Samson Dauda Claims 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding Title

The 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open saw 15 top athletes compete fiercely and notably, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Samson Dauda quickly emerged as favorites. However, during prejudging, they led the final callout, setting up a tense showdown for the golden Sandow trophy.

In the Finals, however, Martin Fitzwater joined the final callout. However, despite this, Dauda’s dominance became clear. Furthermore, his best-ever physique, combined with unmatched conditioning, made him stand out.

Ultimately, Dauda claimed his first Olympia title, winning $600,000 and a championship ring, courtesy of Olympia owner Jake Wood. In addition, he also earned the People’s Choice award, proving his popularity with fans.

Significantly, Dauda’s victory brought the Olympia title back to the UK after 27 years, last held by Dorian Yates. Moreover, his wife, Marlena, coached him to victory, making them the first husband-wife duo to win the prestigious title.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mitchell Gilbert (@gilcoproductions)

Samson Dauda Brand New 2024 Mr. Olympia

Dauda faced numerous challenges this year, raising concerns about his career. Initially, he parted ways with his long-time coach, Milos Sarcev, and chose his wife, Marlena, to prepare him for competitions. Then, he announced a controversial move to Kuwait, which he ultimately decided to cancel. Moreover, he competed in a show in France just two weeks before the 2024 Olympia, leading experts to speculate that it might disrupt his peak week for the big event.

In response to these doubts, Dauda addressed them directly during his victory speech:

“I’ve never been someone to march to the beat of everybody else. I tend to just do my own thing. You know what? This whole journey has been exactly that. It has been about coming back to where I started, back to my roots. I’m back to the person who cares the most about me and really wants the best for me. I never thought I was ever gonna make it this far. I came from Nigeria all the way to the UK. I had a lot of people that doubted me all my life. And I’m here right now.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RxMuscle (@official_rxmuscle)

Background & History

Born on March 11, 1992, in Nigeria, Samson Dauda began his athletic journey as a rugby player after moving to the United Kingdom. However, his impressive genetics caught the attention of his teammates, who encouraged him to pursue bodybuilding. Consequently, he competed in his first bodybuilding show in 2013, and from that moment, his journey took off.

Additionally, Dauda made his Olympia debut in 2022, finishing sixth. Furthermore, following this, he claimed victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic (AC) US, which propelled him to win the bronze medal at the 2023 Olympia, finishing behind Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.

Although Dauda lost his AC title to Choopan in 2024, he achieved ultimate redemption at the 2024 Olympia. In that competition, he hoisted the coveted golden Sandow trophy, cementing his status as the world’s top bodybuilder.

Looking ahead

Lastly, Dauda emphasized in his victory speech that he wouldn’t limit himself to just one show a year, as has become the recent tradition for Mr. Olympia champions.

“Everybody expects Mr. Olympia and top guys to do just one show a year and show out and disappear all year around. And I’ve always said that isn’t me. I love being on stage. I love competing. I love bodybuilding. Bodybuilding has given me a lot in my life. So, the only thing I can do is give back as hard as I can.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RxMuscle (@official_rxmuscle)

In addition, following this announcement, Dauda may compete at the 2025 Arnold Classic. Moreover, he will face a familiar lineup of top bodybuilders. As a result, each athlete will be vying for the $500,000 winner’s check. Ultimately, this event promises an exciting showdown in the sport’s second-biggest competition.

Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Past Winners

2024: Samson Dauda, Las Vegas, NV
2023: Derek Lunsford, Orlando, FL
2022: Hadi Choopan, Las Vegas, NV
2021: Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
2020: Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, Orlando, FL
2019: Brandon Curry, Las Vegas, NV
2018: Shawn Rhoden, Las Vegas, NV
2017-2016: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
2015-2011: Phil Heath, Las Vegas, NV
2010-2007: Jay Cutler, Las Vegas, NV
2006-2005: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV
2004-1998: Ronnie Coleman, Las Vegas, NV & New York, NY
1997-1992: Dorian Yates, various locations
1991-1984: Lee Haney, various locations
1983: Samir Bannout, Munich, Germany
1982: Chris Dickerson, London, England
1981: Franco Columbu, Columbus, OH
1980: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sydney, Australia
1979-1977: Frank Zane, Columbus, OH
1976: Franco Columbu, Columbus, OH
1975-1970: Arnold Schwarzenegger, various locations
1969-1967: Sergio Oliva, New York, NY
1966-1965: Larry Scott, New York, NY

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FLEX Magazine (@flex_magazine)

2024 Mr. Olympia Recap

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Olympia Prejudging: 9:30 a.m.
- Classic Physique Prejudging Report
- Men’s Physique Prejudging Report
- Bikini Prejudging Report
- Pro Wheelchair (Prejudging & Finals) — Coming Soon!
Olympia Saturday Finals: 7:00 p.m.
- Mr. Olympia Results — Coming Soon!
- Classic Physique Results — Coming Soon!
- Men’s Physique Results — Coming Soon!
- Bikini Results — Coming Soon!

Friday, October 11, 2024

Olympia Prejudging Reports:
- 212 Olympia Prejudging Report
- Fitness Prejudging Report
- Figure Prejudging Report
- Women’s Physique Prejudging Report
- Ms. Olympia Prejudging Report
- Wellness Prejudging Report
Friday Finals Results:
- Figure Olympia Results
- Women’s Physique Olympia Results
- Fitness Olympia Results
- Ms. Olympia Results
- Wellness Results
- Men’s 212 Olympia Results
Mr. Olympia Prejudging (following Friday Night Finals)*

2024 Olympia Withdrawals

Several athletes have withdrawn from the competition, including:

Nick Walker
Nathan De Asha
Big Ramy
Tonio Burton
Oleh Kryvyi (212)
Terrence Ruffin (Classic Physique)
Brandon Hendrickson (Men’s Physique)
Diogo Montenegro (Men’s Physique)
Jennifer Dorie (Bikini)
Maureen Blanquisco (Bikini)

Stay tuned for further updates as the competition continues!

2024 Olympia Coverage:

Watch 2024 Mr. Olympia At Colosseum Strength Hub

To watch the 2024 Mr. Olympia, make sure to check official sources for livestream details. Moreover, key moments like prejudging reports, finals, and expert analysis will be available. Furthermore, for additional information, you can visit the official Olympia website as well as Colosseum Strength, both of which provide extensive coverage.

In addition, for a more comprehensive experience, head over to Colosseum Strength’s dedicated Olympia hub. Moreover, It offers recaps, highlights, and expert insights on each stage of the event. Furthermore, their Live Blog delivers real-time updates throughout the competition. Also, stay tuned, as this promises to be a thrilling showcase of bodybuilding’s elite!

Lastly, Colosseum Strength congratulates Samson Dauda on winning his first Sandow trophy. Moreover, he has proven to be an exceptional ambassador for the sport. In addition, this victory marks a new chapter in his bodybuilding journey.

Overview

The 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open featured 15 top athletes competing fiercely. Notably, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Samson Dauda quickly emerged as favorites. Furthermore, during prejudging, they led the final callout. Moreover, this set up a tense showdown for the golden Sandow trophy. In the Finals, Martin Fitzwater joined the callout. Still, Dauda’s dominance became clear. Notably, his best-ever physique and unmatched conditioning made him stand out. Ultimately, Dauda claimed his first Olympia title. He won $600,000 and a championship ring from Olympia owner Jake Wood. In addition, he received the People’s Choice award, proving his popularity with fans. Significantly, Dauda’s victory brought the Olympia title back to the UK after 27 years. Previously, Dorian Yates held the title. Furthermore, his wife, Marlena, coached him. Lastly, this achievement makes them the first husband-wife duo to win the prestigious title.

Featured Image – Samson Dauda Wins 2024 Mr. Olympia – Credit: @gilcoproductions, @flex_magazine, @brandonseye, @wingsofstrength, @ifbb_pro_league, @official_rxmuscle (Instagram)