Shahriar Kamali, widely known as King Kamali, has always been a maverick in the bodybuilding world, unafraid to voice his unconventional opinions. In a recent YouTube video, hosted by Rx Muscle and posted on October 16, 2023, Kamali delved into the subject of potential dark horses and top contenders for the impending Mr. Olympia competition, just a few weeks away. Among his notable mentions, Brandon Curry emerged as a striking contender. A celebrated figure in bodybuilding during the 1990s and early 2000s, King Kamali’s analytical insights carry substantial weight in the realm of muscle and might.
A Respected Voice in the Realm of Muscle
Throughout his prime, King Kamali etched his name among the Men’s Open division’s finest. His chiseled physique, featuring striated shoulders and an imposing chest, commanded the spotlight on prestigious stages such as the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic. Even in retirement, his bodybuilding expertise remains unparalleled.
However, it was the unanticipated turn of events in the 2022 Mr. Olympia that truly astonished Kamali, as it did the entire bodybuilding community. The reigning champion, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, tumbled from the throne to a humble fifth place. Instead, Iran’s Hadi Choopan emerged triumphant, sending a clear message to the division: top-tier conditioning was the gateway to success in the coming year.
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As the moment to grace the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage draws near, bodybuilding veterans predominantly endorse Derek Lunsford as the potential victor next month. Nevertheless, King Kamali interjects with a different perspective—one that urges us not to underestimate Brandon Curry, the 2019 Mr. Olympia champion who clinched the fourth position in the previous season. His words of caution remind us that overlooking Curry’s latent potential might be an oversight of monumental proportions.
King Kamali’s Bold Endorsement: Brandon Curry’s Potential at 2023 Olympia – “People Can’t Sleep On This Guy”
Prominent bodybuilding figure, King Kamali, has been known to deliver unfiltered opinions in a sport dominated by extreme physical prowess and tenacity. In the lead-up to the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition, he has thrown his support behind Brandon Curry, underlining him as a formidable title threat.
Brandon Curry, despite maintaining a subdued presence on social media during his preparation phase, shouldn’t be mistaken for a lesser contender, according to Kamali. In fact, he has been clear in his assessment, asserting that when Curry is at his “100%, he’s better than Hadi [Choopan].”
King Kamali’s endorsement is significant, especially given Curry’s discreet approach to his Olympia prep this year. While others may have been vocal and explicit about their journey, Curry’s quiet diligence shouldn’t be misconstrued as vulnerability. As Kamali keenly points out, the absence of noise doesn’t equate to a lack of potential. On the contrary, it might just be the calm before a storm that the 2023 Mr. Olympia might witness.
“It’s just because he’s been quiet. That’s it. He’s just been quiet and people start to forget, unless you’re making noise and you’re putting up all these things on the internet and you’re active on social media, and he’s just been quiet. He’s the sleeper. I’ve been saying this.
I said this to Milos the other day, I said this to Chad, I’ve been saying this a lot: people can’t sleep on this guy. I will make a prediction right now… if — and again, I’m going back watching the prejudging, last year’s prejudging from a couple of days ago.
If Brandon is at 100% he’s better than Hadi. He was beating Hadi in a lot of those poses. I was looking at it. I was like wait and second. Let me compare these poses. He had better shape. He had bigger arms. He had a bigger back. It’s what Dave said. When he gets ultra-conditioned, his legs start to shrink and especially from the back shots. It just doesn’t look right. But I think he’s the sleeper. I really really think he’s the sleeper. So we’ll see.”
Kamali’s Mixed Review: Can Labrada Secure a Spot in Olympia’s Top 5?
Amid the mounting anticipation for next month’s bodybuilding showdown, King Kamali offers a nuanced perspective on Hunter Labrada, spotlighting both his potential triumphs and challenges. Kamali’s blend of skepticism and encouragement paints a picture of a competitor on the edge, where meticulous preparation could be the bridge between outstanding success and just falling short.
“Consistency [is what Hunter Labrada needs]. He’s the least consistent guy on stage right now and he spills over. Constantly has a reputation of spilling over. I personally thought the liquid diet he was on had a lot to do with it and then from what I understand he’s changed that, he’s eating solid foods now and that’s probably why it’s making a little change in his physique. It’s going to take a little time. If he comes in more consistent and dries out, he has a great chance of cracking the top five.”
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Kamali Highlights Potential Dark Horses for the 2023 Mr. Olympia Spotlight
In the ever-evolving landscape of bodybuilding, King Kamali offers insights on who might surprise the audience at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Spotlighting Regan Grimes, Nathan De Asha, and Michal Krizanek, Kamali believes these contenders hold the prowess to secure a position in the second call-out, proving that they are forces to be reckoned with in the bodybuilding realm.
“Regan and a rematch with Nathan. That would be the second group. So, Regan, Nathan, and maybe even Krizo but I don’t even — I’m afraid his wheels are not going to be there. I keep seeing his upper body videos on YouTube and people freaking out, but you know this is bodybuilding it’s not an upper body contest. That’s my second call-out.”
“I think he’s got that young pop. Okay. He’s got that pop and people are always interested in the new thing. What’s the new thing coming up? He will have that factor going for him but you gotta understand something man, this is the fucking Mr. Olympia.
Okay. This is the best of the best. These are the mutants of all the mutants, the top 1% of the 1%. I think that if he gets a call-out with the second-tier group that we were just discussing, that will be a win for him. A definite win for him,” King Kamali shared.
Anticipation Builds as Experts Weigh in on 2023 Mr. Olympia Predictions
As the days count down to the highly anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, opinions from bodybuilding legends are pouring in. Milos Sarcev, true to form, is rallying behind his protégé and recent 2023 Arnold Classic champion, Samson Dauda, for the win. On the other side, figures like Dennis James, Jay Cutler, and Chris Cormier have publicly thrown their weight behind Derek Lunsford as the potential champion.
The showdown, set from November 2-5 in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida, promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments. Brandon Curry, known for his strategy of silent preparation, is also among the top contenders. If he successfully showcases a combination of leg definition and overall fullness, he could very well echo Jay Cutler’s triumphant return to seize the Mr. Olympia title once again.
For an in-depth analysis, catch the comprehensive discussion in the latest Rx Muscle YouTube video linked below:
Overview
Shahriar “King Kamali” offers a fresh perspective on the upcoming Mr. Olympia 2023. While many predict Derek Lunsford’s victory, Kamali sees Brandon Curry, the silent preparer, as a formidable contender. Curry’s muted approach shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness; Kamali believes Curry at his best can outshine even Hadi Choopan. Meanwhile, Hunter Labrada’s potential is acknowledged, but consistency remains his challenge. Beyond the popular names, Kamali spotlights second-tier contenders: Regan Grimes, Nathan De Asha, and Michal Krizanek, who could surprise many with their performances.
Featured Image @RxMuscle (Youtube), @brandon_curry (Instagram)
