Shaun Clarida got here second to Keone Pearson in a 212-division showdown on the 2025 Olympia, however the man they name “The Big Killer” has now crushed Pearson to an Olympia qualification, as each males check the waters of the Open division.
Clarida is a two-time 212 titlist, successful the 2020 and 2022 Olympia contests, however he was saved from victory this yr after Keone Pearson received his third title in October of 2025. That very same month, Pearson tried to qualify for the 2026 Olympia, however as an alternative of specializing in a fourth 212 trophy, “The Prodigy” competed within the Open division as an alternative. It was a powerful efficiency in Prague that noticed him obtain fourth place, solely dropping to the likes of Michal Krizanek, Samson Dauda, and Martin Fitzwater. However with a possible emptiness now looming on the prime of the 212 division, Shaun Clarida shocked many critics by making the journey to Japan to search out his personal Open division spot, and the outcomes on November 24 spoke for themselves.
“Final time I visited Japan in 2018, I competed on this similar present however within the 212 division, the place I positioned second,” mirrored Clarida through Instagram simply days out from the 2025 Japan Professional. “This time I’ll be competing within the OPEN division as soon as once more going up towards the large boys. It is a very deep & spectacular lineup and I’m excited to indicate up and placed on a present for everybody!”
Shaun Clarida wins 2025 Japan Professional within the Open Division
Certainly, the large lineup that Clarida commented on included rising stars like Joan Pradells and mainstays reminiscent of James Hollingshead and Marc Hector. In the long run, Clarida was probably the most jacked in Japan, nevertheless, with followers hailing his efficiency as “the proper peak.” On the evening, Clarida captured a test for $16,000 and claimed his place on the 2026 Olympia Open stage.
The ultimate outcomes had been as follows:
1) Shaun Clarida
2) Florian Poirson
3) Joan Pradells
4) Jan Turek
5) Marc Hector
For his half, Keone Pearson has said {that a} everlasting transfer to the Open division is now unlikely as he needs to spend time getting even greater, however for Shaun Clarida, the largest stage in bodybuilding is beckoning.
To comply with Shaun Clarida on Instagram, click on right here.
