The 2023 Mr. Olympia’s culmination has sparked fervent debates in the bodybuilding community, fueling discussions on the contentious outcome. Derek Lunsford’s victory marks a historic milestone, making him the inaugural two-division Mr. Olympia champion. Yet, controversy shrouds the triumph. In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast on November 7, Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev addressed the fan backlash on 2023 Mr. Olympia, urging a separation of politics from bodybuilding.
As the evening of November 4 drew to a close in Orlando, Florida, anticipation peaked for the Mr. Olympia competition. Through rigorous prejudging and gripping finals, contenders like Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Samson Dauda battled for supremacy. Ultimately, Lunsford earned judges’ favor, topping the scorecards. However, post-victory celebrations took an unexpected turn as Choopan abruptly exited the stage during the customary photo session, casting controversy.
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Derek Lunsford’s unprecedented feat, clinching the revered Sandow trophy, positioned him as the inaugural two-division Mr. Olympia victor. However, the aftermath of his monumental achievement unfolded amidst a storm of fan backlash. Lunsford’s Instagram account endured not one, but two shutdowns, while he and his family faced threats. Amidst these unsettling occurrences in the Open class, Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev utilized their podcast platform to dissect the current landscape of bodybuilding.
Milos Sarcev and Jay Cutler Analyze 2023 Mr. Olympia Controversy and Fan Backlash
During their recent conversation, Milos Sarcev and Jay Cutler delved into the contentious outcomes of the 2023 Mr. Olympia, providing insights into the fan controversy and sharing opinions on the top contenders.
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“I felt the show could have rolled three or four different ways,” said Jay Cutler.
“It was a three-way show and for people that don’t know when there’s nine judges, two highs and two low scores are erased and the middle five count,” shared Milos Sarcev.
In discussing the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Sarcev offered a glimpse into the intricacies of the judging process:
“They compared the top three four times at the prejudging and four times at the finals. So imagine, if nine judges seeing you eight times hitting the same pose next to those two, they made a judgment. It was not like rushed. Oh, maybe somebody can improve and somebody would fade, they gave exactly perfect opportunity like we were expecting, many comparisons,” shared Milos Sarcev.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Derek Lunsford’s victory at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Sarcev underscored that the IFBB Pro League adheres to a judging system devoid of political influences.
“When somebody loses and they try to justify it, so they would say maybe it’s political judging…IFBB judging is zero political which proof — for you Iranians — think about it. Last year, Brett Wilkin, a popular America, was very much liked and he would be a great addition to the Mr. Olympia, he came in crazy condition at the Romania show, he should be favored by all means, and Iranian Behrooz Tabani, my athlete beat him.
Exactly. So if there’s any political issue, that would not happen. Last year’s Olympia, first-time contender, 2021 212 champion, liked, marketable, American, didn’t beat Iranian guy so please let’s keep the politics out,” said Milos Sarcev.
In a candid revelation, Sarcev disclosed that, had he been in the judging panel, he would have leaned towards granting “The Persian Wolf,” Hadi Choopan, the victory.
“I have a lot of followers from Iran and a lot of people are asking questions, ‘Your opinion, your opinion, your opinion,’ and they want me to say Hadi won. For me, yeah if I was judging I would be more inclined giving it to him which we’re going to dissect it here but you said before the show, once they turn around and Derek hits that back double biceps, it’s stellar. Oh my God. And he was even better than I was expecting,” shared Sarcev.
“He did everything right,” Sarcev added.
Cutler Exclaims Lunsford’s ‘Fuc**ng Demolished’ Victory with Remarkable Back Double Biceps Pose at 2023 Mr. Olympia
Jay Cutler firmly believes that Derek Lunsford rightfully secured the win at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, showcasing an exceptional back double biceps pose that he describes as “fuc**ng demolished,” setting him apart from the competition.
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“Look at that, I mean stop it right there for a second. What did I say in the podcast prior to this. The show is done from any pose after this guys… forget it. You’re so – this is just so dominating, I mean come on guys look at him next to Samson, I mean Milos you train Samson but come on. I know it’s one pose,” shared Cutler.
“No. He fucking demolishes everyone in this shot [back double biceps],” said Cutler. “Are you really going to question the legs, look at the condition with enough size.”
He smokes Hadi in this. He smokes Samson. Samson looks like an amateur next to him in this pose.”
“Derek won first, second, and third place in the back double biceps. This is what got him the Mr. Olympia, the back double biceps,” explained Sarcev.
In a surprising turn of events, bodybuilder Brandon Curry faced a significant health setback just days before his anticipated appearance on the Olympia stage. Rushed to the hospital for esophagus ulcers, Curry’s resilience shone through as he not only competed but secured a commendable fifth-place finish. Manager Matt revealed the extreme measures taken, including a 30-hour fast before hitting the stage.
“Let’s talk about Brandon Curry. He faced some challenges going in. He wound up in fourth place. What did you think about Bradnon’s look from the past?” asks Cutler.
“I loved Brandon’s physique, always did. I got pictures from Abdullah about 10 days out and he looked fantastic it was just a question if he was going to bring the legs from the front and from the back because from the size is ridiculous. I think 24 hours in the hospital really drained him and depleted him, dehydrated him, and it made him look smaller.”
“He had to fast because they had ulcers in his esophagus, so he didn’t eat for over 30 hours,” Manager Matt clarified.
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Reflections and Rematch Rumors: Choopan’s Response to Mr. Olympia Upset
A day after losing the Mr. Olympia title, Hadi Choopan took to social media to share his reactions. In a display of sportsmanship, Choopan congratulated all 11 Olympia winners and made a commitment to return next year. Milos Sarcev, understanding Choopan’s emotional response, urged fans not to hastily judge what might seem like unsportsmanlike behavior.
The 59th edition of Joe Weider’s Mr. Olympia weekend unfolded in a wild and dramatic fashion, leaving fans in a state of uproar over the results. As discussions about the outcome continue, rumors about a potential rematch next October have already begun circulating.
Watch the Cutler Cast Podcast Below:
For a comprehensive experience of the 2023 Mr. Olympia, including pre-judging, event recaps, in-depth analysis, and final results, explore our coverage hub at colosseumstrength.com. Dive into the excitement and ensure you don’t miss any pivotal moments from the event.
Overview
The aftermath of the 2023 Mr. Olympia saw fervent debates and fan backlash. Moreover, Derek Lunsford clinched the historic title, marking a significant moment in bodybuilding history. Furthermore, the competition, marked by intense judging, saw unforeseen exits and social media turmoil. However, Industry veterans Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev became focal points for post-Olympia discussions. Also, insights into the judging process and reflections on standout performances emerged. Notably, emotional reactions from contenders like Hadi Choopan also played a role. Additionally, talks of a potential rematch in October 2024 began circulating as the dust settled. This added another layer to the captivating narrative of this year’s Olympia saga.
Featured Image @moriauphoto (Instagram), @Cutlercast (Youtube)