One division that continues to fly under the radar whenever Olympia conversations begin is Figure. While Men's Open, Classic Physique, Men's Physique and Bikini dominate the headlines, Figure may be heading into one of its most competitive and unpredictable Olympia battles in years.
The retirement of Cydney Gillon at the end of 2024 closed one of the most dominant chapters in IFBB history and left a massive void at the top of the division. The question wasn't simply who would win next, it was who would become the new face of Figure.
Rhea Gayle answered the first part of that question by capturing the 2024 Figure Olympia title. Her victory marked the beginning of a new era, but one championship doesn't automatically establish a dynasty. History shows that the real pressure begins after the first win. Defending the crown is often harder than winning it, and a second consecutive Olympia title would significantly strengthen Gayle's claim as the division's leading figure.
Standing directly in her path is Lola Montez, a competitor who has quietly built one of the strongest resumes in the division. Last year's Olympia runner-up had already proven her consistency with three consecutive third-place Olympia finishes before finally breaking into the top two. Lola has been knocking on the door for years, and many believe she's closer than ever to kicking it down.
Then there's Jessica Reyes Padilla, arguably one of the most accomplished competitors in the entire lineup. 29 professional victories from 60 appearances is a staggering achievement in any division. Between 2022 and 2024, she was the only athlete who consistently threatened Cydney Gillon's reign, finishing runner-up three consecutive years. Experience, stage presence, and winning pedigree are all on her side, making her impossible to overlook when discussing title contenders.
Yet despite the credentials of the established stars, much of the buzz surrounding the division centers on Denise Zwinger.
Denise has rapidly emerged as one of Figure's most intriguing rising forces. Winning half of her professional contests is impressive enough, but what has really caught the attention of fans and insiders is how quickly she's climbed the ranks. In just eight professional appearances, she has already established herself among the elite and backed up the hype with a fourth-place finish in her Olympia debut. That's the kind of trajectory that can quickly turn an outsider into a legitimate title threat.
What makes this year's Olympia particularly compelling is the absence of a clear favorite. Rhea has the title. Lola is at the door. Jessica has the experience and resume. Denise has the buzz and upward trajectory.
Each athlete brings a different argument to the table, and each has a realistic path to victory.
With nearly fifteen weeks remaining until the Olympia, the Figure division appears to be entering a rare period of genuine uncertainty. There is no dominant champion, no overwhelming favorite, and no guaranteed outcome.
The Figure Big Four are on a collision course, and as things stand, this title race feels completely wide open.
For a division that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves, that may be exactly what makes it one of the most fascinating stories heading into Olympia weekend.
