Former Arnold Classic Men’s Physique champion Ali Bilal is heading to the Mr. Olympia once again. The bodybuilder led the pack at Jim Manion’s NPC 2024 Pittsburgh Pro. Bilal was part of a stacked roster of fifteen Men’s Physique competitors who vied for a spot at bodybuilding‘s most prestigious annual event. However, none could overcome Bilal.

While Vitor Chaves gave the 2022 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique champion a run for his money, he merged victorious on the judges’ scorecards. Ali Bilal won the title, while Vitor Chaves had to settle for second place. George Brown, Deke Walker, and Clarence McSpadden finished in third, fourth, and fifth place respectively, at the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro.

“We did it! I want to write a long text but too hungry and tired,” wrote Bilal in his Instagram post. The bodybuilder also thanked his fans and renowned coach. “I just want to thank you for all the love and support! Huge THANK you to my coach @georgefarah_guru for bringing out the best package, and physique I have ever been!” wrote the champion. He also mentioned his wife.

“I also want to thank my wife for always being there for me!” wrote Bilal. Ali Bilal and Vitor Chaves went head to head during the finals, and Bilal couldn’t contain his joy when Bob Cicherillo announced the Arnold Classic champion’s name. However, Aundre Benson dropped out of the top five at the Pittsburgh Pro.

Benson earned his ticket to the Mr. Olympia 2024 after he won the Los Angeles Grand Prix last month. However, finishing outside the top five wasn’t the result he was looking for. Juan Gomez, Jordan Clark, Miguel Zapata, Maxim Golovatii, Chris Mantovani, Missael Leija, Michael Mayers, Tom Mcnamara, and Wilfred Harris were the nine other competitors at this year’s Pittsburgh Pro. However, Ali Bilal will face a greater challenge at the Mr. Olympia.

The Pittsburgh Pro was a warmup for the greater challenge ahead

While Ali Bilal believes that George Farah got him into the best shape of his career, it might not be enough. This year, the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro champion will face every Men’s Physique champion in the division’s history except two. Besides reigning champion Ryan Terry, Bilal will go up against Brandon Hendrickson, Erin Banks, and Jeremy Buendia.

Brandon Hendrickson is a two-time champion, while Buendia is a four-time champion. While Buendia isn’t having the best prep season, having suffered an Achilles tendon injury, he hasn’t thrown in the hat. Meanwhile, Ryan Terry is determined to hold on to his Men’s Physique Olympia crown. Aundre Benson will also look to avenge his loss to the Pittsburgh Pro champ at the upcoming Olympia.

Yet, no matter what happens at the upcoming Super Bowl of Bodybuilding, nothing can take away the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro victory from the former Arnold Classic Men’s Physique champion.