The excitement is palpable as the bodybuilding world gears up for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, the most prestigious event in the sport. As the top athletes prepare to compete, bodybuilding veterans and experts have begun sharing their predictions for who will dominate the stage this year.
Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Keone Pearson, all highly respected names in the sport, have each weighed in on their top five picks for both the Classic Physique and Men’s Open divisions, sparking discussions and debates among fans and athletes alike.
Classic Physique: Chris Bumstead’s Reign Continues
For the past five years, Chris Bumstead has been the uncontested king of the Classic Physique division. His unparalleled combination of aesthetics, shape, and conditioning has allowed him to maintain a stronghold on the Olympia title.
But with the 2024 Mr. Olympia rapidly approaching, many are wondering if Bumstead will continue his dominance or if a new challenger will dethrone him.
Dennis James and Milos Sarcev, two of the sport’s most respected voices, both believe that Bumstead is still the man to beat.
In a recent YouTube video shared on September 29, 2024, James and Sarcev discussed their top five Classic Physique picks, with both placing Bumstead in the top spot.
James emphasized Bumstead’s drive to go out on top, especially if this is his final Olympia appearance.
“I’m going with Chris Bumstead because I think that he sees what Wesley is bringing, and he knows if this is his last one, he’s going to do whatever he has to do to be better than he was last year,” James explained. “Nobody wants to go out losing, so I think Chris is going to bring his best.”
However, both James and Sarcev see a real threat emerging in Wesley Vissers. The Dutch athlete has been on fire this season, claiming victories at both the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and the UK Arnold Classic.
Wesley Vissers’ size, symmetry, and improved leg development have set him apart from the competition, making him the most significant contender to challenge Bumstead.
According to James, Wesley Vissers is the only athlete who can make Chris Bumstead look “small” in certain poses, an advantage that could make all the difference on stage.
Milos Sarcev echoed these sentiments, noting that while Ramon Queiroz remains a formidable competitor, it’s Vissers who could pose the biggest threat to Bumstead’s reign. “Wesley was so much wider, and I think Ramon lost because he didn’t keep his legs separated and as big as normally,” Sarcev explained. “I’m a huge fan of Wesley, so I’m going to put him second and Ramon third.”
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Both James and Sarcev have identical top five picks for Classic Physique at the 2024 Mr. Olympia:
- Winner: Chris Bumstead
- Second Place: Wesley Vissers
- Third Place: Ramon Queiroz
- Fourth Place: Urs Kalecinski
- Fifth Place: Breon Ansley
Men’s Open: Keone Pearson’s Top 5 Picks
While the Classic Physique division is shaping up to be a thrilling battle, the Men’s Open category is equally stacked with talent, with some of the biggest names in bodybuilding vying for the coveted Sandow trophy.
Two-time champion Derek Lunsford is looking to defend his title, but he’ll face stiff competition from some of the sport’s most elite athletes, including his arch-rival Hadi Choopan and the ever-improving Samson Dauda.
Keone Pearson, known as “The Prodigy,” has been closely following the developments in the Men’s Open division and recently shared his top five picks for the 2024 Mr. Olympia. For Pearson, it’s Hadi Choopan who will take the top spot this year, with Dauda and Lunsford rounding out the top three.
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“I’m going to say Hadi first,” Pearson stated confidently. “Samson second—I truly believe Samson can really break a lot of dreams this year if he keeps going in that direction that I’m seeing on social media.”
Pearson’s prediction that Samson Dauda could win if he comes in at 100% is a bold one, given Samson Dauda’s impressive performances throughout the season.
With his combination of size, symmetry, and conditioning, Samson Dauda has the potential to shake up the rankings and pose a serious threat to both Choopan and Lunsford.
Here are Keone Pearson’s top five picks for the Men’s Open at the 2024 Mr. Olympia:
- Winner: Hadi Choopan
- Second Place: Samson Dauda
- Third Place: Derek Lunsford
- Fourth Place: Andrew Jacked
- Fifth Place: Nick Walker
An Unpredictable Olympia: Deep Lineups, Tough Choices
The 2024 Mr. Olympia is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in recent memory. Both the Classic Physique and Men’s Open divisions are filled with elite competitors, and making predictions this year has been a challenging task for experts and fans alike.
While Chris Bumstead remains the favorite in Classic Physique, Wesley Vissers’ incredible improvements make him a serious contender for the title.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Open, Hadi Choopan’s experience and conditioning may give him the edge, but Samson Dauda’s rising star cannot be overlooked.
With just days to go until the competition kicks off in Las Vegas, bodybuilding enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the return of the 2024 Mr. Olympia from October 10-13.
Whether the veterans’ predictions hold or new surprises emerge on stage, one thing is certain—this year’s Olympia promises to be a historic event in the world of bodybuilding.