Libyan-British professional bodybuilder Kamal Elgargni, who competes in IFBB Pro League Division 212, is one of the most successful bodybuilders today. To name a few of his titles, Kamal has won 212 Mr. Olympia in 2019, as well as the Arnold Classic in 2018.

His profile first: Born on November 21, 1971, in Tripoli, Libya, Kamal Elgargni has one of the most inspiring stories of any bodybuilder. He started training in 1993, then competed and won his first contest in 1994, the Libyan championship. He competed in the 70 kilogram weight class. However, in 1997 he moved to Malta before finally settling in England. There he began racing under the British flag, going on to win the 2001 British NABBA in his class. And from 2003 to 2017, Kamal competed under the Qatar flag. How Kamal, who is a Libyan national, ended up in Qatar is a story in itself. (The 15 Strongest and Most Muscular Bodybuilders in History).

Qatari money

In 2013, Qatar hosted the Asian Olympic Games, but lacked good elite bodybuilders, which is why they gave him Qatari citizenship. Prior to getting his pro card in 2018, Kamal Elgargni was invited to compete in the 2003 Night of Champions, now New York Pro, by Wayne DeMilia, who was the promoter of Mister Olympia from 1984-2003. The “Libyan Lion”, as he is known, has qualified for the show by winning the British IFBB Amateur. After finishing twenty-first, Kamal told his teammates that this would be his first and last show. But he came back and represented Qatar in 2003 at the Asian Games.

It’s no secret that competing in the IFBB Pro League is a tough race. Most bodybuilders struggle to make a living out of the sport alone, and only a select few at the highest levels actually earn enough to make a living from it. But thanks to the Government of Qatar, he now does this professionally.

His greatest success? Kamal won his first Olympia 212 title in 2019, beating Derek Lunsford and Shaun Clarida, two of bodybuilding’s biggest current promises.

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