Florida is abuzz with excitement as the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest looms. As competitors refine their strategies and physiques, the bodybuilding community turns to its experts for insights and predictions.
Podcast Pundits Share Predictions
On October 1, 2023, “The Menace Podcast” showcased a panel of eminent figures from the bodybuilding world: Dennis James, Chris Cormier, and Milos Sarcev. Joining these veterans was 212 standout, Kerrith Bajjo. Together, they deliberated on their top five Men’s Open predictions, offering keen insights into potential outcomes of the upcoming event.
A Sport of Unpredictable Outcomes
The Men’s Open division, renowned for its ever-increasing standards, remains one of the most anticipated segments of the contest. The previous year was a testament to the division’s unpredictability. Former champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, with two titles to his name, unexpectedly found himself in fifth place, highlighting the fierce competition and narrow margins of victory.
Emerging Champions and People’s Favorites
Hadi Choopan was the standout performer last year, clinching the coveted title. Hot on his heels was former 212 Olympia champion, Derek Lunsford. Meanwhile, Nick Walker’s extraordinary physique and performance not only secured him the third spot but also earned him the Olympia People’s Champ Award, an accolade reflecting popular acclaim.
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A Daunting Task of Predictions
Predicting outcomes in such a competitive environment, especially with powerhouses like Brandon Curry, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked in the fray, is a challenging task. While bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler opted for discretion, choosing not to venture a prediction this season, our esteemed panel from “The Menace Podcast” eagerly shared their insights, stoking anticipation for the grand event.
Expert Projections: Top Picks for 2023 Mr. Olympia
The fever pitch surrounding the Mr. Olympia contest doesn’t just involve the competitors, but also the experts analyzing their potential performances. Here’s how the pundits are weighing in:
Milos Sarcev’s Insight: Dauda’s Dominance
- Samson Dauda
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
- Andrew Jacked
- Nick Walker
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Chris Cormier’s Outlook: Choopan’s Triumph
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
- Samson Dauda
- Nick Walker
- Andrew Jacked
Kerrith Bajjo’s Assessment: Betting on Dauda
- Samson Dauda
- Derek Lunsford
- Hadi Choopan
- Nick Walker
- Andrew Jacked
Dennis James’ Forecast: Lunsford’s Victory
- Derek Lunsford
- Hadi Choopan
- Nick Walker
- Andrew Jacked
- Samson Dauda
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The voting suggests a potential neck-to-neck race. Both Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan emerge as top contenders, each with two predictions favoring their victory. Derek Lunsford also seems to be in the running for the top spot.
Given Milos Sarcev’s involvement in training Samson Dauda, his insights about “The Nigerian Lion” carry added weight. The question now lingers on the ideal stage weight for Dauda during this pivotal Olympia performance.
“You cannot be in contest shape at 296 this kind of thing… so we squashed it, we didn’t talk about it. He was not peeled by no means, he was in good condition and made the top six but that’s not going to do it, right? I just don’t think he needs to go all the way down to 285.
He’s different, I promise you. Some people are much heavier than they look. I know the look you want for him, as big as he was at Olympia or the Arnold Classic and just peeled,” Milos Sarcev shared. “He already knows, he went to Pittsburgh to talk to Jim and Tyler, they like what they saw.”
Sarcev on Size vs. Conditioning in the Absence of Big Ramy
The withdrawal of Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay from the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest has stirred discussions about competitors’ strategies. Milos Sarcev opines that without the formidable presence of Big Ramy, size might take a backseat to conditioning.
“The emphasis should be on bringing an Olympia-worthy condition. Yes, he was to face Big Ramy, a behemoth in size, but now with contenders like Hadi, Derek, and Nick – who, while impressive, don’t possess Ramy’s overwhelming mass – there’s less pressure to hit that 296-pound mark,” Sarcev commented.
Bodybuilding Greats Weigh In
The discussions don’t end with Sarcev. Ronnie Coleman, a legend with eight Mr. Olympia titles to his name, shared his thoughts. Coleman is placing his bets on Derek Lunsford to not only unseat Hadi Choopan but also elevated Lunsford as his favorite modern-day bodybuilder.
Adding to this sentiment, Samir Bannout, the 1983 Mr. Olympia, too voiced his support for Lunsford. Both he and Coleman anticipate Lunsford to emerge as the top contender in the upcoming contest.
From the collective perspectives of these seasoned veterans and Kerrith Bajjo, it appears the 2023 Mr. Olympia title might be a tug of war primarily among Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan.
To delve deeper into these expert analyses, the Muscular Development channel provides a comprehensive video discussion:
Overview
As the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest in Orlando, Florida approaches, bodybuilding experts share their predictions for the Men’s Open division. The panel includes Dennis James, Chris Cormier, Milos Sarcev, and Kerrith Bajjo, who discuss the highly competitive field and the absence of Big Ramy from this year’s event. They offer their insights into the top contenders and the importance of conditioning in the absence of a dominant mass like Big Ramy. Ronnie Coleman and Samir Bannout also share their thoughts, highlighting Derek Lunsford as a potential favorite for the title. The competition is expected to be fierce, with Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan emerging as key contenders for the 2023 Mr. Olympia title.
Featured Image @dereklunsford_ (Instagram), @Muscular Development, @Chris Cormier (Youtube)
