Vladimir Yakovlev is a Moldovan IFBB Pro bodybuilder who made his name in the Men’s 212 division. 💪
You may also see his name spelled Vladimir Iacovlev in official IFBB result sheets — same athlete, different transliteration.
His career peak so far came in 2021, when he won the Europa Pro 212 title and then stepped onto the Mr. Olympia stage that same year. 🏆
Since then he has stayed a familiar face on the European pro circuit, with his last verified pro contest coming in late 2022.
Vladimir Yakovlev Quick Facts
| Full name | Vladimir Yakovlev (also listed as Vladimir Iacovlev) |
| Born | 1993 (exact date not publicly verified) |
| Age in 2026 | 32, turning 33 during 2026 |
| Represents | Moldova |
| Division | IFBB Pro Men’s 212 (one Men’s Open outing in Prague, 2022) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (as previously reported) |
| Competition weight | Up to 212 lb (96 kg) division limit |
| Pro wins | 1 (2021 Europa Pro, 212) |
| Olympia appearances | 1 (2021, 212 — tied 16th) |
| Best result | 1st place, 2021 Europa Pro 212 |
Vladimir Yakovlev Early Life and Amateur Career
Vladimir Yakovlev was born in 1993 and came up through the amateur ranks representing Moldova. 🇲🇩
His early record shows a steady junior career first, with senior results following close behind.
In 2014 he finished 2nd in the Junior over 75 kg class at the European Championships, and 4th in the senior up to 90 kg class at the same event.
A year later he took 3rd in the Junior over 75 kg class at the 2015 European Championships, and 9th in the senior up to 90 kg class.
He also competed as an amateur at the Arnold Classic Europe, in the Juniors and the up to 100 kg class, before turning professional.
Photo: Vladimir Yakovlev via Instagram
Vladimir Yakovlev Professional Career
Yakovlev moved into the IFBB Pro League in the 212 division, where size is capped and conditioning decides placings. ⚖️
His pro debut came at the 2019 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, where he finished 12th in the 212 class.
The breakthrough arrived in 2021 at the Europa Pro Championships in Alicante, Spain, where he won the 212 title ahead of Pasquale D’Angelo. 🥇
That win put him on the road to the 2021 Mr. Olympia, where he competed in the 212 division and finished tied 16th.
He kept busy around that Olympia appearance, taking 6th at the 2021 Bigman Weekend Pro in Spain and 11th at the 2021 KO Egypt Pro, both in the 212 class.
Photo: Vladimir Yakovlev via Instagram
His Strong 2022 Season
The 2022 season was arguably his most consistent run as a professional. 📈
He finished 4th in the 212 class at the 2022 Europa Pro Championships, behind winner Radoslav Angelov.
He then stepped outside his usual division at the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro, finishing 8th in the Men’s Open against much heavier athletes.
His best result of that year came last, at the 2022 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, where he finished 2nd in the 212 class behind Angelov.
That runner-up finish closed out his verified pro record: no verified pro contest result for Yakovlev was found for 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
For context on that Prague outing, see the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro results and line-up.
Photo: Vladimir Yakovlev via Instagram
Vladimir Yakovlev Contest History
| Year | Contest | Division | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Romania Muscle Fest Pro | Men’s 212 | 2nd |
| 2022 | Europa Pro Championships | Men’s 212 | 4th |
| 2022 | EVLS Prague Pro | Men’s Open | 8th |
| 2021 | Mr. Olympia | Men’s 212 | Tied 16th |
| 2021 | Europa Pro Championships | Men’s 212 | 1st |
| 2021 | Bigman Weekend Pro | Men’s 212 | 6th |
| 2021 | KO Egypt Pro | Men’s 212 | 11th |
| 2019 | Romania Muscle Fest Pro | Men’s 212 | 12th |
| 2016 | Arnold Classic Europe (Amateur) | Juniors | 7th |
| 2016 | Arnold Classic Europe (Amateur) | Up to 100 kg | 7th |
| 2015 | Arnold Classic Europe (Amateur) | Juniors | 6th |
| 2015 | European Championships | Up to 90 kg | 9th |
| 2015 | European Championships | Juniors, over 75 kg | 3rd |
| 2014 | European Championships | Up to 90 kg | 4th |
| 2014 | European Championships | Juniors, over 75 kg | 2nd |
A note on the Arnold Classic: Yakovlev’s Arnold appearances were amateur events at the Arnold Classic Europe. No pro appearance for him at the Arnold Classic in Ohio or the Arnold Classic UK was found in this refresh.
Vladimir Yakovlev Training and Physique
Yakovlev built his reputation on a complete 212 package rather than one standout bodypart. 🏋️
His stage look pairs a wide, full upper body with detailed legs — the balance judges reward when everyone on stage is under the same weight cap.
His Prague Open outing in 2022 showed the other side of that package: even giving away size to open heavyweights, he still cracked the top 10.
For 212 athletes, that kind of balance matters more than raw size alone, and it explains why his best pro results all came in that division.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Vladimir Yakovlev?
He was born in 1993, so he is 32 turning 33 during 2026. His exact date of birth is not publicly verified.
Is Vladimir Yakovlev the same as Vladimir Iacovlev?
Yes. Iacovlev is the spelling used in official IFBB and European result sheets, while Yakovlev is the common English spelling. Both refer to the same Moldovan bodybuilder.
What is Vladimir Yakovlev’s best result?
His best pro result is winning the 212 title at the 2021 Europa Pro Championships in Alicante, Spain.
Did Vladimir Yakovlev compete at the Mr. Olympia?
Yes, once. He competed in the Men’s 212 division at the 2021 Mr. Olympia and finished tied 16th.
Did he qualify for the 2022 Mr. Olympia?
No. He sat on 12 points in the 2022 Olympia 212 points standings, but he does not appear on the final 2022 qualified list and did not compete at the 2022 Olympia.
Has Vladimir Yakovlev competed at the Arnold Classic in Ohio or the UK?
No pro appearance at either event was found. His Arnold Classic appearances were amateur contests at the Arnold Classic Europe.
Is Vladimir Yakovlev still competing?
No verified pro contest result for him was found for 2023 through 2026, so his last verified pro appearance remains the 2022 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, where he finished 2nd in the 212 class.