In the heart of Orlando, Florida, anticipation is mounting as the bodybuilding world prepares for the 2023 Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend. This four-day extravaganza, scheduled from November 2 to 5, promises to be a seismic event in the realm of physique sports. A multitude of bodybuilding titans are poised to descend upon the Orange County Convention Center, vying for the coveted titles that would crown them as the supreme champions in their respective divisions. This year, the Olympia boasts a competitive field, but it’s the Men’s Open division, including the prestigious Mr. Olympia title, that takes center stage.

The Mr. Olympia title, the crown jewel of the bodybuilding world, is the focal point of the Olympia Weekend, drawing throngs of enthusiasts. Among the elite qualifiers, 19 formidable athletes are expected to grace the stage on November 3. As we delve into the 2023 Olympia, it’s essential to recognize the magnitude of this division’s importance, and the clash of titans that it promises.

2023 Mr Olympia Prediction: the Top 7 Contenders

Now, let’s dive into our predictions for the top seven contenders in the 2023 Olympia Men’s Open division. With each athlete’s unique journey and quest for bodybuilding supremacy, we assess their potential and what makes them stand out in this grand spectacle.

7. Michal Krizo: Striving for Excellence

Michal “Krizo” Krizanek, a name synonymous with promise and ambition, has embarked on a journey that could rewrite the bodybuilding narrative. His dominance within the IFBB Elite Pro federation was a precursor to his move to the IFBB Pro League in 2022, where the dream of clinching the Mr. Olympia title took center stage. Despite firing salvos at elite IFBB Pro League bodybuilders leading up to the 2022 Olympia, Krizo’s debut garnered a respectable 12th place. The Slovakian sensation’s dedication was especially directed towards improving his posterior chain, addressing the critiques he received from the judges in the previous year, primarily concerning his glutes. A notable factor this year is the absence of four competitors who placed ahead of Krizo in 2022, providing him with a golden opportunity for a top-10 finish.

 

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 6. Andrew Jacked: A Towering Presence

Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, popularly known as Andrew Jacked, embodies the future of bodybuilding, and his triumph at the 2022 Texas Pro solidified this perception. Jacked’s debut Olympia appearance in 2022, where he courageously took the stage despite battling a severe fever, culminated in an impressive eighth-place finish. What sets Jacked apart is his towering 6-foot-2 frame, towering over competitors and offering an awe-inspiring display of muscle symmetry, balance, size, and proportion, a rarity for an athlete of his height. His victory at the 2023 Texas Pro Show secured his qualification for the 2023 Olympia, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry, particularly with Hunter Labrada, as they vie for a coveted spot in the first callout in Orlando.

 

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 5. Hunter Labrada: The Rollercoaster Journey

Hunter Labrada’s odyssey through the Olympia ranks has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by consistent efforts to improve. His inaugural Olympia appearance in 2020 resulted in an eighth-place finish, followed by an impressive leap to fourth place in 2021, only to descend to seventh in 2022. The primary reason behind Labrada’s slip in the 2022 Olympia standings was attributed to a lagging back, an issue he diligently addressed during a lengthy offseason. His triumphant return to competition materialized in August 2023, clinching the Tampa Pro show and confirming his Olympia qualification. Given the absence of Big Ramy from the 2023 Olympia, Labrada is poised to elevate his position in this grand Super Bowl of Bodybuilding.

 

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 4. Brandon Curry: The Resolute Champion

Brandon Curry, the 2019 Mr. Olympia champion, secured a commendable fourth-place finish in the 2022 Olympia, marking his consistent presence at the elite level. Although recapturing the Sandow trophy after losing it is an arduous feat, Curry’s substantial progress indicates his readiness to contend with the best. The annals of bodybuilding history reveal the rarity of former Olympia champions regaining the coveted title, a feat achieved only once in the show’s 58-year legacy. While it might be too early to definitively claim this, Curry’s offseason evolution might not be substantial enough to challenge our top four contenders at the 2023 Olympia.

 

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3. Samson Dauda: Ascending the Ladder

Samson Dauda’s bodybuilding journey has experienced a remarkable ascent. His debut Olympia appearance in 2022 culminated in a respectable sixth-place finish, followed by a monumental victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Dauda’s journey to the Olympia was punctuated by triumphs over prominent figures like Walker, Big Ramy, and Andrew Jacked, ultimately securing the distinction of winning the second-largest bodybuilding competition in the sport.

Dauda’s physical prowess is exemplified by his substantial off-season weight of 330 pounds, solidifying his position among the largest bodybuilders in the 2023 lineup. His chest development is unmatched, evoking memories of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Additionally, Dauda distinguishes himself as one of the premier posers in the sport, offering captivating routines that compensate for any potential shortcomings in conditioning. Our prediction places Dauda three positions higher at the 2023 Olympia, reflecting his remarkable journey.

 

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2. Hadi Choopan: Defending the Throne

In a bold prediction, we anticipate that Lunsford will dethrone Choopan and seize the Mr. Olympia title at the 2023 Olympia. While the reigning champion has remained absent from bodybuilding stages since the 2023 Olympia, his regular updates on social media offer glimpses of his physique’s evolution. Notably, Choopan and Lunsford share several similarities, including their history as former 212 competitors and their association with the renowned coach, Hany Rambod. The pivotal factor driving this prediction is Lunsford’s substantial off-season improvements, positioning him as a formidable contender poised to unseat the reigning Mr. Olympia champion.

 

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1. Derek Lunsford: A Potential Trailblazer

Derek Lunsford caused tremors in the bodybuilding world by securing a remarkable second place at the 2022 Mr. Olympia on a special invitation. The former 212 Olympia champion possesses a freakish X-frame characterized by broad shoulders, a tiny waist, and extensive quadriceps, redefining the boundaries of aesthetics. While his pursuit of the 2023 Olympia title presents a formidable challenge, Lunsford’s opponent, Hadi Choopan, is renowned for consistently delivering impeccable conditioning on the stage, setting a high bar for his competitors. Lunsford’s journey to the 2023 Olympia is marked by a strategic off-season focus on adding muscle mass and enhancing key areas, including his chest, back, shoulders, muscle separation, and conditioning. The prediction places our bets on Lunsford, positioning him as the potential victor in Orlando. Should he receive the judges’ approval on November 4, Lunsford will etch his name in history as the first bodybuilder to secure Olympia titles in two different divisions.

 

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Rising Stars and Dark Horses: Notable Contenders at the 2023 Olympia

While our top seven predictions offer a glimpse of the formidable athletes set to grace the 2023 Olympia stage, let’s not forget the rising stars and dark horses who are poised to add intrigue to the competition. These notable mentions, eager to leave their mark, include:

Regan Grimes: A Glimpse of Transformation

Regan Grimes, who secured his qualification for the 2022 Olympia but opted to withdraw just 12 weeks before the event, embarked on a transformative journey in 2023. His commitment to the sport led to a remarkable gain of approximately 15 pounds of muscle mass during his sabbatical. Grimes cemented his place at the 2023 Olympia by clinching victory at the 2023 Europa Pro Bodybuilding Show. The 2023 Olympia marks his fourth appearance, and he seeks to break into the coveted top five.

Hassan Mostafa: The Dark Horse

Egyptian bodybuilder Hassan Mostafa enters the 2023 Mr. Olympia as a dark horse, offering a unique blend of muscle size, density, and definition that sets him apart on the grand stage. Although he qualified for the 2022 Olympia, a kidney infection forced him to withdraw just days before the event. In the 2023 Olympia, Mostafa aspires to showcase his optimal physique, leaving no room for setbacks. His qualification for this prestigious event was secured by emerging victorious at the 2023 IFBB Vancouver Pro, marking his second appearance on the Olympia stage. In his last appearance at the 2021 Olympia, he faced a 13th-place finish. Mostafa’s presence in the top 10 is conceivable, and if Michal Krizo falters in peak form, he could emerge as a formidable contender, potentially challenging for the eighth spot.

The Olympia Landscape: A Shift in Dynamics

This year, 19 athletes are expected to compete for the prestigious Sandow trophy at the 2023 Olympia. In contrast, the 58th edition of the show witnessed a staggering 36 bodybuilders gracing the stage. The Olympia, while showcasing top-tier athletes, remains a dynamic competition where surprises can unfold at any moment. It’s worth noting that Olympia promoters and the IFBB Pro League retain the prerogative to extend special invitations to deserving bodybuilders. This practice was exemplified by the participation of the 2022 Mr. Olympia silver medalist, Derek Lunsford, who secured his entry via a special invitation. While no special invitations have been announced as of this article’s publication, the landscape of the Olympia can evolve swiftly, potentially offering new contenders a coveted opportunity to showcase their prowess on the grand stage.

How We Selected Our Top 8 Predictions for the 2023 Olympia Winner

Ever wondered how we arrived at our top eight picks for the 2023 Olympia winner? We meticulously evaluated a range of factors to provide you with well-informed predictions, ensuring that each contender’s potential was thoroughly scrutinized. Here’s a peek into the criteria that guided our selections:

1. Physique Updates: A Close Watch on Transformation

The Colosseum Strength team boasts a keen eye for the dynamic bodybuilding landscape, staying attuned to every development within the industry. One pivotal aspect we scrutinized was the continual stream of physique updates that bodybuilders shared on their social media platforms. We diligently compared these updates to gauge the progress of each athlete in comparison to their fellow competitors. Men in the Open division face judgment based on their muscle mass, symmetry, quality, and balance. These same criteria were employed in shaping our predictions.

2. Previous Performance: The Trajectory of Triumph

When assessing a bodybuilder’s potential to seize victory, we delved into their recent show wins and scrutinized their entire career trajectory. The key lay in identifying whether they were on the right path. In the quest for Olympia glory, it’s crucial that bodybuilders showcase consistent progress, a vital element in their journey towards claiming the coveted Sandow trophy.

3. Fan Favorites: Social Media’s Impact

It’s a common misconception that a bodybuilder’s popularity has no bearing on their performance at the Olympia. Contrary to this belief, the world of professional bodybuilding has witnessed a notable shift. Bodybuilders invest substantial resources in cultivating a robust social media following, and for good reason. This very following has the power to influence a bodybuilder’s reputation and, ultimately, their career.

What’s more, there’s an intriguing dynamic at play – each year, one of the frontrunners for the Sandow trophy is bestowed with the prestigious People’s Choice Award. A telling example is Hadi Choopan, who clinched this award at the 2020 and 2021 Olympias. His dedication to connecting with fans on social media undoubtedly played a role in his ascent. In fact, Choopan not only secured the People’s Choice Award but also earned his maiden Olympia gold medal at the 2022 Olympia, showcasing the synergy between fan favorites and professional success.

As we’ve witnessed, the path to becoming an Olympia champion is multifaceted, influenced by physique updates, previous performance, and the undeniable impact of fan favorites in today’s social media-driven world of bodybuilding. These criteria formed the bedrock of our predictions, capturing the dynamic nature of this prestigious competition.

2023 Mr. Olympia Qualified Contestants

24 bodybuilders are qualified to compete at the 2023 Olympia.

These twenty elite bodybuilders will be competing at the pinnacle of bodybuilding, the 2023 Olympia, for a chance to etch their names in the annals of the sport’s history.

Bodybuilders Who Won’t Compete in the 2023 Olympia

The Olympia will miss the following six qualified bodybuilders:

Nick Walker: Unfortunate Withdrawal and Missed Potential

As the 2023 Olympia approached, bodybuilding fans worldwide were eager to witness the incredible Nick Walker in action. Walker, often referred to as “The Mutant,” had established himself as a rising star in the bodybuilding world. His journey to the Olympia had been marked by notable achievements. Notably, he secured a fifth-place finish during his rookie year at the 2021 Olympia, a remarkable feat for a newcomer.

However, the excitement took an unexpected turn just two days before the 2023 Olympia was set to commence. Nick Walker’s unfortunate withdrawal sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community. The reason behind this disappointing turn of events was a hamstring tear, which left both fans and Walker himself deeply disheartened. His absence was felt keenly as he was considered one of the top contenders for the 2023 Olympia title.

Despite this unforeseen setback, it’s essential to recognize the impact that Nick Walker had made on the bodybuilding scene. In the 2022 Olympia, he showcased a vastly improved physique, securing a bronze medal. Furthermore, his popularity among fans was undeniable, as he earned the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 2022 Olympia. Many believed that Walker had the potential to dethrone reigning champion Hadi Choopan and become a significant threat to Choopan’s bid for a repeat victory at the 59th edition of the Olympia.

Brett Wilkin’s Olympia Debut Cut Short Due to Health Issues

The 2023 Olympia had promised to be a memorable event, marked not only by seasoned contenders but also by newcomers eager to make their mark. Brett Wilkin, in particular, had made history by becoming the first bodybuilder to qualify for the 2023 Olympia through a remarkable victory at the 2022 Big Man Weekend Pro show.

The bodybuilding community had high hopes for Wilkin’s debut on the Olympia stage, anticipating a remarkable entry into the sport’s most prestigious event. However, just four weeks before the contest, a significant health issue arose, abruptly ending Wilkin’s journey to the Olympia. The issue, identified as digestive problems, had caused him to lose a staggering 17 pounds in a mere two weeks. Wilkin’s withdrawal was undoubtedly a disappointment to both his supporters and the bodybuilding world, as they had eagerly awaited his performance on this grand stage.

Nathan De Asha’s Visa Woes Derail His Olympia Dream

Nathan De Asha, a British bodybuilder, had been gathering momentum and gaining recognition as the 2023 Olympia approached. His recent victories in two prominent pro shows, the 2023 IFBB Flex Pro and the 2023 IFBB Sheru Classic France Pro, had positioned him as a formidable contender in the Olympia lineup.

However, as the competition date neared, De Asha’s Olympia dream took an unfortunate and unforeseen turn. He was denied entry into the United States due to visa-related issues. This unexpected setback resulted in De Asha being unable to participate in the 2023 Olympia, forcing him to return to the United Kingdom from the Orlando airport. This turn of events left fans and De Asha himself deeply disappointed, as he had aspired to demonstrate his capabilities on the Olympia stage and build on his recent successes.

Mamdouh Elssbiay Opts for Recovery Over the Olympia

Mamdouh Elssbiay, widely known as “Big Ramy,” is a two-time Mr. Olympia champion and a prominent figure in the world of bodybuilding. However, leading up to the 2023 Olympia, he made a significant decision that surprised many – he chose to rule himself out of the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition.

Elssbiay’s decision was rooted in a desire for his body to recover from injuries. In bodybuilding, injuries are a common and often underestimated aspect of the sport. Opting for a cautious and prudent approach, Elssbiay decided that it was in his best interest to prioritize his health and allow his body to recuperate. While his absence at the 2023 Olympia was felt by fans, it served as a reminder of the physical toll that the sport can take on even the most accomplished athletes.

Iain Valliere: A Transition to a New Role

Iain Valliere, a prominent Canadian bodybuilder, made a life-altering decision just two months before the 2023 Olympia. He announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding, signaling the conclusion of his journey as a professional bodybuilder.

However, Valliere’s retirement was not an exit from the world of bodybuilding but rather a transition into a new role. He aspired to embark on a career as an IFBB Pro League judge, contributing to the sport in a different capacity. Valliere’s decision showcased his dedication to the world of bodybuilding and his commitment to its growth and development.

Kamal Elgargni’s Heartfelt Withdrawal

Kamal Elgargni, a former 212 Olympia champion, holds a unique status in Olympia qualifications, allowing him to compete for life in the Olympia’s 212 division. However, an unexpected family situation led to a heartfelt withdrawal from the 2023 Olympia.

Elgargni’s journey to the 2023 Olympia was guided by the desire to compete in the Men’s Open division, a feat he achieved by winning the 2023 Masters Olympia. However, circumstances took an emotional turn when his brother was diagnosed with cancer. Faced with the challenges and commitments this situation presented, Elgargni made the heartfelt decision to withdraw from the Olympia, focusing his attention and energy on his family during this difficult period.

These stories of withdrawal and transformation highlight the unpredictability of the Olympia journey and the resilience and determination of the athletes who have dedicated their lives to the sport of bodybuilding.

2023 Mr. Olympia Schedule

*All times are in EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)

Here’s how to watch the 2023 Olympia:

Event Details:

The 59th edition of Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend is scheduled for November 2-5, 2023, in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Ticket Information:

As of the time of this writing, tickets for the Mr. Olympia Finals (Nov. 4) are already sold out. However, you can still purchase tickets for the pre-judging event on November 3 by visiting the official [Olympia website](insert link) at a cost of $175.00.

Live Streaming:

If you’re unable to attend the event in person, you can still catch all the live action by ordering the pay-per-view on the [Olympia Productions website](insert link) for $74.99.

Live Event Coverage:

Another way to stay updated with the 2023 Olympia is by tuning into the live event coverage provided by Colosseum Strength.

List of Historical All Mr. Olympia Champions

Explore the complete roster of Mr. Olympia champions dating back to 1965:

Concluding Thoughts

The 2023 Olympia promises excitement with the potential for a new Sandow trophy holder in Lunsford. Our predictions place Dauda and Curry in the third and fourth positions, while Labrada is likely to secure fifth place.

Who is your favorite to claim the prestigious Sandow trophy at the 2023 Olympia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Overview

The 2023 Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend in Orlando, Florida, is highly anticipated, featuring top bodybuilders. The Men’s Open division, including Mr. Olympia, is the main attraction. We predict the top seven contenders and mention rising stars and dark horses. The competition features 19 athletes, down from 36 last year. Our predictions are based on factors like physique updates and past performance. The list of qualified contestants and those who withdrew is included, along with the 2023 Olympia schedule and how to watch. The historical Mr. Olympia champions list is also provided. Excitement is building as we approach the event, with a potential new champion in Derek Lunsford. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Featured Image @derekLunsford_ (Instagram)