We had the good fortune of connecting with Viktor Drago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viktor, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was never just about making money — it was about freedom, impact, and legacy. As an athlete and life coach, I’ve always believed in pushing limits, but I wanted to do that on my own terms. I saw a gap where I could merge discipline, entertainment, and motivation into something bigger than myself — to inspire people not just to watch, but to act. My thought process was simple: if I could build a brand that reflects my values and energy, I could connect with millions and help them transform their own lives while staying true to who I am.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a reflection of who I am — it’s built on grit, passion, and purpose. At the core, I combine elite athleticism, life coaching, and entertainment to inspire people to level up in every area of life. Whether it’s through social media, brand partnerships, or live events, everything I put out is meant to push limits — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived it all. I’m a world champion athlete, a fighter, a coach, and a content creator. I don’t just talk about discipline or success — I’ve bled for it, trained through it, and built a lifestyle around it. People feel that authenticity. I think that’s why the message hits so hard.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve had losses, setbacks, times where people doubted me or told me to play it safe. But I’ve learned that pressure either breaks you or builds you — and I chose to rise. Every challenge taught me something: how to pivot, how to lead, and how to stay laser-focused on the long game.

What I want the world to know is this: I’m not here to just entertain. I’m here to ignite people. To prove that you can come from anywhere, go through anything, and still rise to the top with heart, hustle, and integrity. The brand isn’t just about Viktor Drago — it’s about everyone who’s ready to become their strongest self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they experienced a week they’d never forget — full of energy, culture, and the kind of moments you talk about for years. Here’s how I’d lay it out:

Day 1: Kick it off with a high-energy workout in the morning — maybe a boxing session or hitting the hills for some early cardio. Then we’d grab brunch at a spot like Toast or Blu Jam Café — something with clean eats and big flavor. The afternoon would be chill: beach time at Malibu or Venice to soak in the sun, followed by dinner at Nobu or Catch for a next-level experience. Nightcap? Rooftop vibes at Élephante or Harriet’s.

Day 2: Adventure day. We’d hit Runyon Canyon or go hiking up to the Hollywood sign. After that, we’d fuel up at Gracias Madre or Sugarfish. Evening? Live music or a comedy show — somewhere like The Comedy Store or a surprise artist at The Roxy.

Day 3: Time to reset — morning recovery at a float tank or cryotherapy spot. Midday, we’d explore some local street food markets or hole-in-the-wall gems. I love showing people the underrated places — where the food is insane and the vibe is real. Night would be about connection — maybe a fireside hangout or deep talk over wine.

Day 4-6: We’d mix it up with everything from a day trip to Joshua Tree or Big Bear (if they want nature) to a studio tour or set visit (if they’re into media). One night would be dedicated to a proper night out — full throttle — clubs like Poppy or Delilah, surrounded by good people and good energy. And of course, we’d hit the gym every morning — that’s non-negotiable.

Day 7: The final day would be about reflection — a sunrise run, breakfast at a classic spot like The Griddle Café, then just posting up somewhere scenic, like Griffith Park or a rooftop lounge, to talk about life, goals, and what’s next.

For me, the best part isn’t just the places — it’s the vibe. It’s about sharing what inspires me daily, showing people what’s possible, and creating memories that leave them fired up when they head back home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — no one gets to the top alone. First and foremost, I want to shout out my family. Their belief in me never wavered, even when the path I chose looked crazy from the outside. My coach from my early cross-country skiing days also played a huge role — he taught me what it really means to have discipline and mental toughness. I also have to give credit to my team behind the scenes who help bring my vision to life every day. And lastly, to the fans — the ones who’ve supported me since day one, shared the content, showed up, and believed in what I’m building. They’re not just followers, they’re part of this journey.

Website: https://www.viktordrago.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealviktordrago/

Image Credits
Paul Archuleta

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