Bodybuilder and International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League member Nathan Epler doesn’t shy away from being an apparent underdog. Epler — who calls himself the “Dark Horse,” per his Instagram profile — is one of the sport’s up-and-coming names. After a fifth-place result at last year’s 212 Mr. Olympia, it seems like the bodybuilder is ready for more glory judging by the latest peek at his training progress.
On June 20, 2022, Epler shared an update on where his physique stands as the 2022 Mr. Olympia starts to come around the bend. That competition will take place on December 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.
View this post on Instagram
[Related: Everything You Need To Know About How To Burn Fat]
Epler began his competitive bodybuilding career in 2015. He got off to a fast start with a victory at the 2015 National Physique Committee (NPC) Fort Wayne Flex in the middleweight division. Years later, the American athlete might have really burst onto the scene with a first-place finish at the 2019 NPC USA Championships for the heavyweight category.
Throughout his career, Epler has maintained a mostly sparkling resume. Aside from his fifth-place finish at the 2021 Mr. Olympia (212), the peaks of his career to this stage are undoubtedly his second-place result at the 2021 IFBB Indy Pro and a win in the 2021 IFBB New York Pro. Epler competed in the 212 division at both contests.
Here’s a complete rundown of Epler’s most notable career results to date, according to NPC News Online:
Nathan Epler | Complete Career Results
- 2015 NPC Fort Wayne Flex (Middleweight) — First place
- 2015 NPC Fort Wayne Flex (Light Heavyweight) — Second place
- 2018 NPC Indiana Muscle (Heavyweight) — First place
- 2019 NPC Junior Nationals (Heavyweight) — First place
- 2019 NPC USA Championships (Heavyweight) — First place
- 2021 IFBB Indy Pro (212) — Second place
- 2021 IFBB New York Pro (212) — First place
- 2021 IFBB Mr. Olympia (212) — Fifth place
View this post on Instagram
[Related: How To Build Muscle: The Training And Diet Guide For Beginners And Advanced Lifters]
Epler’s Near Future
While Epler has notched some stellar results over the last approximate calendar year thanks to his physique, strength, and conditioning, he faces a stacked 212 field at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
At the time of this writing, some of the biggest names in the 212 division — including Derek Lunsford (2021 Olympia Champion) Shaun Clarida (2021 second place), and Kamal Elgargni (2021 third place) — are all set for another go-around at the 212 Olympia title in December. If that weren’t enough, both Clarida and Elgargni are former 212 Olympia Champions (2020 and 2019, respectively). Plus, in four appearances, Elgargni has never failed to make the 212 Olympia podium.
If Epler is to qualify for the podium, let alone win the 212 Olympia title, he’ll undoubtedly have overcome some of bodybuilding’s elite. To his credit, given his “Dark Horse” nickname, the rising Epler seems to relish the potential opportunity.
The 2022 Mr. Olympia will take place on December 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.
Featured image: @ifbb_nathan_epler on Instagram
