On October 10, 2024, IFBB Pro League athletes stormed the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the 2024 Olympia Presser targeted at one of the biggest competitions ahead, Mr. Olympia. The fans had some of their favorite competitors go at it during the most prestigious titles in the sport from October 11-12. The standouts going into the fight were Andrew Jacked, Samson Dauda, and Chris Bumstead to set up a very interesting competition stage.
2024 Mr. Olympia Press Conference Highlights: Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda Confident As Ever
Celebrity Panel
- Fouad Abiad
- Ron Harris
- Lenda Murray
- Shawn Ray
- Terrick El Guindy
- John Romano
- Dennis James
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At the start of the Mr. Olympia press conference, reigning champion Derek Lunsford shared his strategy for competing against taller contenders like Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked.
“Bodybuilding is you versus you. I think you know that as well as anybody right? We’re all given gifts and genetics of our own and I believe that we are what we got. For me, I’ve been able to like I said earlier, play with my strengths and also improve everything,” Lunsford said.
“I don’t think I need to be the dirtiest Derek on the mic with my words. I think I need to be the hardest worker in the gym and that’s what I’ve been doing since 2023,” said Lunsford.
Andrew Jacked was met with loud cheers from the crowd of over 1,500 fans, confidently stating that he would “break some hearts” when he steps on stage.
“There will be some heartbreaks this weekend. That’s what I know for sure,” said Andrew Jacked. “Everything has changed since Texas. Texas was a warm-up. Now we’re bringing in the real version. That’s why I said, this weekend I’ll break so many hearts. So let’s see.”
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‘The Nigerian Lion’ Samson Dauda promised the audience that he has something special lined up for Friday night’s prejudging, hinting at a standout performance.
“You know what you saw me two weeks ago in France, well you’re about to see something special tomorrow night as well,” said Samson Dauda.
“For one thing, you see my face right? Does this look like a face of someone who hasn’t suffered this past prep?” asks Dauda. “You know what, what I’m going to say is we’re going to find out tomorrow night.”
Samson Dauda amped up the energy by challenging his fellow competitors to face him right there on the press conference stage. He even tore his shirt off, but none of the athletes accepted the bold offer.
“I’ve never been a man for talking it doesn’t work for me I’m always a man of action. If any man thinks he can take me out, step up to me right now,” said Dauda as he peeled off his shirt. “That’s why I deserve to be Mr. Olympia.”
Chris Bumstead Not Threatened by Ramon Queiroz or Wesley Vissers
Bumstead emphasized that the real competition is for second place, as he believes he’s the one to beat.
“I think you know the answer to that,” said Bumstead. “Every year it’s been someone different, it’s been Breon, it’s been Terrence, it’s been Urs, it’s been Wesley, and in my mind, they are still all battling for second. I would never be disrespectful and say it’s not a challenge.”
When asked about potential threats on stage Saturday, Bumstead confidently replied, “Absolutely not.”
“Is it [your fellow contenders] a threat? Absolutely not. But it’s always a challenge getting up here, being the best version of myself and it’s an honor to share the stage with all these people. I met Wesley back in 2018 I think at one of the Olympias and I remember his kindness and humility then. He’s risen a lot in the sport and it hasn’t changed since.”
Bumstead stated that while his rivals may claim they can win, when he looks them in the eyes, he senses they don’t truly believe it.
“I’ve heard them all say they think they can win. When I look them all in the eye, I don’t believe they believe themselves when they say that,” said Cbum.
“You don’t need to believe me,” said Queiroz. “Believe in your work. I have [done] my work every day.”
Finally, reigning 212 Olympia champion Keone Pearson made it clear that he isn’t underestimating Shaun Clarida as they prepare for their rematch.
“Last year was my 100 percent because that was my all-time best so far but this year will be 100 percent again. Last year, I was 199, this year, today, I was 205 with way harder condition and just more dense. Like I said, we had the perfect off-season and you guys are going to see that Friday tomorrow morning.”
What’s On Deck for the 2024 Mr. Olympia Weekend?
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Derek Lunsford took home the 2023 Mr. Olympia title over his teammate, Hadi Choopan. And with Choopan’s loss to Lunsford, things are heating up in the rivalry between them. ‘The Persian Wolf’ has not been resting at all during a long off-season, going on to win the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK shows among many other top victories since falling short of the Sandow trophy.
It is going to be more than a competition between Lunsford and Choopan, though. There are star newcomers, such as Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked, the two giant names of the Open division, ready to put in a good word for themselves. Former champion Brandon Curry will make his return, while strong competitors such as Rafael Brandao and Martin Fitzwater will equally line up to take on the best in the field.
With the blockbuster event closing in, veterans within the sport have weighed in with their predictions. Dennis James and Milos Sarcev believe Choopan is going to take it all the way and regain his title, while Jay Cutler has shown his top seven picks for the Men’s Open division.
Overview
As the 60th anniversary of Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend approaches, it should be nothing short of explosive. This year’s press conference was filled with excitement, and fans can most definitely expect an unpredictable matchup in all 11 IFBB Pro League divisions going into Friday and Saturday.
Featured Image – 2024 Olympia Press Conference – Credit: @flex_magazine, @mrolympiallc, @tlrsevennine, @wingsofstrength(Instagram)
