The 2023 Mr. Olympia is in full swing at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, with Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend featuring 11 divisions. Among these, the Men’s Open division of Mr. Olympia spans two thrilling days, creating an extra layer of excitement and suspense. The reigning champion, Hadi Choopan, entered the competition with the aim of securing his second-consecutive Sandow trophy.
Derek Lunsford, the 2022 Olympia silver medalist, and Samson Dauda, the 2023 Arnold Classic champion, were considered the most formidable competitors challenging Choopan’s title. This was evident during the final callouts, confirming their strong presence.
At the 2023 Olympia press conference, Choopan made a bold statement, declaring himself a “wolf” ready for the hunt and showing no fear of his competitors, including Samson Dauda, aptly nicknamed “The Nigerian Lion.”
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One of the unexpected and disheartening developments leading up to the event was the sudden withdrawal of the 2022 Olympia bronze medalist, Nick Walker, due to a hamstring tear just two days before the 2023 Olympia, leaving a noticeable void on the stage.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2023 Mr. Olympia pre-judging round:
Individual Posing Round:
- Andrew Jacked set a high tone for the competition with an impressive performance.
- Hassan Mostafa stood out with his significant muscle mass on his relatively smaller frame.
- Michal Krizanek, known as “Krizo,” aimed to improve on his 12th-place finish from the 2022 Olympia.
- Samson Dauda wowed the crowd with his exceptional posing skills and physique.
- Derek Lunsford received a wild crowd response, showcasing significant improvements in his chest and shoulders from the previous year.
- Brandon Curry, the only other Olympia champion, overcame health issues and looked dangerous in the pre-judging round.
- Hadi Choopan impressed with his wide, symmetrical, and improved physique.
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Based on crowd response, Dauda, Lunsford, and Labrada emerged as favorites to win the 59th edition of the Olympia.
Callouts:
- Choopan, Lunsford, Dauda, Jacked, Labrada, and Curry formed the first callout, where they underwent thorough comparisons and position changes.
- Krizo, Mostafa, Regan Grimes, Charles Griffen, and Tonio Burton made up the second callout, with Krizo and Grimes vying for a place in the final callout.
- In the final callout, Samson, Lunsford, and Choopan were the frontrunners, and the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable as they took turns in the spotlight.
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While Samson, Lunsford, and Choopan appeared to lead the pack, the outcome is still uncertain. The Men’s Open division finals, a tradition of the Olympia, will serve as the grand finale of the event, scheduled for November 4, 2023. If Choopan secures victory, he will become the 12th bodybuilder to win multiple Mr. Olympia titles. However, if “The Persian Wolf” falters on the final day, a new 18th Mr. Olympia champion will be crowned.
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2023 Olympia Schedule (Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023):
Time | Event |
---|---|
9:30 am | Olympia Prejudging |
– Classic Physique | |
– Men’s Physique | |
– Bikini | |
– Pro Wheelchair (Prejudging & Finals) | |
7:00 pm | Olympia Saturday Finals |
– Mr. Olympia | |
– Classic Physique | |
– Men’s Physique | |
– Bikini |
Please note that all times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Enjoy the exciting events!
2023 Olympia Results
Friday Results
- 2023 Mr. Olympia Results All Divisions
- Men’s 212 Olympia Results
- 2023 Fitness Olympia Results
- 2023 Figure Olympia Results
- 2023 Women’s Physique Olympia Results
- 2023 Ms. Olympia Results
- 2023 Wellness Olympia Results
Friday Prejudging Recap
- Men’s 212 Prejudging Report
- Fitness Prejudging Report
- Figure Prejudging Report
- Women’s Physique Prejudging Report
- Ms. Olympia Prejudging Report
- Wellness Prejudging Report
Overview
In Orlando, Florida, the 2023 Olympia is in full swing at the Orange County Convention Center. This prestigious fitness and performance event features 11 divisions, with the Men’s Open division spanning two exciting days, adding an extra layer of suspense. Hadi Choopan, the reigning champion, aims for his second-consecutive Sandow trophy. Top contenders include Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda, both strong challengers as confirmed during the final callouts. An unexpected setback was the withdrawal of the 2022 Olympia bronze medalist, Nick Walker, due to a hamstring injury just days before the event. The pre-judging round featured impressive individual posing performances, with crowd favorites emerging. The finals will culminate in the crowning of the 12th multiple-time Mr. Olympia or a new 18th champion on November 4, 2023. Enjoy the exciting events!
Featured Image @photobycaz (Instagram)