The International Sports Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, with bodybuilding legend Dexter Jackson, UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, chess icon Garry Kasparov, world champion freediver Vitomir Maričić and the Harlem Globetrotters comprising this year’s distinguished group of inductees.
The five-member class will be honored during the International Sports Hall of Fame’s 15th Anniversary Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas.
Held in conjunction with Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, the ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom and will be free to the public.
International Sports Hall of Fame Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Founded in 2012, the International Sports Hall of Fame has inducted 78 athletes representing dozens of sports from around the world.
The organization recognizes individuals not only for athletic excellence but also for leadership, character and service to others.
“The Class of 2026 joins an elite group of champions whose accomplishments have motivated and inspired millions around the world,” said ISHOF Founder and President Dr. Robert Goldman. “Our inductees are recognized not only for their extraordinary athletic achievements, but also for their commitment to giving back through charitable work, leadership, and service to others.”
Dexter Jackson
Known throughout the bodybuilding world as “The Blade,” Dexter Jackson enters the International Sports Hall of Fame as one of the most accomplished professional bodybuilders in history.
Jackson captured the 2008 Mr. Olympia championship and accumulated a record 29 professional bodybuilding victories during a career renowned for its longevity and consistently outstanding conditioning.
His induction during Olympia Weekend provides a fitting backdrop for the former Mr. Olympia champion’s latest career honor.
Forrest Griffin
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin will also join the Class of 2026.
A UFC Hall of Famer, Griffin played a significant role in MMA’s rise into mainstream sports culture. His memorable career and championship success helped establish him as one of the most recognizable fighters from a pivotal period in UFC history.
Garry Kasparov
Chess legend Garry Kasparov joins the Hall after spending more than two decades among the world’s elite players.
Kasparov was ranked No. 1 in the world from 1984 to 2005 and became internationally recognized beyond competitive chess through his historic human-versus-computer matches.
He has also established himself as an author, educator and advocate for democracy and human rights.
Vitomir Maričić
World champion freediver and Guinness World Records holder Vitomir Maričić enters the Hall following a career highlighted by extraordinary feats of endurance.
Maričić set world records for the longest breath hold at 29 minutes, 3 seconds and the longest underwater walk on a single breath at 351 feet.
Beyond competition, he has used his platform to promote ocean and marine conservation.
Harlem Globetrotters
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters round out the Class of 2026 as the organization celebrates 100 years of entertaining basketball fans around the world.
Combining elite basketball ability with trick shots, signature ball-handling, comedy and family entertainment, the Globetrotters have grown into one of the most recognizable sports organizations in the world.
Class of 2026 Heads to Las Vegas
The 2026 induction ceremony will bring together champions representing bodybuilding, mixed martial arts, chess, freediving and basketball in a celebration of athletic achievement that spans dramatically different areas of competition.
With the ceremony taking place during Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, the induction of Dexter Jackson should hold particular significance for bodybuilding fans as “The Blade” returns to the setting associated with one of the greatest achievements of his legendary career.
The International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will officially be inducted Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas.
Photo: International Sports HOF/Bob Hoffman
