Emergence of a New Champion
Hadi Choopan, the new face of bodybuilding, clinched the coveted title of the 58th Mr. Olympia, joining the illustrious list of 17 men who’ve achieved this feat. His phenomenal performance not only earned him the Sandow Trophy and a gold medal but also a staggering $400,000 prize.
The ultimate showdown boiled down to a fierce competition amongst five stalwarts – Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, Brandon Curry, and the reigning champion, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. The outcome? A reshuffling of the old guard with Walker, Lunsford, and Choopan heralding the sport’s next-gen elite.
Adding another feather to his cap, Walker also bagged the 2022 People’s Champion award. Celebrities like actor Michael Jai White and illusionist Criss Angel were part of the audience, and like many, they were taken aback when the new champion was announced.
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The Elite Roster: 2022 Mr. Olympia Rankings
- Hadi Choopan – Champion
- Derek Lunsford – First Runner-up
- Nick Walker
- Brandon Curry
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
- Samson Dauda
- Hunter Labrada
- Andrew Jacked
- William Bonac
- Rafael Brandao
The Night’s Revelations
The theater reverberated with gasps and applause as the rankings were announced. The final showdown was a spectacle in itself, with seasoned champions Brandon Curry and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay taking the rear, making room for the new titans: Walker, Lunsford, and the evening’s star, Choopan. In a heartening gesture, Nick Walker was also awarded the 2022 People’s Champion title. The atmosphere was electric, with celebrities like Michael Jai White and Criss Angel sharing the collective astonishment.
The Legend of The “Persian Wolf”
Born in Beyza, Fars, a province of Iran, Hadi Choopan is revered as “The Persian Wolf” in the bodybuilding fraternity. Firmly anchored in Iran’s National Bodybuilding Team from 2011 to 2016, Choopan’s trajectory in the sport is studded with accolades from the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB).
Choopan’s Path: Triumphs and Trials
His journey wasn’t without its obstacles. 2018 became a challenging year for him when President Donald Trump’s visa restrictions for Iranian nationals blocked his participation in the esteemed Arnold Classic. However, it’s his recent acknowledgment of Ahura Mazda and tribute to the women of Iran after his Mr. Olympia victory that’s creating waves, signaling a potential silent protest against Iran’s stern religious and political landscape.
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Career Bests: Hadi Choopan’s Illustrious Journey
- 15 Provincial Gold Medals (Fars and Tehran Provinces)
- 6 National Medals (3 Golds, 2 Silvers, 1 Bronze)
- WBPF World Championships – Gold (2013, 2014, 2015), Silver (2012)
- Mr. Olympia Amateur – Gold (2017)
- IFBB Sheru Classic – Silver (2017)
- Asia Grand Prix – Gold (2018), Silver (2017)
- IFBB Portugal Pro – Gold (2018)
- Dubai Expo – Silver (2018)
- IFBB Vancouver Pro – Gold (2019)
- Mr. Olympia 2019 – 3rd place
- Mr. Olympia 2020 – 4th place
- Mr. Olympia 2021 – 3rd place
- Mr. Olympia 2022 – Champion
As Hadi Choopan etches his name in bodybuilding history, the world watches in anticipation. With resilience, skill, and a touch of defiance, he has redefined what it means to be a champion in the world of bodybuilding.
Overview
At the prestigious Zappos Theater in Las Vegas, Hadi Choopan emerged as the triumphant winner of the 58th Mr. Olympia. The “Persian Wolf,” hailing from Iran, overcame political and personal obstacles to claim his title, marking a new era in bodybuilding. As he pays homage to his Iranian roots and acknowledges the Ahura Mazda, Choopan’s victory is as much about his physical prowess as it is a statement of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. With a legacy of titles and the 2022 championship under his belt, Choopan’s impact on bodybuilding history is undeniable.
Featured Image @Hadi_choopan, @Flex_magazine (Instagram)
