Shaun Clarida got here second to Keone Pearson in a 212-division showdown on the 2025 Olympia, however the man they name “The Large Killer” has now overwhelmed Pearson to an Olympia qualification, as each males check the waters of the Open division.
Clarida is a two-time 212 titlist, profitable the 2020 and 2022 Olympia contestshowever he was stored from victory this yr after Keone Pearson gained his third title in October of 2025. That very same month, Pearson tried to qualify for the 2026 Olympia, however as a substitute of specializing in a fourth 212 trophy, “The Prodigy” competed within the Open division as a substitute. It was a powerful efficiency in Prague that noticed him obtain fourth place, solely shedding 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 identical 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 point out 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 corresponding to 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 verify for $16,000 and claimed his place on the 2026 Olympia Open stage.
The ultimate outcomes have been as follows:
1) Shaun Clarida
2) Florian Poirson
3) Joan Pradells
4) Jan Turek
5) Marc Hector
For his half, Keone Pearson has acknowledged {that a} everlasting transfer to the Open division is now unlikely as he desires to spend time getting even greater, however for Shaun Clarida, the most important stage in bodybuilding is beckoning.
To comply with Shaun Clarida on Instagram, click on right here.
