Nathan De Asha, one of the most accomplished athletes in the world of professional bodybuilding, has finally received the green light to compete on US soil again.
After years of visa issues that kept him from participating in major events, including the Mr. Olympia, Nathan De Asha has been granted a 20-day visa to compete at the prestigious 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio.
This exciting development marks Nathan De Asha‘s long-awaited return to North American competition and promises to be a pivotal moment in his storied career.
Nathan De Asha’s Journey to the 2025 Arnold Classic US
For the past few years, Nathan De Asha‘s journey in bodybuilding has been marked by success in European contests but also significant frustration due to visa problems preventing him from competing in the United States.
His last appearance in a North American competition came in 2018 when he finished eighth at the Mr. Olympia, which the late Shawn Rhoden won.
Since then, visa issues have sidelined him from competing in the US, despite earning qualifications for multiple Mr. Olympia contests.
However, Nathan De Asha never allowed these obstacles to stop his progress. He continued to build an impressive career overseas, dominating the European bodybuilding scene.
In 2024, Nathan De Asha claimed victory at the Mr. Big Evolution Pro, defeating former two-time Arnold Classic champion William Bonac.
Although he narrowly missed first place at the Flex Weekend Pro in Italy and the Dubai Pro, where Behrooz Tabani bested him, Nathan De Asha’s performances solidified his position as one of the top Men’s Open competitors.
Despite qualifying for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, visa complications once again kept him from competing. But now, De Asha’s persistence has paid off.
According to industry expert Ron Harris, who shared the news via his YouTube channel on October 22, 2024, De Asha has been granted a 20-day visa, allowing him to take part in the 2025 Arnold Classic in March.
Visa Breakthrough and De Asha’s Exciting Return to US Competitions
The news of Nathan De Asha’s visa breakthrough was met with excitement from fans and industry insiders alike.
Ron Harris explained that Brian Powers, co-promoter of the Arnold Classic alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, was instrumental in securing the visa for Nathan De Asha.
Powers reportedly wrote a letter to the necessary government officials, resulting in the approval of the 20-day visa.
This upcoming Arnold Classic US will be De Asha’s debut at the event, and his return to the US stage after a long hiatus.
Speaking about the struggles De Asha has endured, Harris recalled a moment in 2023 when De Asha flew all the way to Orlando for the Mr. Olympia, only to be turned away at the airport by US Customs and Immigration.
Despite being fully prepared and qualified, De Asha was not allowed to compete.
High Stakes at the 2025 Arnold Classic
The 2025 Arnold Classic promises to be one of the most exciting bodybuilding events in recent memory.
Arnold Schwarzenegger himself announced that the prize money for the Men’s Open division has been increased to a staggering $500,000 for the winner.
This historic prize, which for a moment was the highest payout in an IFBB Pro League event, will bring out the best from the competitors.
However, the 2024 Mr. Olympia made headlines when it raised its Open division prize money to an incredible $600,000, which was claimed by Samson Dauda.
Nathan De Asha will have his work cut out for him as he faces off against some of the biggest names in bodybuilding, including Dauda and Andrew Jacked, at the 2025 Arnold Classic.
Related: Nathan De Asha Dissects the 2024 Arnold Classic UK: Insights, Observations, and Predictions
De Asha’s Path Forward
As Nathan De Asha prepares for his first Arnold Classic US competition, fans are eager to see him showcase the physique that has made him a standout in Europe.
With his visa issues temporarily resolved, Nathan De Asha is focused on proving himself on the grand stage once again. He will not only be competing for a significant cash prize but also the chance to cement his legacy in the sport.
The 2025 Arnold Classic could mark a turning point for Nathan De Asha’s career, allowing him to re-establish his presence in the highly competitive US bodybuilding scene.
With the stakes higher than ever, and the world’s eyes on him, De Asha’s performance at the Arnold Classic is sure to be one of the most anticipated moments of the year.
Fans are hopeful that this is just the beginning of more opportunities for Nathan De Asha in the US, as he continues his journey toward bodybuilding greatness.