Yamamoto Pro Cup Will Be Bigger Than the Olympia?
I’m not sure why people are overlooking the Yamamoto Pro Cup. It’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle of a major bodybuilding event like the Olympia production. At the end of the day, it’s all about who shows up to compete on that stage.
The 2019 season was one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With several top competitors missing from the Olympia lineup, a vacuum was created at the top.
This opened the door for another contest, the IFBB Yamamoto Pro Cup in Italy, to generate massive excitement. For a moment, it felt like it could rival the Olympia itself. This retrospective breaks down what created that unique situation and what ultimately happened.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways of the Yamamoto Pro Cup
- The 2019 Mr. Olympia had a depleted lineup due to the absence of three of the sport’s biggest stars: Shawn Rhoden, Phil Heath, and Big Ramy.
- Shawn Rhoden, the reigning 2018 champion, was banned from the 2019 Olympia by American Media LLC following serious legal charges against him in Utah.
- The Yamamoto Pro Cup, held the week after the Olympia, was heavily promoted with a lineup that included the missing stars, creating massive hype that it could be the “real” top show of the year.
- Despite the anticipation, the actual Yamamoto Pro Cup lineup was missing key names like Shawn Rhoden and Big Ramy. Roelly Winklaar ultimately won the competition.
- Brandon Curry won the 2019 Mr. Olympia title, taking home the $400,000 top prize in a year defined by controversy and opportunity.
The Power Vacuum: Why the 2019 Mr. Olympia Felt Different
In my years as a coach and sports nutritionist, I’ve seen many bodybuilding seasons, but 2019 stands out. The Mr. Olympia contest that year crowned a new champion, Brandon Curry, who looked phenomenal and earned his victory. But the story was really about who wasn’t on stage.
A shadow hung over the event because three of the sport’s biggest names were absent, creating a massive power vacuum.
- Shawn Rhoden: The reigning 2018 champion, who had dethroned Phil Heath, was banned from competing by event owner American Media LLC after he was formally charged with rape in Utah.
- Phil Heath: The seven-time Mr. Olympia winner opted to take the year off to recover and pursue other projects following his 2018 defeat.
- Mamdouh “Big” Ramy: A perennial fan favorite, Ramy was sidelined with a shoulder injury and had not qualified for the 2019 show, forcing him to sit out the season.
No disrespect to Brandon Curry or any other competitor, but taking those three titans out of the lineup changed everything. The atmosphere in Las Vegas was different, and it left fans wondering what a true top-tier showdown would have looked like.
Could the Yamamoto Pro Cup Steal the Spotlight?
With the Olympia feeling incomplete, all eyes in the bodybuilding world shifted to the next big event: the Yamamoto Pro Cup in Padova, Italy. Held just one week after the Olympia, its promoters seized the opportunity.
Marketing materials for the Yamamoto Pro Cup featured the very names missing from the Olympia stage, including Shawn Rhoden and Big Ramy. They were advertised alongside other elite competitors like William Bonac, Cedric McMillan, and Roelly Winklaar. This created a powerful narrative that the Italian show would be the *real* main event of 2019.
The buzz was undeniable. Fans were excited by the prospect of seeing the deposed champion, the massive fan-favorite, and the Olympia’s top contenders all battle it out. For a moment, it seemed possible that this European show could overshadow the Olympia itself.
Hype vs. Reality: The Showdown in Italy
A Lineup of Surprises
When the day of the Yamamoto Pro Cup arrived, the lineup was not quite what the posters had promised. While it featured some top-tier talent, several of the biggest advertised names were notably absent.
Roelly Winklaar, who had just placed 5th at the Olympia, did compete and was a clear standout. Nathan De Asha, who had also missed the Olympia due to legal troubles, made a strong appearance. However, the two athletes who generated the most hype were nowhere to be seen on stage.
The Return That Wasn’t
Everyone wanted to see Shawn Rhoden make a comeback statement. The idea of him showing up in peak condition to win the Yamamoto Pro Cup was the ultimate storyline. However, his legal case prevented his return to the stage, and he did not compete at the event.
What Happened to Big Ramy?
Similarly, Big Ramy was a huge question mark. His prep photos looked promising, and many thought the Yamamoto Pro Cup would be his chance to prove he was still a top threat. In the end, he also opted not to compete, leaving fans disappointed.
The show was ultimately won by Roelly Winklaar, who brought a fantastic package and earned a well-deserved victory along with a $25,000 prize. While a great competition, it didn’t deliver the epic Olympia-level showdown everyone had hoped for.
A Pivotal Moment for Bodybuilding
The 2019 season was undoubtedly a turbulent one for professional bodybuilding. The controversies and absences at the Mr. Olympia created a rare moment of vulnerability for the sport’s top brand. This allowed another event, the Yamamoto Pro Cup, to capture the imagination of the global bodybuilding community.
While it didn’t ultimately dethrone the Olympia, the hype around it proved one thing: the fans’ loyalty is to the athletes. They will follow the best competitors wherever they go.
The events of 2019 set the stage for an incredible 2020, which saw Big Ramy finally achieve his dream of winning the Mr. Olympia title. It was a year that reminded us that in bodybuilding, nothing is ever guaranteed.
FAQs about the Yamamoto Pro Cup and 2019 Season
Who won the 2019 Mr. Olympia?
Brandon Curry won the Men’s Open division at the 2019 Mr. Olympia, earning his first Sandow trophy and the $400,000 grand prize.
Who won the 2019 Yamamoto Pro Cup?
Roelly Winklaar won the Men’s Open title at the 2019 Yamamoto Pro Cup, which took place in Italy.
Why didn’t Shawn Rhoden compete in 2019?
Shawn Rhoden, the 2018 Mr. Olympia, was barred from competing in the 2019 Olympia and other events after being formally charged with rape in Utah. The event owner, American Media LLC, revoked his eligibility.
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