“Just a kid playing at being an Olympian and asking his idols for a picture.”

This is what Joan Pradells said after he fell out of the top five at the Prague Pro 2025. Regardless, his ambition to make a major statement against the Mr. Olympia greats not only remains intact but has grown significantly stronger.

Speaking with BeyondTheStageTv, the Valencian IFBB Pro bodybuilder alarmed the current greats of the bodybuilding world, “It all comes down to the day, it all comes down to the moment in time.”

He further added, “And so for me, what I have seen from Andrew, from Samson, when we all come in at our best, at our 100% best, right now I see myself and Hodi [Choppan]. You know, edging those two guys out.”

Both Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked have prior experience at the Mr. Olympia, which the Valencia native lacks. While Dauda, the 2024 Mr. Olympia champion, placed fourth this year, Andrew Jacked finished fifth in 2024 and improved to third place in 2025. Both Dauda and Jacked are trying to improve their positions.

However, Pradells is not someone who should be underestimated on the global stage. This year has been a standout one for him. At the Czech tournament, he managed to break into the top five, and at the Japan Pro 2025, he secured a top-three finish, earning qualification for the 2026 Mr. Olympia.

And that’s not all, bodybuilding greats have even suggested that he might be the next Jay Cutler.

Is Joan Pradells the next Jay Cutler?

From Prague to Romania, the United Kingdom, Poland, and now Tokyo, Pradells has delivered far more than casual performances at these bodybuilding events, earning podium finishes along the way. As all eyes turn toward 2026, bodybuilding greats have begun drawing specific comparisons.

“I’m looking forward to the day your name explodes,” said Jose Raymond, discussing with Milos Sarcev and host Dennis James at episode 260 of The Menace Podcast. Raymond expressed that, after looking at his off-season pictures, he could tell there was something special about the Valencia native.

He further added, “He’s got that Jay Cutler width.” Sarcev also noted the same sentiment, “He looked like Jay coming to me. Like, holy s**t,” quipped ‘The Mind.’ “And then when I seen him pose, you know, with this crazy shoulder width… tree trunk legs.”

Raymond doubled down on his words, asserting that Pradell’s physique is close to Cutler's, “He might have a prettier shape than Jay,” he went on. “He definitely does; he’s got a tighter waist."

With such high praise from the bodybuilding giants, Joan Pradells is motivated enough for his upcoming season. Will he be able to place ahead of Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and Hadi Choopan? Time will tell.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das