The 2025 Mr. Olympia is no longer just a dream—it’s a reality hurtling toward Las Vegas with unprecedented momentum.
With the qualification period set to conclude on September 14, 2025, the Men’s Open bodybuilding division is shaping up to be the most competitive, star-studded, and unpredictable in decades.
We’re not just talking about champions.
We’re talking about a war of titans—a clash between reigning kings, former champions, explosive rookies, and long-awaited comebacks.
From Samson Dauda’s quest to defend his crown to Big Ramy’s dramatic return, and from Derek Lunsford‘s redemption arc to Martin Fitzwater’s meteoric rise—this year’s Olympia promises fireworks from the first pose to the final callout.
🏆 The 2025 Mr. Olympia Qualified List: A Who’s Who of Bodybuilding’s Elite
As of July 2025, 18 elite bodybuilders have officially secured their spots on bodybuilding’s most prestigious stage.
Let’s break them down—one by one.
1. Samson Dauda (UK) – The Reigning Champion
- Qualification: 2024 Mr. Olympia Winner
- Recent Update: 328 lbs at 16 weeks out (off-season)
- Last Show: 2nd – 2025 Arnold Classic (lost to Derek Lunsford)
- Strengths: Massive size, aesthetic structure, stage presence
- Weaknesses: Conditioning (lacked sharpness at Arnold Classic)
Samson Dauda shocked the world in 2024 by dethroning the likes of Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford with a perfect blend of mass and aesthetics.
Now, at 328 lbs in the off-season, he’s clearly building even more size. But the real test will be his conditioning.
At the 2025 Arnold Classic, he looked full but soft—a flaw that cost him the title. For Olympia, he must bring razor-sharp dryness without sacrificing mass.
Olympia Outlook: Still the favorite. If he fixes his conditioning, the crown stays in the UK.
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2. Derek Lunsford (USA) – The Redemption Warrior
- Qualification: Lifetime Qualifier (2023 Mr. Olympia)
- Recent Update: 19 weeks out – improved chest, tighter waist, deeper quads
- Last Show: 1st – 2025 Arnold Classic (defeated Samson Dauda)
- Coach: Chris Aceto
- Strengths: Elite back, balanced symmetry, improved conditioning
- Weaknesses: Needs more chest and leg fullness to match Samson
After a disappointing 3rd in 2024, Derek Lunsford silenced doubters by winning his first Arnold Classic in 2025—defeating the reigning champion in the process.
His switch to Chris Aceto has brought greater fullness, detail, and balance. His 19-week update showed deeper quads, a more defined chest, and a tighter midsection.
He’s also been open about personal struggles—losing his grandmother and battling emotional pressure—but has vowed to return stronger than ever.
Olympia Outlook: The biggest threat to Samson. A top 3 finish is guaranteed. A win? Very possible.
3. Hadi Choopan (Iran) – The Persian Wolf
- Qualification: Lifetime Qualifier (2022 Mr. Olympia)
- Recent Update: No recent photos; last seen 8 months out
- Last Show: Skipped 2025 Arnold Classic
- Strengths: Grainy conditioning, stage hardness, consistency
- Weaknesses: Backside development (hamstrings, glutes), lower back detail
Hadi Choopan has taken a strategic, low-profile approach, skipping all shows to focus entirely on Olympia prep.
His 2024 package was tight, hard, and classic, but lacked the mass to challenge Samson. Now, the question is: Can he add size without losing his legendary conditioning?
His back poses and lower body remain his weakest points. If he can improve glute and hamstring thickness, he could reclaim the throne.
Olympia Outlook: A top 5 threat. A win depends on whether he brings more size and balance.
4. Nick Walker (USA) – The Mutant’s Comeback
- Qualification: Lifetime Qualifier (former top 3 finisher)
- Recent Update: 18 weeks out – shredded, tighter waist, improved midsection
- Last Show: 2nd – 2025 Pittsburgh Pro (lost to Derek Lunsford)
- Strengths: Freak genetics, size, back double biceps
- Weaknesses: Midsection control, posing angles
After two years off due to injury, Nick “The Mutant” Walker is back—and looking better than ever.
His 18-week update showed sharper conditioning, a tighter waist, and improved abdominal control—addressing his biggest criticism.
He’s still working on posing angles, especially in the side chest, but his back double biceps remains one of the best in the world.
Olympia Outlook: A top 5 contender. If he stays disciplined, a podium finish is within reach.
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5. Andrew Jacked (UAE) – The Aesthetic Giant
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 FIBO Power Pro
- Recent Update: No recent photos; last seen at FIBO
- Last Show: 3rd – 2025 Arnold Classic
- Strengths: Massive structure, round muscle bellies, stage presence
- Weaknesses: Back depth, flat hamstrings/glutes, lower body conditioning
Andrew Jacked continues to rise fast. After a 3rd-place finish at the Arnold Classic, he proved he belongs in the top tier.
His front poses are dominant, and his quads and chest are world-class. But his backside remains underdeveloped—a major flaw in a division that now demands 360-degree perfection.
Olympia Outlook: Top 5 threat. A podium finish requires major improvements in his glutes and back detail.
6. Martin Fitzwater (USA) – The Young Phenom
- Qualification: 1st – 2024 EVLS Prague Pro (defeated Chris Bumstead)
- Recent Update: 18 weeks out – bigger, fuller, well-conditioned
- Last Show: 4th – 2024 Mr. Olympia (rookie debut)
- Strengths: Youth, structure, muscle density, potential
- Weaknesses: Needs more refinement and stage polish
Martin Fitzwater’s 4th-place debut in 2024 was one of the most shocking performances in recent memory.
Now, at 18 weeks out, he looks bigger and more balanced than ever. His quads and upper body have improved dramatically.
Still young, Martin has room to grow—especially in conditioning and posing.
Olympia Outlook: A serious top 5 threat. If he brings his best, he could crack the podium.
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7. William Bonac (Netherlands) – The Veteran Warrior
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Detroit Pro
- Recent Update: Excellent detail, tight abs, strong arms and legs
- Last Show: 2nd – 2025 Dubai Pro (behind Behrooz Tabani)
- Strengths: Muscle maturity, thickness, stage presence
- Weaknesses: Midsection fullness (often criticized as “bubble gut”)
At 43 years old, William Bonac continues to defy age and expectations.
His 2025 Detroit Pro win and 2nd at Dubai Pro prove he’s still a force.
While critics point to his midsection, judges value his overall package, symmetry, and experience.
Olympia Outlook: A consistent top 10 finisher. A top 6 is within reach if he brings his best.
8. Rafael Brandao (Brazil) – The Aesthetic Artist
- Qualification: 1st – 2024 Romania Muscle Fest Pro
- Recent Update: 19 weeks out – 290 lbs, strong side shots, great flow
- Last Show: 8th – 2024 Mr. Olympia
- Strengths: Flow, symmetry, muscle insertions
- Weaknesses: Conditioning, back depth
Rafael has one of the most aesthetically pleasing structures in the division—small waist, wide shoulders, great flow.
But at the 2024 Olympia, he lacked the dryness and separation to climb higher.
Olympia Outlook: A top 10 contender. A top 6 is possible with crisp conditioning.
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9. Akim Williams (USA) – “The Beast”
- Qualification: 1st – 2024 Bigman Spain Pro
- Recent Update: Super wide upper body, excellent waist control
- Last Show: 6th – 2025 Arnold Classic
- Strengths: Size, strength, genetic potential
- Weaknesses: Waist control, back thickness
Akim Williams is a freak of nature—massive, powerful, and built like a tank.
He’s improved significantly, earning praise from judges like Terrick El Guindy.
But to compete for the title, he must tighten his waist and bring more detail to his back.
Olympia Outlook: A dark horse. If he nails his peak, he could surprise everyone.
10. Brett Wilkin (USA) – “The Butcher”
- Qualification: 1st – 2024 Legion Sports Fest Pro
- Recent Update: Bigger than Martin Fitzwater at 18 weeks out
- Last Show: Won Legion Sports Fest, defeating Bruno Santos
- Strengths: Massive arms, thick quads, monster look
- Weaknesses: Back thickness, lower body separation
After a two-year break due to gut issues, Brett Wilkin made a strong comeback.
He’s training with Martin Fitzwater, and his 18-week update showed he’s even bigger than his training partner.
Olympia Outlook: A top 10 threat. This could be his Olympia debut.
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11. Brandon Curry (USA) – The Former Champion
- Qualification: Lifetime Qualifier (2019 Mr. Olympia)
- Recent Update: Training with Samson and Derek; improved conditioning
- Last Show: 4th – 2025 Arnold Classic
- Strengths: Balance, refinement, experience
- Weaknesses: Needs more hardness and fullness
After a 9th-place finish in 2024, Brandon Curry returned with a tighter, harder look at the 2025 Arnold Classic.
With a new coaching team, he’s showing signs of a resurgence.
Olympia Outlook: A top 6 contender if he maintains this trajectory.
12. Regan Grimes (Canada) – The Comeback Story
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 California Pro
- Recent Update: Improved shape, but lost to Sasan Heirati at Toronto Pro
- Last Show: 2nd – 2025 Toronto Pro
- Strengths: Structure, symmetry
- Weaknesses: Conditioning
After a long absence, Regan Grimes returned strong—winning California Pro and qualifying.
But at Toronto, he lost to Sasan Heirati due to inferior conditioning.
Olympia Outlook: A top 10 threat. Needs to peak perfectly.
13. Sasan Heirati (Sweden) – The Condition King
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Toronto Pro
- Recent Update: Always shredded, fully peaked
- Last Show: 1st – 2025 Toronto Pro (defeated Regan Grimes)
- Strengths: Conditioning, sharpness
- Weaknesses: Needs more size
Sasan has finally qualified after years of near misses. He always comes in super shredded.
Olympia Outlook: A top 10 surprise if he brings size with his condition.
14. Behrooz Tabani (Iran) – The Dubai King
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Dubai Pro
- Recent Update: Sharp, full, balanced
- Last Show: 1st – 2025 Dubai Pro ($140K prize)
- Strengths: Balance, stage presence
- Weaknesses: Needs more mass
After visa issues in 2024, Behrooz is finally set to debut at Olympia.
Olympia Outlook: A top 15 finish is possible.
15. Tonio Burton (USA) – The Aesthetic Threat
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Legion Sports Fest
- Recent Update: Impressive conditioning, wide shoulders
- Last Show: 3rd – 2025 Dubai Pro
- Strengths: Structure, symmetry
- Weaknesses: Needs more chest detail
Tonio has a complete, aesthetic structure. If he peaks right, he could surprise.
16. Chenglong Shen (China) – The Dragon Rises
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Huanjii China Pro (defeated Andrea Presti)
- Recent Update: Monster physique, extremely shredded
- Last Show: 1st – China Pro
- Strengths: Conditioning, discipline
- Weaknesses: Height, stage experience
This will be Chenglong’s Olympia debut. Chinese bodybuilders are known for sharp conditioning.
Olympia Outlook: A dark horse. Could crack the top 15.
17. Vitalii Goodvito (Brazil) – The Quad King
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 Arnold Classic Brazil
- Recent Update: Huge biceps, flaring lats, massive quads
- Last Show: 2nd – 2024 Detroit Pro
- Strengths: Quads, front poses
- Weaknesses: Back development
Goodvito is improving fast. His front double biceps is outstanding.
Olympia Outlook: A top 10 contender if he brings full conditioning.
18. Big Ramy (Egypt) – The Comeback Monster
- Qualification: Officially confirmed by sponsor Nasser Al-Masabi
- Recent Update: No recent photos
- Last Show: 5th – 2022 Mr. Olympia
- Strengths: Massive size, thickness, stage presence
- Weaknesses: Conditioning, lower back and glute definition
Mamdouh Elssbiay is making his long-awaited return after a three-year hiatus.
As Terrick El Guindy said:
“If Big Ramy brings his 2020 version, he becomes a real danger.”
Olympia Outlook: Can he win a third title? Only if he returns shredded and conditioned.
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19. Rubiel Mosquera (Colombia) – The Neckzilla
- Qualification: 1st – 2025 IFBB Flex Weekend Italy Pro
- Recent Update: 16 weeks out – leaner and more defined than in 2024, with improved back detail and tighter waist
- Last Show: 1st – IFBB Mr Big Evolution Portugal Pro
- Strengths: Exceptional back development, wide lats, strong posing, consistent peaking
- Weaknesses: Needs more quad sweep and leg fullness to match the top-tier mass monsters
Rubiel Mosquera is one of the most consistently conditioned and stage-ready athletes in the Men’s Open division, and he’s quietly building a case as a dark horse threat for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
🔥 Final Thoughts: The 2025 Mr. Olympia – A Battle for the Ages
The 2025 Mr. Olympia is shaping up to be a clash of titans:
- Samson Dauda defending his crown
- Derek Lunsford seeking redemption
- Hadi Choopan aiming for a comeback
- Martin Fitzwater & Andrew Jacked pushing the new generation
- Big Ramy attempting a historic third win
The lineup is deeper than ever, with no clear favorite.
But one thing is certain:
When the lights hit the stage in Las Vegas…
The world will witness a battle for the ages.