Think you know Kai Greene? Think again.
When you think of bodybuilding icons, Kai Greene is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. He’s intense, creative, and full of personality, which is exactly why fans gave him the nickname “The People’s Champ.”
He’s always been more than just a guy with huge muscles. Kai Greene’s story is about turning a tough start into something powerful and using that same passion to connect with people everywhere.
Even years after stepping off the Olympia stage, he still manages to inspire anyone chasing a goal.
But how well do you actually know the guy? Here are three things you might not know about Kai Greene that make him even more interesting.
Kai Greene is heading to The Dubai Muscle Show 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to meet Kai Greene in person, 2025 is your year. He’s set to appear at The Dubai Muscle Show, one of the biggest fitness events on the planet.
It’s happening from October 24 to October 26 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre and it’s basically a playground for anyone who loves training, nutrition, and all things muscle.
Kai Greene will be there this year with the Core Champs team, so expect lots of chat about nutrition and properly fuelling your training!
Even though he’s not competing anymore, Kai Greene still brings the same energy to everything he does, and it’s that along with his connection with fans that make him such a legend. And the excitement around his appearance at The Dubai Muscle Show 2025 proves that his influence in the fitness world is as strong as ever.
He never won Mr Olympia but still made history
This is the one fact that shocks people every time. Kai Greene never actually won Mr Olympia.
He came unbelievably close though, finishing second in 2012, 2013, and 2014 behind Phil Heath. Those showdowns were some of the most talked-about in bodybuilding history.
But the lack of an Olympia title doesn’t take away from all his other incredible achievements.
See, Kai Greene has an incredible list of wins, including three Arnold Classic titles in 2009, 2010, and 2016. The Arnold Classic is one of the most respected shows in the sport, and taking that trophy home three times says everything about his skill and consistency.
He was also known for turning every routine into a performance. His posing wasn’t just about showing muscle; it was storytelling through movement, which is why people still talk about it years later. That’s what separates Kai Greene from so many others.
So while his name never appeared on the Mr Olympia winners list, it doesn’t matter. Kai Greene proved that you don’t need one specific title to become a legend. He became a champion in his own way, earning the respect of fans and athletes all over the world.
He’s also an actor and artist
Outside of the gym, Kai Greene has a whole other side that people don’t always see, as an actor and an artist.
You might have spotted him in Stranger Things season 2, where he played a character called Funshine. He’s also appeared in Pogaru, Crazy Fist, and College Debts.
Then there’s his art. Kai Greene is a painter and sketch artist, and he’s even held exhibitions of his work. He often describes bodybuilding as a form of art, and his drawings explore identity, emotion, and transformation.
Final thoughts
Kai Greene’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He’s gone from foster homes to world stages, from lifting weights to painting canvases, and from competing under bright lights to inspiring people everywhere he goes.
His appearance at The Dubai Muscle Show 2025 is another reminder that he’s not just a name from the past. He’s still out there motivating people and proving that passion doesn’t have an expiry date.
SEE ALSO: Kayla Itsines Returns to Dubai Active For SWK Bootcamp
