The 2023 Olympia Choopan Derek , hosted in the vibrant city of Orlando, FL, from November 2nd to 5th, once again solidified its status as the pinnacle of bodybuilding excellence. A gathering of elite professionals and ardent fans from across the globe, this prestigious event remains unparalleled in its significance in the world of fitness and bodybuilding.
The highlight of the Olympia is undoubtedly the Mr. Olympia division, where the victor walks away with not only the coveted Sandow trophy but also a handsome $400,000 cash prize and a gleaming gold medal. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
In a highly anticipated showdown, the reigning Mr. Olympia champion, Hadi Choopan, locked horns with the 2022 Olympia silver-medalist, Derek Lunsford. The intensity was palpable as Samson Dauda, the reigning Arnold Classic champion, asserted his dominance in the pre-judging round, securing a coveted spot in the top three.
“The Persian Wolf,” Choopan, set his sights on joining the elite ranks of the few who have won multiple Olympia championships. Meanwhile, Lunsford and Dauda were resolute in their quest to clinch their maiden Olympia trophy in the fiercely contested Open division.
2023 Olympia Choopan Derek
When the final verdict was announced, it was Derek Lunsford who stood tall, etching his name in history as the 18th bodybuilder to lay claim to the coveted Sandow trophy. Lunsford’s victory was not only a testament to his extraordinary talent but also his versatility, as he became the first athlete to secure Olympia titles across multiple divisions, triumphing in the 212 Olympia division in 2021 before seizing the Mr. Olympia (Men’s Open division) throne this year. His achievements were further celebrated as he clinched the People’s Choice Award on the same unforgettable evening.
The 59th edition of the Olympia showcased a total of 11 divisions, each one a battleground where champions proved their mettle. The victors of each division at the Olympia Weekend earned the right to proudly proclaim themselves as the best bodybuilder in their respective category, cementing their names in the annals of bodybuilding history.
The 2023 Olympia witnessed the crowning of seven new champions while four reigning champions successfully extended their leads.
2023 Olympia Winners (Choopan Derek):
Here are the winners in each division:
- Men’s Open: Derek Lunsford
- Men’s 212: Keone Pearson
- Classic Physique: Chris Bumstead
- Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry
- Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw
- Figure: Cydney Gillon
- Fitness: Oksana Grishina
- Women’s Physique: Sarah Villegas
- Bikini: Jennifer Dorie
- Wellness: Francielle Mattos
- Pro Wheelchair: Karol Milewski
2023 Mr. Olympia: Celebrating Excellence in Bodybuilding
Witness the crowning of champions and the top 10 finishers in each division at the 2023 Mr. Olympia:
Mr. Olympia (Men’s Open):
Derek Lunsford clinched the coveted title of Mr. Olympia, becoming the 18th bodybuilder to hoist the illustrious Sandow trophy.
The Men’s Open division brought forth an electrifying showdown during the pre-judging round. Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda commanded the final callout on Nov. 3 (Friday) and once again on Nov. 4 (Saturday) during the confirmation round, positioning them as frontrunners for the sport’s most prestigious honor.
As the confirmation round unfolded, every Men’s Open contender dialed in, transforming the contest into a fierce battle of wills. Head judge Steve Weinberger orchestrated multiple comparison rounds to ensure a comprehensive assessment before arriving at the ultimate decision.
In a nail-biting climax, Derek Lunsford emerged triumphant, seizing the revered Sandow trophy. Lunsford’s historic win marked him as the first-ever double champion in Olympia history, having secured both the 212 and Mr. Olympia (Men’s Open) titles. Alongside the gold medal, Lunsford also earned the esteemed People’s Choice Award.
Choopan slipped to the runner-up position. It was Dauda’s second Olympia appearance, and he moved up three places from last year to win the bronze medal at the 2023 Olympia.
Brandon Curry maintained his fourth-place finish from the 2022 Olympia. Andrew Jacked took fifth place at the 2023 Olympia, a three-place jump from his previous performance.
- Winner — Derek Lunsford ($400,000)
- Second Place — Hadi Choopan ($150,000)
- Third Place — Samson Dauda ($100,000)
- Fourth Place — Brandon Curry ($40,000)
- Fifth Place — Andrew Jacked ($35,000)
- Sixth Place — Hunter Labrada
- Seventh Place — Michal Krizanek
- Eighth Place — Tony Burton
- Ninth Place — Regan Grimes
- Tenth Place — Charles Griffen
212 Olympia
Keone Pearson picked up his maiden 212 Olympia title at the 59th edition of the Olympia. The 2022 212 Olympia bronze medalist and 2023 Masters Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni didn’t compete at this year’s Olympia due to a family emergency, vacating a spot on the podium.
Keone Pearson showed promise in the pre-judging round. He took sixth place at the 2022 212 Olympia but was center stage in the first and final callouts with Shaun Clarida. Pearson outclassed Clarida with his conditioning and muscle fullness.
Pearson’s promotion resulted in a bronze medal for Angel Calderon Frias, who looked disappointed in the backdrop as Clarida and Pearson locked horns in the final callout.
Kerrith Bajjo also had a blockbuster showing at the 2023 Olympia as he climbed from the seventh position from the previous year to the fourth spot.
- Winner — Keone Pearson ($50,000)
- Second Place — Shaun Clarida ($20,000)
- Third Place — Angel Calderon Frias ($10,000)
- Fourth Place — Kerrith Bajjo ($6,000)
- Fifth Place — Ahmad Ashkanani ($4,000)
- Sixth Place — Oleh Kryvyi
- Seventh Place — Nasser Mohamed
- Eighth Place — Andrei Melnikov
- Ninth Place — Fabrizio de Souza Moreira
- Tenth Place — Felipe Moraes
2023 Classic Physique Olympia: A Battle of Titans
The Classic Physique division boasted a lineup of exceptional bodybuilders, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Four-time champion Chris Bumstead and Arnold Classic victor Ramon Rocha Queiroz engaged in a fierce duel during the final callout in both the pre-judging round and finals, marking them as the leading contenders. However, it was Chris Bumstead who emerged triumphant, clinching his fifth Classic Physique Olympia title and etching his name further into the annals of bodybuilding history.
Ramon displayed a newfound level of size and definition, presenting himself as an absolute powerhouse. Despite his impressive showing, he ultimately secured the silver medal, a testament to the fierce competition in this division.
“The Miracle Bear” burst into his signature break-dancing moves toward the end of his posing routine, igniting excitement in the audience, and took the bronze medal.
Two-time champ Breon Ansley had announced a move to the 212 division at the 2022 Olympia after placing fourth but stayed back in the Classic Physique division after the IFBB Pro League increased the weight caps of each height class. The extra weight definitely helped Ansley. However, he repeated his performance from the 2022 Olympia, placing fourth.
The top four at the 2023 Olympia were repeated from the previous year.
The former two-time AC champ Terrence Ruffin placed fifth at the 2023 Olympia, a one-place improvement over the previous year.
- Winner — Chris Bumstead ($50,000)
- Second Place — Ramon Rocha Querioz ($20,000)
- Third Place — Urs Kalecinski ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Breon Ansley ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Terrence Ruffin ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Michael Daboul
- Seventh Place — Wesley Vissers
- Eighth Place — Mike Sommerfeld
- Ninth Place — Vahid Badpei
- Tenth Place — Jae Hun Park
2023 Men’s Physique Olympia: Ryan Terry’s Triumph
In the fiercely competitive arena of Men’s Physique, the battle for supremacy is nothing short of intense. Defending champion Erin Banks, former title-holder Brandon Hendrickson, along with Ryan Terry and Emanuel Hunter, emerged as frontrunners during the pre-judging round, commanding the spotlight in the final callout.
Despite the formidable efforts of Banks, Hendrickson, and Hunter, they found themselves bested by Ryan Terry, who secured his inaugural Olympia championship. For Terry, this victory marked a significant milestone in his Olympia journey. Previously earning a bronze medal in 2018, Terry’s perseverance and dedication finally paid off in his ninth year at the Olympia.
Hendrickson replicated his second-place finish from the 2022 Olympia, showcasing remarkable consistency in this fiercely contested division. Banks, who had previously held the title, claimed the third spot, while Diogo Montenegro experienced a shift from his bronze medal placement in 2022 to fifth place this year. Emanuel Hunter rounded out the top four with a commendable fourth-place finish.
- Winner — Ryan Terry ($50,000)
- Second Place — Brandon Hendrickson ($20,000)
- Third Place — Erin Banks ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Emanuel Hunter ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Diogo Montenegro ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Corey Morris
- Seventh Place — Kyron Holden
- Eighth Place — Jeremy Buendia
- Ninth Place — Vitor Chaves
- Tenth Place — Jeremy Potvin
Ms. Olympia
Andrea Shaw won her fourth Ms. Olympia title at the 2023 Olympia. She entered the contest as a favorite to win the show, and it looked like an almost effortless victory in the making. However, the 2022 Ms. Olympia silver medalist Angela Yeo brought a significantly improved package and nearly clinched the title from under Shaw. It was Yeo’s second Olympia appearance.
Sherry Priami and Natalia Kovaleva’s debut at the Olympia was a big success as they secured the fourth and fifth places, respectively. Alcione Barreto jumped from eighth place at the 2022 Olympia to win the bronze medal this year.
- Winner — Andrea Shaw ($50,000)
- Second Place — Angela Yeo ($20,000)
- Third Place — Alcione Barreto ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Sherry Priami ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Natalia Kovaleva ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Michaela Aycock
- Seventh Place — MayLa Ash
- Eighth Place — Chelsea Dion
- Ninth Place — Reshanna Boswell
- Tenth Place — Julia Whitesel
2023 Figure Olympia (Choopan Derek): Cydney Gillon’s Reign Continues
When Cydney Gillon steps onto the bodybuilding stage, her dominance is unquestionable, and the 2023 Olympia was no exception. With her trademark blend of impeccable muscle balance, conditioning, and symmetrical prowess, Gillon once again captivated both judges and audience alike with her commanding stage presence.
While 2023 Masters Figure Olympia champion and 2022 Olympia silver medalist Jessica Reyes Padilla gave an exceptional performance, Gillon proved to be a force to be reckoned with, securing her seventh consecutive Figure Olympia title.
Debuting at the Olympia, Cherish Richardson made an impressive mark, finishing in the fourth position. The rest of the top placements in the 2023 Olympia Figure division mirrored the results of the previous year, showcasing the unwavering prowess of these exceptional athletes.
- Winner — Cydney Gillon ($50,000)
- Second Place — Jessica Reyes Padilla ($20,000)
- Third Place — Lola Montez ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Cherish Richardson ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Natalia Soltero ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Ericka Morales Morgan
- Seventh Place — Rhea Gayle
- Eighth Place — Jennifer Zienhert
- Ninth Place — Adela Ondrejovicova
- Tenth Place — Maria Luisa Pereira
2023 Fitness Olympia: Oksana Grishina’s Triumphant Return
After an unfortunate setback forced her to withdraw from the 2022 Olympia just a day before the event, Oksana Grishina made an unforgettable comeback, claiming victory at the 2023 Olympia and securing her fifth coveted title.
A standout surprise at the 2023 Olympia was Taylor Learmont, who astounded spectators by clinching the silver medal in her Olympia debut. Learmont earned her place at the Olympia by triumphing at the 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro, demonstrating her exceptional talent and dedication.
The Fitness division stands as the epitome of dynamism and excitement within the IFBB Pro League. Contestants in this category not only showcase impeccable physical conditioning but also dazzle audiences with high-flying, adrenaline-pumping dance routines, making it one of the most thrilling categories in the world of professional bodybuilding.
The reigning Fitness Olympia champion, Missy Truscott, showed up in unbelievable form and was undoubtedly the most shredded athlete on the stage. She remained center stage in the first and final callout in the pre-judging round, along with former Olympia champ Whitney Jones. However, Truscott and Jones sustained injuries to the knee and shoulder, respectively, during their fitness routines. While Jones managed to seize the fifth-place award, Truscott fell lower.
Although the injuries were unfortunate for the athletes and the fans, they left the door open for the other athletes and led to a major shakeup in the Fitness Olympia placings.
- Winner — Oksana Grishina ($50,000)
- Second Place — Taylor Learmont ($20,000)
- Third Place — Jaclyn Baker ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Ariel Khadr ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Whitney Jones ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Jodi Boam
- Seventh Place — Sara Kovach
- Eighth Place — Michaela Pavleova
- Ninth Place — Darrian Tissenbaum
- Tenth Place — Amber Steffen
2023 Women’s Physique Olympia: Sarah Villegas Makes History
The Women’s Physique Olympia unfolded as a fierce battleground, with Sarah Villegas engaging in a head-to-head showdown with Natalia Abraham Coelho, determined to reclaim the title she had lost to her in 2022. Villegas’s triumph marked a historic milestone, as she became the first Women’s Physique Olympia champion to reclaim her title after a previous loss. With three Olympia titles now under her belt, Villegas solidifies her status as the second most decorated bodybuilder in this division.
Villegas exhibited remarkable improvements in her back, quad sweep, and overall conditioning compared to the previous year. Her exceptional X-frame commanded attention on stage, elevating her above her competitors and ultimately securing the coveted Olympia gold medal.
Bronze medalist from the 2022 Olympia, Brooke Walker, faced a shift in fortunes, finishing in fourth place. In a remarkable Olympia debut, Zana Benta claimed her spot on the podium, making an indelible mark in this highly competitive division.
- Winner — Sarah Villegas ($50,000)
- Second Place — Natalia Abraham Coelho ($20,000)
- Third Place — Zana Benta ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Brooke Walker ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Anne-Lorraine Mohn ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Ivie Rhein
- Seventh Place — Pamela Canfield
- Eighth Place — Alex Hall
- Ninth Place — Jeanine Feldman
- Tenth Place — Emily Schubert
2023 Wellness Olympia: Francielle Mattos Secures Historic Hat-Trick
Since its inception in 2021, Francielle Mattos has reigned supreme on the Wellness Olympia stage, showcasing unparalleled excellence. Her exceptional prowess culminated in her third consecutive title at the 2023 Olympia, solidifying her status as the epitome of the Wellness division. This sentiment is echoed not only by enthusiasts but also esteemed figures within the IFBB Pro League, including Vice President Tyler Manion.
Throughout the competition, Mattos faced an unrelenting challenge from her compatriot and 2022 Olympia runner-up, Isabelle Nunes. Their battle was fierce, culminating in a razor-thin victory for Mattos, who edged ahead by a mere point after the Finals. Nunes’ silver medal is a testament to her remarkable resilience, especially after having to relinquish her Wellness International title at the 2023 Arnold Classic due to a knee injury.
In an impressive Olympia debut, Elisa Alcantara clinched the bronze medal, making a resounding entry onto the Olympia stage. Meanwhile, 2023 Wellness International champion and 2022 Olympia fourth-place finisher Kassandra Gillis saw a shift in her fortunes, dropping out of the top five. Rayane Fogal, displaying remarkable improvement, ascended from the fifth spot to secure fourth place in this highly competitive division.
- Winner — Francielle Mattos ($50,000)
- Second Place — Isabelle Nunes ($20,000)
- Third Place — Elisa Alcantara ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Rayane Fogal ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Giselle Machado ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Kassandra Gillis
- Seventh Place — Tefani Sam Razhi
- Eighth Place — Sandra Colorado Acal
- Ninth Place — Marissa Andrews
- Tenth Place — Leonida Ciobu
2023 Bikini Olympia (Choopan Derek): Jennifer Dorie Shines Bright
The 2023 Bikini Olympia lineup was a constellation of stars, featuring the reigning champion, Maureen Blanquisco, in a face-off against three former champions in peak form – Jennifer Dorie, Elisa Pecini, and Ashley Kaltwasser.
Blanquisco, Dorie, and Kaltwasser commanded the spotlight in the final callout during the pre-judging round, marking them as the frontrunners for the title. Adding to the intensity, two-time Bikini International (Arnold Classic) champion Lauralie Chapados joined the trio in the final callout during the confirmation round.
Despite a valiant effort, Blanquisco faced a formidable challenge and ultimately surrendered the Bikini Olympia title to Dorie.
Dorie exuded a palpable confidence as she graced the stage, ultimately securing her second Bikini Olympia title. With this win, she joins an elite group of bodybuilders to have clinched multiple Bikini Olympia titles. Notably, the Bikini Olympia division has seen a new champion crowned each year since 2019, underscoring the ever-evolving landscape of this dynamic category.
Kaltwasser had a solid showing and earned the bronze medal. Chapados improved one place from the previous year to finish fourth at the 2023 Olympia. Elisa Pecini jumped from ninth place at the 2022 Olympia to fifth this year.
- Winner — Jennifer Dorie ($50,000)
- Second Place — Maureen Blanquisco ($20,000)
- Third Place — Ashley Kaltwasser ($12,000)
- Fourth Place — Lauralie Chapados ($7,000)
- Fifth Place — Elisa Pecini ($6,000)
- Sixth Place — Aimee Leann Delgado
- Seventh Place — Ariana Brothers
- Eighth Place — Ashlyn Little
- Ninth Place — Daraja Hill
- Tenth Place — Jourdanne Lee
2023 Wheelchair Olympia: Karol Milewski Emerges as Champion
Entering the 2023 Olympia, the legendary Harold Kelley, a five-time Olympia and six-time Arnold Classic champion, stood as the clear favorite. However, Polish bodybuilder Karol Milewski had his sights set on a historic victory.
Milewski’s extraordinary muscle size, impeccable separation, and unparalleled conditioning set a new standard in the competition. From the moment he took the stage, Milewski exuded control and confidence, ultimately leading him to secure his inaugural Olympia title. Despite his remarkable legacy, Kelley had to settle for a well-fought second place.
Representing Brazil, Josue Fabiano Barreto Monteiro showcased outstanding form, striking a perfect balance between muscularity and conditioning. His impressive V-taper earned him the bronze medal, solidifying his place among the elite competitors.
Canadian bodybuilder Mohammadreza Tabrizi Nouri displayed exceptional artistry in his posing routine, incorporating a classic vacuum pose that set him apart. This finesse earned him a commendable fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, the 2022 Arnold Classic Wheelchair champion and 2022 Olympia runner-up, Gabriele Andriulli, secured a respectable fifth-place finish in this highly competitive lineup.
- Winner — Karol Milewski
- Second Place — Harold Kelley
- Third Place — Josue Fabiano Barreto Monteiro
- Fourth Place — Mohammadreza Tabrizi Nouri
- Fifth Place — Gabriele Andriulli
- Sixth Place — Tyler Brey
- Seventh Place — Antoni Khadraoui
- Eighth Place — Tory Jones
- Ninth Place — Bradley Betts
- Tenth Place — Tim Caldwell
How to Tune In to the 2023 Olympia Weekend
For those eager to witness the thrilling action of the 2023 Olympia Weekend, the event will be taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. It’s worth noting that, as of the time of this article’s publication, tickets for the Mr. Olympia Finals on November 4th have already been sold out. However, enthusiasts can still secure pre-judging tickets for November 3rd on the official Olympia website, priced at $175.00.
For fans unable to attend in person, fear not! You can experience all the live excitement from the comfort of your own home. Simply visit the Olympia Productions website and order the pay-per-view option for $74.99.
Alternatively, stay in the loop with up-to-the-minute updates and breaking news about the Olympia by tuning into colosseumstrength.com’s live coverage of the 2023 event.
Colosseum Strength extends heartfelt congratulations to all the victorious Olympia participants and competitors, as well as to the Olympia promoters and the IFBB Pro League for organizing yet another extraordinary and memorable event.
Featured Image @moriauphoto, @flex_magazine, @mrolympiallc (Instagram)