The Peach exhibition hall in the resort city of Pattaya was the setting for the 2026 edition of the Thai edition of the IFBB ‘Mr. Universe’ franchise. Held over the weekend of 27-28 June, the championship featured contestants from over 40 countries including Nigeria, and had up to 19 IFBB Pro cards as well as a prize purse of up to ฿900,000 on offer. The event featured various categories including Women’s Fit-model Open, Men’s Fit-model open, Junior Men’s Classic bodybuilding (15-23 years), Men’s Classic bodybuilding (up to 171cm), Men’s Classic bodybuilding (up to 171cm), Junior Men’s Classic Physique (15-23 years), Women’s body fitness Open, Junior Men’s Physique (15-23 years) open, Men’s Physique (up to 170cm), Men’s Physique (up to 176cm), Men’s Physique (up to 180cm), Men’s Physique (over 180cm), Junior Men’s bodybuilding (15-23 years) open, Women’s wellness Open, Junior Women’s bikini (15-23 years) open, Women’s bikini (up to 158cm), Women’s bikini (up to 160cm), Women’s bikini (up to 164cm), Women’s bikini (up to 169cm) and Women’s bikini (over 169 cm). Two Nigerian athletes, Zacheus David and Abel Oyeneye, both IFBB Elite Men's Physique Pros, flew out to Southeast Asia to further build up their international experience, and performed admirably. For Zacheus, it was a wonderful experience: “Thailand is a very beautiful place, and I have loved being here, and I am happy that God made it possible for me to be able to make it down here. The people are lovely and respectful and made our stay very memorable, and I look forward to being able to visit again one day." The event also wrapped up his 2026 calendar, though he is not ruling anything out, subject to sponsorship: "It takes a lot in terms of logistics and finances to be able to partake in shows like this, and as at this point my next target is the upcoming African championship slated for Q1 2027 in Accra, Ghana, but I may be tempted to do one more show this year if I could get the support of a sponsor."
The NBD
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