The Mr. Olympia contest is the pinnacle of bodybuilding competitions, and the 2024 edition, scheduled for October 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV, promises to be another historic event.
The main event, the Mr. Olympia Men’s Open competition, is where one bodybuilder will claim the ultimate prize: the prestigious Sandow trophy. However, one notable absence from the 2024 lineup is two-time Mr. Olympia champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay.
After winning the Mr. Olympia title in both 2020 and 2021, Big Ramy’s reign at the top was cut short in 2022 when he finished in fifth place.
Despite still being considered one of the best in the Men’s Open division, Big Ramy chose not to compete in the 2023 Mr. Olympia, and fans have now learned he will not be making a return in 2024 either.
As a former Mr. Olympia, Big Ramy holds a lifetime qualification to compete at the event. This means he can compete without having to re-qualify through the usual methods like winning other pro shows or earning points.
However, there is a stipulation attached to this privilege: if Ramy remains absent from the Mr. Olympia stage for five consecutive years, he would need to request special permission to use his lifetime qualification to compete again.
His decision to skip the 2024 event adds a second year to his absence from the biggest stage in bodybuilding.
Related: Big Ramy Takes a Pause: Absence at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
What’s Next for Big Ramy?
Big Ramy’s absence from the 2024 Mr. Olympia has sparked speculation about his future in competitive bodybuilding.
While his fifth-place finish in 2022 was still impressive, it marked a significant drop from his back-to-back victories, raising questions about whether he is ready to return to the sport’s most elite competition.
Fans are eager to know whether this hiatus is a temporary break to allow him time to build his physique or if it signals a more extended departure from the Olympia stage.
While Big Ramy’s absence is notable, the 2024 Mr. Olympia lineup remains stacked with top-tier talent. Competitors like Derek Lunsford, reigning champion Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, and Samson Dauda are all vying for the crown. This year’s roster promises to deliver intense competition, even without Ramy in the mix.
Related: Big Ramy Bodybuilder, Age, Net Worth, Olympia, Weight, Height, Wife
2024 Mr. Olympia Roster
The athletes expected to compete at the 2024 Mr. Olympia include Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, and others.
Notably, USA’s Tonio Burton, who had qualified for the event, announced that he would be sitting out this year’s competition to focus on preparing for a stronger comeback in 2025.
While the absence of Big Ramy will certainly be felt by his fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle in Las Vegas this October.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the athletes fighting for their chance to claim the Mr. Olympia title in 2024.