Joe Weider’s Olympia is the most prestigious bodybuilding show. It marks the season’s grand finale. Furthermore, the Men’s Open division, commonly known as ‘Mr. Olympia,’ is the main attraction of the competition. Additionally, the 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open bodybuilding preview highlights the fierce competition ahead as athletes prepare to showcase their best physiques.
Additionally, Judges assess the Men’s Open athletes based on several criteria. Furthermore, they evaluate overall muscle size, symmetry, balance, conditioning, and muscularity. Competitors must execute eight mandatory poses. Moreover, they perform a posing routine to display their physiques from every angle.
Initially, 19 athletes qualified to compete at the 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open, scheduled for October 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV. However, the count has now decreased to 17 following the withdrawals of Nathan De Asha and Nick Walker.
At last, reigning champion Derek Lunsford and former titleholder Hadi Choopan are the frontrunners for the coveted Sandow trophy. Yet, a group of elite contenders stands ready to challenge their quest.
Here’s everything you need to know about the biggest bodybuilding show of the year:
2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding Official Roster
Here’s the current lineup for the 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding division:
- William Bonac (Netherlands)
- Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
- Tonio Burton (USA)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
- Jonathan Delarosa (USA)
- Mohamed Foda (Egypt)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- John Jewett (USA)
- Hunter Labrada (USA)
- Theo Leguerrier (France)
- Derek Lunsford (USA) — Reigning Champion
- Chinedu Andrew Obiekea “Andrew Jacked” (United Arab Emirates)
- Bruno Santos (Brazil)
- Behrooz Tabani (Iran)
- Nicholas Walker (USA) — Withdrawn
- Akim Williams (USA)
- Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom) — Withdrawn
Derek Lunsford & Hadi Choopan
The rivalry between Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan is set to dominate the 2024 Mr. Olympia. Notably, both athletes emerged from the 212 division, and they share the guidance of Hany Rambod, a 24-time Olympia-winning coach. Furthermore, in 2022, Choopan claimed the Olympia title by defeating former champ Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Meanwhile, Lunsford had taken the 212 crown a year earlier. However, after moving up to the Open division, he finished runner-up to Choopan in 2022, only to claim the Sandow trophy in 2023. Also, his victory made him the first competitor to win titles in two Olympia divisions, cementing his place in bodybuilding history.
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On the other hand, Choopan has not backed down. Furthermore, after winning the 2024 Arnold Classic in both the U.S. and U.K., he remains Lunsford’s top challenger. Moreover, Lunsford’s strengths lie in his ‘X’ frame, while Choopan relies heavily on his size and razor-sharp conditioning. For this reason, Lunsford has focused on adding muscle mass during the off-season and perfecting his conditioning for the Olympia. Ultimately, Choopan, by contrast, aims to reclaim his title and, if successful, will join Jay Cutler as one of the few champions to regain the Sandow after losing it.
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Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda is one of the most promising names heading into the 2024 Mr. Olympia. In 2023, Dauda stunned the bodybuilding world by winning the Arnold Classic in the U.S., and he followed that up with a bronze medal at the Olympia. Notably, Dauda impresses with his size, symmetry, and overall balance. His strong showing at the 2024 Arnold Classic, where he finished second to Choopan, confirmed his potential as a serious contender for the Olympia title.
In addition, Dauda’s combination of size and symmetry gives him an edge. Also, his ability to blend mass with balance makes him a threat, especially if Lunsford or Choopan falter. However, although he’s still refining his physique, Dauda’s recent performances show that he can hold his own with the best in the world. As a result, he enters the 2024 Olympia with momentum and the ability to capitalize on any opportunity.
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Andrew Jacked
Andrew Jacked’s rise in the bodybuilding ranks has been nothing short of impressive. To begin with, he turned pro in 2022 and won his first professional show, the Texas Pro, immediately making a name for himself. Furthermore, in his Olympia debut, he placed eighth, which was a solid result for a newcomer. By the next year, he improved to fifth. Now, with the help of renowned coaches Chris “Psycho” Lewis and Chris Aceto, Jacked has refined his physique and is ready to make an even bigger impact at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Additionally, Jacked’s 6-foot-2 frame, combined with his impressive muscle density, balance, and symmetry, has drawn significant praise. Indeed, legends like Jay Cutler believe it’s only a matter of time before he claims the Olympia title. With his size and potential, Jacked is a serious contender. Therefore, the 2024 Olympia could be the competition where he truly realizes his potential and secures his place among the top ranks.
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Brandon Curry
Brandon Curry has struggled to return to his 2019 Olympia-winning form. Furthermore, after claiming the Sandow trophy that year, Curry finished second in 2020 and 2021. However, his placements slipped to fourth in 2022 and 2023. Moreover, to complicate matters further, Curry parted ways with his long-time coach, Abdullah Alotaibi, just before the 2024 Olympia. Lastly, despite these setbacks, Curry remains focused on ending his career on a high note by winning his second Olympia title.
Some bodybuilding experts question whether Curry’s best days are behind him. Nonetheless, he is determined to prove them wrong. Notably, Curry has been training with renewed intensity and is aiming to bring a sharper, more refined physique to the stage this year. As a result, Curry’s experience and past success make him a dangerous contender. He’s eager to show that he still has what it takes to compete with the best.
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Hunter Labrada
Hunter Labrada has faced inconsistency in recent years, largely due to gut issues that affected his performance. However, despite these challenges, Labrada is now back in peak health and ready for the 2024 Olympia. Furthermore, many believe his physique, when fully dialed in, has the potential for a top-three finish. Also, thanks to his off-season improvements and renewed focus, Labrada enters this year’s competition as a serious contender.
In addition, now that his health issues are behind him, Labrada has been able to train at full capacity. Moreover, experts are eager to see what he will bring to the Olympia stage in 2024. Notably, Labrada’s physique combines mass, shape, and symmetry. Lastly, if everything comes together, Labrada could surprise many with a standout performance.
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Underdogs — Martin Fitzwater & Rafael Brandao
Martin Fitzwater and Rafael Brandao are two dark horses in this year’s Mr. Olympia. First, Fitzwater, making his Olympia debut, and Brandao, an emerging Brazilian star, both have high expectations for the 2024 competition. However, while neither is a favorite for the title, their recent progress suggests they could make a serious impact.
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The Olympia brings out career-defining performances. As a result, both Fitzwater and Brandao are aiming to challenge the top contenders. Moreover, fans are eagerly waiting to see if they can deliver on their potential. Notably, if either athlete brings their best package to the stage, they could shake up the competition and surprise the established favorites.
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How to Stream the 2024 Mr. Olympia
Olympia Weekend’s highly anticipated Men’s Open division will unfold over two days. Moreover, the pre-judging round occurs on October 11, while the finals take place on October 12. Furthermore, the champion will be crowned at the end of the event. Lastly, fans can stream this monumental occasion from anywhere.
Here’s the detailed schedule for the Mr. Olympia contest:
Olympia Friday Finals
Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Resorts World Theatre
- 212 Olympia
- Fitness Olympia
- Figure Olympia
- Women’s Physique Olympia
- Ms. Olympia
- Wellness Olympia
- Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
Olympia Saturday Finals
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Resorts World Theatre
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Classic Physique Olympia
- Mr. Olympia
For fans unable to attend the event in Las Vegas, the Olympia will be streamed live as a pay-per-view event. Additionally, you can purchase access to the PPV stream for $74.99 on Olympia’s official website.
Previous Mr. Olympia Champions
Check out the previous Mr. Olympia winners since the event’s inception. Furthermore, this will refresh your memory ahead of this year’s competition:
Recent Winners:
- 2023: Derek Lunsford, Orlando, FL
- 2022: Hadi Choopan, Las Vegas, NV
- 2021: Mamdouh Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
- 2020: Mamdouh Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
- 2019: Brandon Curry, Las Vegas, NV
For a full list of champions from 1965 onward, visit Colosseum Strength for complete Olympia history and updates leading to the 2024 showdown.
Here’s a comprehensive list of Mr. Olympia winners since the event’s inception:
- 2023: Derek Lunsford, Orlando, FL
- 2022: Hadi Choopan, Las Vegas, NV
- 2021: Mamdouh Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
- 2020: Mamdouh Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
- 2019: Brandon Curry, Las Vegas, NV
- 2018: Shawn Rhoden, Las Vegas, NV
- 2017: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2016: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2015: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2014: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2013: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2012: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2011: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
- 2010: Jay Cutler, Las Vegas, NV
- 2009: Jay Cutler, Las Vegas, NV
- 2008: Dexter Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
- 2007: Jay Cutler, Las Vegas, NV
- 2006: Jay Cutler, Las Vegas, NV
- 2005: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 2004: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 2003: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 2002: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 2001: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 2000: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
List Under 2000 year
- 1999: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
- 1998: Ronnie Coleman, New York, NY
- 1997: Dorian Yates, Los Angeles, CA
- 1996: Dorian Yates, Chicago, IL
- 1995: Dorian Yates, Atlanta, GA
- 1994: Dorian Yates, Atlanta, GA
- 1993: Dorian Yates, Atlanta, GA
- 1992: Dorian Yates, Helsinki, Finland
- 1991: Lee Haney, Orlando, FL
- 1990: Lee Haney, Chicago, IL
- 1989: Lee Haney, Rimini, Italy
- 1988: Lee Haney, Los Angeles, CA
- 1987: Lee Haney, Gothenburg, Sweden
- 1986: Lee Haney, Columbus, OH
- 1985: Lee Haney, Brussels, Belgium
- 1984: Lee Haney, New York, NY
- 1983: Samir Bannout, Munich, Germany
- 1982: Chris Dickerson, London, England
- 1981: Franco Columbu, Columbus, OH
- 1980: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sydney, Australia
- 1979: Frank Zane, Columbus, OH
- 1978: Frank Zane, Columbus, OH
- 1977: Frank Zane, Columbus, OH
- 1976: Franco Columbu, Columbus, OH
- 1975: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pretoria, South Africa
- 1974: Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York, NY
- 1973: Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York, NY
- 1972: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Essen, Germany
- 1971: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Paris, France
- 1970: Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York, NY
- 1969: Sergio Oliva, New York, NY
- 1968: Sergio Oliva, New York, NY
- 1967: Sergio Oliva, New York, NY
- 1966: Larry Scott, New York, NY
- 1965: Larry Scott, New York, NY
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, this historical list showcases the champions who have shaped the legacy of the Mr. Olympia competition. Furthermore, for more details, visit Colosseum Strength for a deeper dive into Olympia history.
Overview
Joe Weider’s Olympia stands as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, marking the season’s grand finale. Furthermore, the Men’s Open division, known as ‘Mr. Olympia,’ captures the spotlight. Athletes showcase their physiques, competing in eight mandatory poses and a routine. Initially, 19 competitors qualified for the 2024 event, but that number has now dropped to 17 due to the withdrawals of Nathan De Asha and Nick Walker. Moreover, reigning champion Derek Lunsford and former titleholder Hadi Choopan are the frontrunners for the Sandow trophy. However, elite contenders like Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked are also in the mix. Lastly, the competition promises to be intense as these athletes prepare to battle for the title from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV.
Featured Image – 2024 Mr Olympia Men’s Open Preview – Credit: @gilcoproductions (Instagram)
