Job done. It was never in doubt.
You knew it. I knew it. There was never really a question.
Nihat Kaya, now the world No. 4 after his outstanding 4th place finish at the 2025 Olympia, arrived at the Big Evolution Pro in Portugal with one job - to win. And that’s exactly what he did.
It wasn’t close. It wasn’t dramatic. He was simply too good across the board.
But here’s what should really grab your attention.
His coach, Patrick Tuor, revealed afterwards that they deliberately held plenty back, keeping fuel in the tank with one goal in mind—the Olympia in just 12 weeks’ time.
Think about that for a second.
If this version of Nihat was enough to dominate Portugal, what does the finished product look like when the plan is to peak for the biggest show of the year?
Did he make a statement?
Absolutely.
Should Keone Pearson be worried?
Not yet.
I think Nihat will be right in the fight for second or third at this year’s Olympia, but I still believe Keone remains the man to beat.
Yes, Shaun Clarida pushed Keone hard last year, but I don’t think we saw the very best version of Keone Pearson. I’m not expecting lightning to strike twice. A fully dialled-in Keone is still the favourite in my eyes.
That doesn’t take anything away from Nihat, though.
This young man just 23 years old, maybe 24, is clearly a future Olympia champion in the 212 division.
Stepping on stage after reaching around 211 pounds before the show, I’d imagine Patrick Tuor still has another level of conditioning to unlock. He’ll need that extra sharpness if he’s going to close the gap on someone as complete and battle-tested as Shaun Clarida.
The exciting part?
Nihat already has everything.
The structure. The shape. The muscle. The presence.
And he’s only scratching the surface.
His physique is going to mature. His muscle density will improve. His posing will become more polished. Most importantly, he’ll continue gaining experience under the brightest lights in bodybuilding.
Could he compete in the Open one day?
Without a doubt.
But for now, I’m more than happy to watch his story unfold in the 212. Let him keep building. Let him keep learning. Let him keep knocking on the door.
Save the genuine title challenge for 2027.
As for this year?
Just give me a split decision in Las Vegas between Keone Pearson and Nihat Kaya.
Because if Portugal showed us anything, it’s this:
Nihat isn’t just coming. He’s already here.
