural symmetry of the competitors served as the final exclamation point on a weekend defined by muscular density.
The Open Division: An Upset in the Making
Perhaps the most discussed narrative coming out of Milan was the outcome of the Open Division. Entering the event, William Bonac was widely considered the prohibitive favorite. With back-to-back victories at the France Pro and the Spain Pro earlier this season, Bonac appeared to be in the form of his life, displaying the kind of seasoned maturity that usually dominates regional circuits.
However, bodybuilding is a sport of shifting variables, and Edward Kargbo proved that the "favorite" label is often a heavy burden to carry. Kargbo brought a level of size and, more importantly, a fullness that the judges found impossible to ignore. His transition onto the stage was marked by a silhouette that demanded attention, overshadowing even the seasoned Bonac.
"Olympia bound," Kargbo posted on Instagram shortly after the victory. For the Dubai-based athlete, this victory represents a career-defining milestone—his first-ever qualification for a Mr. Olympia final. By securing the win, he forced Bonac into a hard-fought second place, while Jordan Hutchinson rounded out the top three, proving that the competitive landscape in the Open division remains as volatile as ever.
Men’s Physique: Sidy Pouye’s Dominance
The Men’s Physique division in Milan was a testament to consistency. Sidy Pouye, representing Spain, continued his blistering 2026 campaign by securing another first-place finish, effectively repeating his success from the Spain Pro.
Winning a category with 36 entrants is no small feat. It requires an athlete to maintain a high-intensity appearance throughout long hours of judging, navigating multiple callouts, and staying composed under the harsh stage lights. Pouye’s definition was the standout element of his physique, allowing him to slice through the massive field of competition.
Pouye is now looking toward the future with clear objectives. Having finished 12th at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he is no stranger to the big stage, but he is clearly hungry for a higher standing. With his current momentum, he remains a dark horse for the Las Vegas event, provided he can maintain this level of conditioning through the summer months. The podium was completed by Lollo Giachetti in second and Jessy Pigury in third, both of whom displayed impressive structure but ultimately fell short of Pouye’s superior flow and muscle separation.
Classic Physique: The Rise of Luca Reger
Classic Physique continues to be the fastest-growing division in the IFBB Pro League, and in Milan, Luca Reger cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. Reger’s victory in Italy, coupled with his previous win in Spain, makes him one of the most prolific winners of the 2026 season so far.
Reger’s physique is characterized by a "full" look—he possesses the kind of leg development (specifically massive quads) that provides the perfect anchor for his aesthetic, flowing upper body. His win in Milan was a tactical masterclass in hitting poses that highlight his strengths while masking the minor imbalances that often plague taller competitors.
Behind him, Paulo Henrique took second place, and Francesco Vedova claimed third. Both men brought formidable packages, but Reger’s stage confidence was the deciding factor.
Official Responses and Reflections
The post-show reaction from the athletes provided a glimpse into the emotional toll and professional discipline required to compete at this level. Following his victory, Luca Reger took to social media to share a moment of humility, emphasizing the communal nature of the sport.
"Take some time to appreciate what you have," Reger wrote. "I have the best support system I could ever ask for. Nothing would be possible without my team." This sentiment highlights a common theme among modern professional bodybuilders: the "lone wolf" era of the sport is largely over. Today’s elite competitors operate as the face of a high-functioning team of nutritionists, posing coaches, and strength specialists.
For Reger, the focus now shifts to the Olympia stage. While he has struggled to break into the top 16 in his previous Olympia outings in 2024 and 2025, his current trajectory suggests a man who has finally found the "missing piece" in his prep.
Implications for the 2026 Olympia
The results from the Flex Weekend Italy Pro have several significant implications for the upcoming Olympia in Las Vegas.
First, the qualification changes implemented by the IFBB Pro League have shifted the landscape of professional bodybuilding. By narrowing the path to the Olympia, the league has ensured that every show, including regional qualifiers like the Italy Pro, carries immense weight. The athletes are no longer just competing for a trophy; they are competing for a direct line to the most prestigious stage in the world.
Second, the success of athletes like Kargbo, Pouye, and Reger signals a generational shift. While veterans like William Bonac continue to be a benchmark for excellence, the new guard is proving that they can match—and exceed—the conditioning standards set by their predecessors. The "fullness" of Kargbo and the "definition" of Pouye are the new currency of the sport.
Finally, the geographical distribution of winners—representing Dubai, Spain, and Germany—underscores the truly global nature of modern bodybuilding. The talent pool is no longer concentrated in North America; it is decentralized, with world-class preparation facilities and coaching talent emerging in every corner of the globe.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the dust settles in Milan, the focus of the entire bodybuilding community pivots toward September. The 2026 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas is shaping up to be a historic event, defined by a field of athletes who have earned their spots through rigorous, high-pressure qualifying events.
For Edward Kargbo, Sidy Pouye, and Luca Reger, the work has only just begun. The off-season—if one can call it that—will be defined by meticulous refinement, strategic recovery, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect physique. As they prepare to descend upon Las Vegas, the rest of the world will be watching to see if the momentum they built in Milan can be sustained on the biggest stage of all.
For fans, analysts, and fellow competitors, the Flex Weekend Italy Pro was more than just a contest; it was a preview of what is to come in Nevada. Whether these athletes can improve upon their current packages remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the bar has been set, and the journey to the Olympia is officially underway.
