The bodybuilding veteran says the sport has stalled under the same judging eyes for decades. In the discussion, he also brought up the now-viral topic of Lee Priest bodybuilding judges politicians to underscore how deeply rooted the issue has become. He believes the current scoring structure has grown rigid and outdated.

Furthermore, Priest argues that many judges have held their positions longer than most athletes have been alive. He sees that as a sign of complacency, not stability. He says bodybuilding has evolved, yet the judging panels have not kept up.

Additionally, he insists that the sport needs officials who understand the physiques of today, not those shaped by standards from the 1990s. Priest thinks that a reset is necessary to bring fresh eyes and restore fairness.

“They are the same ones that were judging us back in the 90s and 2000s.”

“It’s like politicians, you got to get the fuck out. We need new blood in there, new minds, and new sets of eyes.”

Lee Priest Compares Bodybuilding Judges to Politicians, Says “We Need New Young Judges”

Priest says the lack of turnover has weakened the credibility of the scoring system. He argues that when the same people hold power for too long, bias becomes inevitable. He believes this is exactly what has happened in bodybuilding.

Moreover, he pointed out the comfort that comes with the job. Judges travel, attend major events, and enjoy the perks of status. According to him, that comfort removes the pressure to improve or adapt.

Finally, Priest questions whether current judges even follow modern training or conditioning trends. He believes younger officials are more in tune with what today’s athletes bring to the stage.

“I think we need new young judges in there to judge.”

“Some people just get complacent because they get to go on these free trips … so they just like being a part of it, so they keep going back.”

 

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Priest Says Athletes Have Been Robbed

Priest did not mince words about contested results. He said some winners were undeserving and that judges had handed titles away. He pointed to recent high-profile shows as examples.

Next, he named names indirectly. Priest insisted that Derek Lunsford, among others, did not always deserve certain wins. He said the community saw athletes placed ahead who lacked the sharper conditioning or balance on the night.

Finally, he argued the pattern is predictable. When panels stop rotating, Priest said, similar mistakes repeat. He believes that change would limit those controversial calls in future contests.

“I don’t think Derek was the winner on that night. I saw better conditioning on other men. People got robbed.”

“When you keep calling the same names, the same things happen. Judges start voting how they always have.”

“It’s not personal. It’s about fairness. You can’t keep crowning people the same way and expect no complaints.”

Priest’s Call for Judging Reform

If his ideas take hold, the future of competitive bodybuilding could look very different. Contests might reward new criteria, shifting the balance between mass, shape, and conditioning. Priest sees that as an opportunity, not a threat.

In addition, he believes new judges would restore trust among athletes. Many competitors openly question the consistency of current scoring, especially at major events. He thinks fresh judges would bring more transparency and accountability.

Still, Priest’s stance is likely to spark debate. Some insiders argue that veteran judges bring history and experience. However, Priest insists that experience means little if the conclusions remain stuck in the past.

“We need new blood in there.”

Watch Lee Priest compare Bodybuilding Judges & Un packed the 2025 Mr. Olympia at Youtube Muscle TV Below: 

Lee Priest latest remarks target the heart of bodybuilding judging system and Old Judges. By comparing long-standing officials to entrenched politicians, he argues that the sport is held back by the same faces and the same decisions. He wants younger, sharper judges who understand today’s physiques and can score them with clarity. His call for reform signals a growing frustration within the athlete community — and, if it gains traction, it could reshape the competitive landscape for years to come.