Kamal Elgargni, the 2019 Men’s 212 Olympia champion, is plotting his next chapter in competitive bodybuilding with his sights set on the 2026 Tampa Pro. After stepping away from top-level competition due to family priorities, the Libyan-born, Tampa-based IFBB Pro has made it clear that he isn’t done with the stage. Instead, he’s ready to return, driven by both competitive fire and a desire to recapture the momentum that made him a perennial contender.

“I didn’t quit. I still want to compete,” Elgargni said. “Yeah, maybe even next year.”

Elgargni’s most recent competitive outing came at the 2023 Masters Olympia, where he claimed the title and reminded fans of his capacity to deliver elite conditioning and stage presence. Before that, he had proven himself against some of the best in the sport, including Derek Lunsford, Shaun Clarida, and reigning 212 Olympia champion Keone Pearson. His absence from the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage was due to a family emergency — his brother’s cancer diagnosis — which forced him to step back and focus on what mattered most offstage.

“I want to win Tampa Pro. That show is like home. I competed in Tampa after six months I moved here. As soon as I came out onstage, the feeling from the crowd, I felt like I was born here, to be honest, the love from the crowd, it’s crazy.”

 

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Kamal Elgargni Eyes 2026 Tampa Pro Return With Andrew Jacked

In a recent appearance on the Cutler Cast Podcast, Elgargni confirmed that his competitive focus is squarely on Tampa, and that his partnership with Andrew Jacked has been a key part of his preparation. Jacked, who has rapidly risen through the ranks of the Men’s Open division, has been training with Elgargni and others at MI40, attracting attention for his combination of size, conditioning, and potential.

“He said to me, we’re thinking Andrew Jacked [he wants to train with you], what do you think? … and Andrew said, well, he wants to go with Kamal. Tell him to come, I said it’s fine.”

The training sessions, Elgargni said, have been productive and intense, with both athletes pushing each other. His willingness to train with a younger star reflects not only his physical durability but also a genuine belief in Jacked’s potential.

“We will try to help him. We’ve been training MI40, me and them. He came and we started with him. We tried to help him, to push him. Come on, the guy knows how to train.”

 

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Despite his reputation as a grueling training partner, Elgargni was quick to defuse any notion that he would overwhelm Jacked with punishment. His tone — both competitive and supportive — shows a veteran who understands when to push and when to guide.

“When Chris brought it up to me, I was a little nervous for Andrew, to be honest. Because you have a heavy reputation for burying guys in the training sessions,” said Cutler.

Yet Elgargni pushed back on the stereotype, revealing a more collaborative training dynamic.

“Yes, I know, but to be honest, I’m not that kind of person,” Elgargni said.

Choices Ahead: 212 or Open?

Looking toward 2026, Elgargni faces a decision about his competitive category. Although he is best known as a dominant figure in the 212 division, success in the Open class has drawn other former 212 champions — like Shaun Clarida — with positive results. That possibility remains open for Elgargni as he assesses his goals, conditioning, and strategic path to victory.

What seems certain is that if he makes it to the 2026 Tampa Pro, he will bring not only his own credentials but also the backing of a fanbase that remembers his peak performances and appreciates his long journey back to the platform.

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Overview

Kamal Elgargni announced return to competition — possibly at the 2026 Tampa Pro — represents both a personal and professional resurgence. At 52, he’s not only chasing another title but also playing a mentor role for Andrew Jacked, a rising Men’s Open star who many believe could dominate the sport in the coming years. With Elgargni’s heartfelt connection to Tampa and his renewed competitive fire, the 2026 season could see one of bodybuilding’s most respected veterans back in the spotlight, blending experience with the fresh energy of a new generation.

Featured Image – Kamal Elgargni Eyes 2026 Tampa Pro Return With Andrew Jacked in His Corner –  Credit:@ifbb_pro_Kamal_elgargni, @Andrewjacked (Instagram)