Introduction
Before we dive into the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding contest and explore the all-time Mr Olympia winner list, let me introduce what is this blog post about. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate through the well-known list of all-time Mr. Olympia winners. Here in this post, I’ll highlight all the winners’ strengths, weaknesses, and the battles they clashed on the outstanding stage of bodybuilding. Also, I’ll highlight the underdog bodybuilders who are just behind every winner.
Meanwhile, the main Mr Olympia title is given to the men’s open or heavyweight class only. So, let’s start your journey to the All-Time Mr Olympia Winner List. There are also 212, men’s physiques, classic physiques, and other female divisions organized in Mr Olympia’s event.
Know About Mr Olympia Contest
Origin of Mr. Olympia and Purpose of this Contest
The very first Mr. Olympia contest was introduced and organized by the great Joe Weider to allow Mr. Universe men’s open division title winners to compete professionally and earn money.
First Contest
The first Mr. Olympia contest was Held on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City.
Record Wins
The great Lee Haney (1984-1991) and Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005) each hold the record with eight wins in a row.
All Time Mr Olympia Winner List
1965-1969: The Formative Years
Larry Scott’s “The Golden Boy”
1965: Larry Scott (Winner), and Harold Poole (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $1000
1966: Larry Scott (Winner), and Harold Poole (Runner-Up), organize at New York, NY, price $1000
Strengths: Larry Scott’s impressive biceps and symmetrical physique set a new standard in bodybuilding aesthetics.
Weaknesses: Critics noted Scott’s relatively narrow shoulders and lack of overall mass and condition compared to future champions.
Sergio Oliva
1967: Sergio Oliva (Winner), and Chuck Sipes (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $1000
1968: Sergio Oliva (Winner) unopposed in the event, organize at New York, NY, price $1000
1968: Sergio Oliva (Winner), and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $1000
Strengths: Sergio Oliva known by their nickname The Myth, Sergio has an impressive back and holds a good amount of mass which makes him different in his class.
Weaknesses: Sergio Oliva was a great champion but somewhere he was weak in symmetry and conditioning.
1970s: The Era of Arnold
Arnold Schwarzenegger
1970: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), and Sergio Oliva (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $1000
1971: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner) was the only contender in the class, organize at Paris France, price $1000
1972: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), and Sergio Oliva (Runner-Up) organize at Essen, Germany, price $1000
1973: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), and Franco Columbu (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $1000
1974: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), and Lou Ferrigno (Runner-Up) organize at New York, NY, price $2500
1975: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), and Serge Nubret was his weight class runner up, organize at Pretoria, South Africa price $2500. For more better understanding you can visit here 1975 Mr Olympia
Strengths: Arnold Dominated the Mr. Olympia stage, showcasing unmatched size, chiseled proportions, symmetry, and charisma, and stage presence captivated audiences worldwide.
Weaknesses: Some critics pointed out Arnold’s occasionally uneven conditioning, particularly in his early years.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Instagram Handle – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Franco Columbu
1976: Franco Columbu (Winner) in Lightweight and then overall winner, and Frank Zane (Runner-Up) in the lightweight category, organize at Columbus, OH, price $5000
Strengths: Franco Columbu was known for his impressive chest development, showcasing a well-developed and defined chest that was a notable strength in his physique.
Weaknesses: One of Franco Columbu’s weaknesses was his mass and definition, as he may have faced challenges in achieving the desired level of overall muscle mass and definition compared to some other bodybuilders.
Frank Zane
1977: Frank Zane (Winner) played in light weight category, and Robby Robinson (Runner-Up) organize at Columbus, OH, price $5000
1978: Frank Zane (Winner) played in light weight category, and Robby Robinson (Runner-Up) organize at Columbus, OH, price $15000
1979: Frank Zane (Winner) played under 200 lbs weight category, and Mike Mentzer (Runner-Up) played in heavy weight category, organize at Columbus, OH, price $25000
Strengths: Frank Zane is known for his exceptional focus on aesthetics, emphasizing a balanced and visually pleasing physique that highlights symmetry and proportion.His posing skills are considered a strength, as Zane was renowned for his ability to showcase his physique effectively on stage, enhancing his overall presentation.
Weaknesses: One of Frank Zane’s weaknesses is his lack of mass, as he may not have possessed the same level of sheer muscle mass as some of his competitors, focusing more on aesthetics and definition. Another weakness noted is the lack of fullness in his physique, which could have impacted his overall presence on stage compared to bodybuilders with a fuller look.
Frank Zane Instagram Handle – Frank Zane
1980s: The Golden Age
Arnold Schwarzenegger Return
1980: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Winner), Chris Dickerson (Runner-Up), organize at Sydney, Australia. Price $25000
Strengths: Arnold’s return in 1980 demonstrated his enduring charisma and impressive conditioning.
Weaknesses: Critics noted Arnold’s slight loss in muscle fullness compared to his prime years.
Franco Columbu Return
1981: Franco Columbu (Winner), Chris Dickerson (Runner-Up), organize at Columbus, OH, Price $25000
Chris Dickerson
1982: Chris Dickerson (Winner) Frank Zane (Runner-Up), organize at London, England, price $25000
Strengths: Chris Dickerson is known for his impressive leg development, showcasing well-developed and defined legs that are a notable strength in his physique.
Weaknesses: One of Chris Dickerson’s weaknesses is his mass, as he may lack the same level of overall muscle mass compared to some other bodybuilders.
Samir Bannout (Lion of Lebanon)
1983: Samir Bannout (Winner), Mohamed Makkawy (Runner-Up), organize at Munich, Germany, price $25000
Strengths: Samir Bannout, known as the Lion of Lebanon, is celebrated for his exceptional back development, showcasing a well-defined and impressive back that set him apart in the world of bodybuilding.
Weaknesses: One of Samir Bannout’s weaknesses was noted to be his wide waist, which could have been a limiting factor in his overall physique according to the sources provided.
Samir Bannout Instagram Handle – Samir Bannout
1983 to 1989: Legend Lee Haney
Lee Haney
1984: Lee Haney (Winner), Mohamed Makkawy (Runner-Up), organize at New York, NY, price $50000
1985: Lee Haney (Winner), Albert Beckles (Runner-Up), organize at Brussels, Belgium, price $50000
1986: Lee Haney (Winner), Rich Gaspari (Runner-Up), organize at Columbus, OH, price $55000
1987: Lee Haney (Winner), Rich Gaspari (Runner-Up), organize at Gothenburg, Sweden, price $55000
1988: Lee Haney (Winner), Rich Gaspari (Runner-Up), organize at Los Angeles, CA, price $Unknown
1989: Lee Haney (Winner), Lee Labrada (Runner-Up), organize at Rimini, Italy, price $ Unknown
1990: Lee Haney (Winner), Lee Labrada (Runner-Up), organize at Chicago, IL, price $100000
1991: Lee Haney (Winner), Dorian Yates (Runner-Up), organize at Orlando, FL, price $100000
Strengths: Lee Haney is known for his impressive mass and back development, showcasing a well-developed and defined back that set him apart in bodybuilding competitions. His arms were also a notable strength, displaying size and definition that complemented his overall physique. Haney’s small waist was another strength, contributing to his aesthetic proportions and creating a visually pleasing physique
Weaknesses: One of Lee Haney’s weaknesses was his lower body definition, as it was noted that this area could have been more defined and detailed compared to his upper body development
Lee Haney Instagram Handle – Lee Haney
1990s: The Reign of Dorian Yates
Dorian Yates ( The Shadow)
1992: Dorian Yates (Winner), Kevin Levrone (Runner-Up), Organized at Helsinki, Finland, Price $100000
1993: Dorian Yates (Winner), Flex Wheeler (Runner-Up), Organized at Atlanta, GA, Price $100000
1994: Dorian Yates (Winner), Shawn Ray (Runner-Up), Organized at Atlanta, GA, Price $100000
1995: Dorian Yates (Winner), Kevin Levrone (Runner-Up), Organized at Atlanta, GA, Price $110000
1996: Dorian Yates (Winner), Shawn Ray (Runner-Up), Organized at Chicago, IL, Price $110000
1997: Dorian Yates (Winner), Nasser El Sonbaty (Runner-Up), Organized at Los Angeles, CA, Price $110000
Strengths: Yates’s thick, granite-like muscle and shredded conditioning redefined the ideal physique of the era.
Weaknesses: Some critics pointed out Yates’s limited posing routine and occasional lack of aesthetic flow.
Dorian Yates Instagram Handle – Dorian Yates
2000s: The Ronnie Coleman Era
Ronnie Coleman
1998: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Flex Wheeler (Runner-Up), Organized at New York, NY, Price $110000
1999: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Flex Wheeler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $110000
2000: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Kevin Levrone (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $110000
2001: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $110000
2002: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Kevin Levrone (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $110000
2003: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $110000
2004: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $120000
2005: Ronnie Coleman (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $150000
Eight consecutive victories cemented his legacy as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Strengths: Coleman sheer size, freaky muscle mass, popping muscles with almost no fascia, and flawless conditioning set him apart from his competitors.
Weaknesses: Coleman triceps was the weakest part of his body, Critics noted Coleman occasional lack of aesthetic balance, particularly in his later years.
Ronnie Coleman Instagram Handle – Ronnie Coleman
Jay Cutler
2006: Jay Cutler (Winner), Ronnie Coleman (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $155000
2007: Jay Cutler (Winner), Victor Martinez (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $155000
Strengths: Jay Cutler is renowned for his impressive mass, boasting a physique characterized by big muscle valleys and fullness that set him apart in the bodybuilding world.
Weaknesses: Despite his strengths, Jay Cutler’s physique has been noted to have a thick waist and a slight protruding gut, which are considered areas of weakness in his otherwise formidable physique.
Jay Cutler Instagram Handle -: Jay Cutler
The Blade Dexter Jackson
2008: Dexter Jackson (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $155000
Strengths: Dexter Jackson is known for his exceptional definition, showcasing a well-defined and aesthetic physique that highlights his muscle separation and overall conditioning.
Weaknesses: One of Dexter Jackson’s weaknesses is his mass, as he may not possess the same level of muscle mass and size compared to some other larger competitors in bodybuilding.
Dexter Jackson Instagram Handle – Dexter Jackson
Badass Return of Jay Cutler
2009: Jay Cutler (Winner), Branch Warren (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $200000
2010: Jay Cutler (Winner), Phil Heath (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $200000
2011 to 2017: The Gift Phill Heath Era
Phill Heath
2011: Phil Heath (Winner), Jay Cutler (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $200000
2012: Phil Heath (Winner), Kai Greene (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $250000
2013: Phil Heath (Winner), Kai Greene (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $250000
2014: Phil Heath (Winner), Kai Greene (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $275000
2015: Phil Heath (Winner), Dexter Jackson (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
2016: Phil Heath (Winner), Shawn Rhoden (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
2017: Phil Heath (Winner), Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy) (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
Strengths: Phil Heath is known for his impressive arms, showcasing well-developed and defined arm muscles that are a notable strength in his physique. His physique is characterized by full muscle bellies, contributing to a round and aesthetically pleasing muscle shape. Heath’s muscles exhibit symmetry with roundness, enhancing the overall balance and proportion of his physique.
He is considered a master in posing, displaying his physique effectively on stage, and enhancing his presentation during competitions.
Weaknesses: One of Phil Heath’s weaknesses is his narrow structure, particularly in the shoulders, which may impact the overall width and proportionality of his physique. Towards his final years of competing, Phil Heath developed a bubble gut, which is considered a weakness in bodybuilding aesthetics.
Phill Heath Instagram Handle -: Phill Heath
Shawn Rhoden
2018: Shawn Rhoden (Winner), Phil Heath (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
Strengths: Shawn Rhoden was known for his aesthetics, showcasing a well-balanced beautiful physique that highlighted symmetry and proportion.
Weaknesses: One of Shawn Rhoden’s weaknesses was his mass, as he may have lacked the same level of overall muscle mass compared to some other bodybuilders.
At the age of 46, Shawn Rhoden passed away. The American professional bodybuilder suffered a heart attack.
2019s: A New Generation Rises
Brandon Curry
2019: Brandon Curry (Winner), William Bonac (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
Strengths: Brandon Curry’s impressive size, symmetry, and conditioning.
Weaknesses: Some observers noted Curry’s relatively shorter stature compared to his fellow competitors.
Brandon Curry Instagram Handle – Brandon Curry
Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy)
2020: Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy) (Winner), Brandon Curry (Runner-Up), Organized at Orlando, FL, Price $400000
2021: Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy) (Winner), Brandon Curry (Runner-Up), Organized at Orlando, FL, Price $400000
Strengths: Big Ramy, is recognized as a mass monster in bodybuilding, showcasing immense size and muscle mass that set him apart from his competitors.
Weaknesses: Big Ramy’s weakness is aesthetics, His calves are noted as a weakness, being relatively smaller compared to the rest of his physique. Condition is another weakness for Big Ramy.
Big Ramy Instagram Handle -: Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy)
Hadi Chopan
2022: Hadi Chopan (Winner), Derek Lunsford (Runner-Up), Organized at Las Vegas, NV, Price $400000
Strengths: Hadi Chopan’s impeccable conditioning, muscle density, and aesthetic lines impressed judges and fans alike.
Weaknesses: Critics pointed out Chopan’s comparatively narrower frame and less dominant stage presence.
Hadi Chopan Instagram Handle -: Hadi Chopan
Derek Lunsford
2023: Derek Lunsford (Winner), Hadi Chopan (Runner-Up), Organized at Orlando, FL, Price $400000
Strengths: Derek Lunsford’s balanced physique, size, and conditioning showcased his evolution as a top contender.
Weaknesses: Some observers noted Lunsford’s occasional struggles with posing execution and stage presentation.
Derek Lunsford Instagram Handle -: Derek Lunsford
Top FAQ about Mr Olympia
Q. What is Mr. Olympia?
A. Mr. Olympia is a top bodybuilding competition.
Q. Who has won the most Mr. Olympia titles?
A. Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman won 8 titles each.
Q. Where did the name “Olympia” come from in Mr. Olympia?
A. The name came from a place in Washington.
Q. Where is the home of the Mr. Olympia competition?
A. Las Vegas, Nevada, hosts the event.
Q. Who was the youngest Mr. Olympia champion?
A. Arnold Schwarzenegger won at 23.
Q. Who was the oldest Mr. Olympia champion?
A. Shawn Rhoden won at 43.
Q. Which competitors have won the Mr. Olympia more than once?
A. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and others.
Q. Who was the only competitor at the 1968 Mr. Olympia competition?
A. Sergio Oliva was the sole competitor.
Q. What is the significance of the Sandow trophy in Mr. Olympia?
A. It’s the top prize named after a famous bodybuilder.
Q. Who won the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition?
A. Hadi Choopan.
Q. Who won the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition?
A. Derek Lunsford.
Q. How has the prize money for the Mr. Olympia first-place champion evolved over the years?
A. The prize money has grown significantly in 1965 at 1st mr Olympia it was $ 1000 now in 2023 the price money was $400000.
Q. What sets apart the Mr. Olympia winners in terms of strengths and weaknesses?
A. Each winner has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
In the exciting history of Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding legends have shown dedication and triumph on its stage. From early champions like Larry Scott to modern icons like Phil Heath, each winner has made a lasting impact. The competition has evolved, records have been broken, and stories of hard work and excellence have inspired people worldwide.
Mr. Olympia celebrates human potential, discipline, and the quest for physical perfection. The Sandow trophy symbolizes achievement and honor, reflecting the spirit of Eugen Sandow and the commitment of every competitor.
Every year, new champions emerge, pushing the limits of bodybuilding. The journey of winners and runners-up showcases the pursuit of greatness and the beauty of the human body. The competition’s legacy inspires fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
Looking ahead, we expect more triumphs, broken records, and inspiring stories at Mr. Olympia. The competition’s spirit lives on in those who dream big, push boundaries, and sculpt their bodies into masterpieces.