Terrick El Guindy Backs Keone Pearson to Compete for the Open Title at Mr. Olympia: “That’s How Great This Man Was”

Keone ‘The Prodigy’ Pearson continues to make waves in the bodybuilding world following his incredible victory at 2024 212 Mr. Olympia.

Securing his second consecutive title in the 212 division, Keone Pearson’s win has fueled discussions about his potential to succeed in the Men’s Open category.

Recently, renowned IFBB judge and commentator Terrick El Guindy expressed his belief that Pearson has the potential to fight for the Open Mr. Olympia title in the future, following in the footsteps of previous two-division champion Derek Lunsford.

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A Dominant Performance at the 2024 212 Mr. Olympia

Keone Pearson’s journey to becoming a top competitor has been one of dedicated refinement. His victory over Shaun Clarida, a formidable competitor in the 212 division, underscored his evolution as an athlete.

Keone Pearson 212 Champion
via Keone Pearson Instagram Account

Shaun Clarida, known for his impressive muscle density and conditioning, was once again an aggressive contender, but Pearson’s stunning balance of symmetry, width, and refined shape gave him the upper hand.

Terrick El Guindy highlighted Pearson’s performance in a YouTube video on October 23, 2024, calling him “possibly the most impressive bodybuilder at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.”

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El Guindy noted that Keone Pearson’s physique is marked by remarkable width and aesthetics rarely seen in the 212 category.

“His width is incredible,” El Guindy remarked. “He has a distance between one of his shoulders to the other shoulder that we have not seen in many categories.”

Furthermore, Keone Pearson’s meticulous conditioning, a quality that has been occasionally criticized in the past, was flawless this year.

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His precise, refined conditioning silenced skeptics, proving he is not only a great 212 competitor but also a top-tier athlete worthy of the Mr. Olympia stage.

The Case for Keone Pearson in the Men’s Open

Terrick El Guindy believes that Keone Pearson’s skill set positions him well for a future in the Open division.

Keone Pearson Bodybuilder
via gilcoproduction Instagram Account

Drawing a comparison to Derek Lunsford, who made a successful leap from 212 to win the Open Mr. Olympia title in 2023, El Guindy sees Keone Pearson as having the genetics and potential to follow a similar path.

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“Keone Pearson has the potential to do exactly what Derek Lunsford did, to win the 212, go on to the Open, and possibly win the Open bodybuilding,” El Guindy commented.

He emphasized that Keone Pearson’s physique brings a unique strength that could thrive in the Men’s Open, even speculating that if Keone Pearson had competed in the Open at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he would have likely landed in the first callout.

“That’s how great this man was at the 2024 Mr. Olympia,” El Guindy affirmed. With his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and balanced proportions, Pearson embodies an aesthetic that can shine on the Open stage, especially as the division shifts to favor more streamlined and classic physiques.

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Pearson’s Thoughts on the Open Division

Though Keone Pearson has hinted at competing in the Men’s Open, he has made it clear that his priority is to defend his 212 title for now.

Keone Pearson Age
Via Keone Pearson Instagram Account

In the lead-up to the 2024 Olympia, he entertained the possibility of competing in the Open “for shits and giggles,” though he expressed that his focus remained on mastering his craft within the 212 division.

However, Keone Pearson’s comments indicate he is open to exploring the Open division down the road, seeing it as a way to challenge himself against the very best in bodybuilding.

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Keone Pearson’s fans, as well as those in the bodybuilding community, are eagerly awaiting his next moves. As one of the top 212 champions, he’s proved his ability to perform under pressure, fine-tuning his physique each year to meet the stringent standards of the Olympia stage.

His continued success and the consistent improvements in his physique make him a top contender for either division, with El Guindy’s comments only adding fuel to the excitement surrounding his potential.

The Road Ahead: Potential for a Historic Two-Division Champion

If Keone Pearson does decide to enter the Open category, he could join the exclusive ranks of two-division champions, a feat achieved by only a few, including Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, who both began their careers in 212 before moving up to the Open category.

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Keone Pearson and Shaun Clarida
via shuan clarida Instagram Account

El Guindy’s confidence in Keone Pearson’s abilities stems not only from his physique but from his work ethic and dedication to continuous improvement.

As Keone Pearson contemplates his future, fans and experts alike are excited to see how he approaches the opportunity.

A move to the Open could mark a monumental chapter in his career and showcase his physique on an even bigger stage.

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With the kind of physique that could easily hold its own among Open competitors, Keone Pearson’s future shines brightly.

Will Keone Pearson Make the Jump?

Only time will tell if Keone Pearson will ultimately compete in the Men’s Open, but his trajectory suggests he has the potential to thrive across divisions.

Whether he remains in the 212 for another season or makes his mark in the Open, Keone Pearson’s talent, discipline, and ambition are undeniable.

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Terrick El Guindy’s vote of confidence adds further momentum to his journey, and fans are eager to see if the Prodigy will indeed follow the path of legends before him.

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