The bodybuilding world is excited as the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition draws near. Fans and athletes eagerly anticipate the grand showdown, where the most elite physique athletes will vie for the coveted title.
However, this year’s event will have a notable absence—Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, the reigning champion, who announced his withdrawal from the competition in a recent YouTube interview with athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo.
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Big Ramy shared his predictions for the top five finishers at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, offering insights into the future of the sport.
A Look Back at the 2022 Mr. Olympia
The 2022 Mr. Olympia Weekend was a defining Men’s Open bodybuilding moment.
Hadi Choopan emerged as the victor in a highly competitive field, claiming the prestigious title. However, Hadi Choopan‘s path to victory was challenging.
From enduring extended waiting times backstage to facing off against his teammate Derek Lunsford in the finals, Hadi Choopan overcame adversity to secure his first Olympia title.
In contrast, Big Ramy, the former champion, finished in fifth place, a significant drop from his previous reign as Mr. Olympia.
The 2022 Olympia marked a turning point in the Men’s Open bodybuilding landscape, with new contenders rising to prominence.
Big Ramy‘s Journey to the 2023 Arnold Classic
In the months following the 2022 Olympia, Big Ramy made a decision that surprised many—he chose to compete in the 2023 Arnold Classic, which boasted a $300,000 prize for the winner.
Although he fell short, finishing in fourth place, his physique displayed notable improvements compared to his Olympia performance.
Initially, Big Ramy expressed reluctance about taking a year off from competition to refine his physique.
However, his decision to withdraw from the 2023 Mr. Olympia indicates a shift in his approach. As a result, fans eagerly awaited his insights into the top contenders for this year’s Olympia.
Big Ramy’s Top 5 Picks for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
During his interview with Bob Cicherillo, Big Ramy revealed his predictions for the top five finishers at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, stressing that they are not listed in any particular order. His top five picks are as follows:
Big Ramy‘s analysis begins with a nod to Brandon Curry, a formidable contender in his own right.
He acknowledges Brandon Curry‘s impressive track record and long-standing friendship with him.
However, Big Ramy emphasizes that all the athletes in contention deserve the title.
“If I’m inside, I’d say me, but I can’t talk about other people. All of them deserve to have the title. Hadi is working very hard. Samson is getting better. Derek is getting bigger every time.
Brandon… he’s a Mr. Olympia — everyone, we have the best lineup,” Ramy expressed.
He highlights the camaraderie among the athletes, emphasizing the mutual respect within the bodybuilding community.
Despite the fierce competition, there is a shared admiration for each athlete’s dedication and hard work onstage.
A Challenge to Predict
Big Ramy refrains from making a definitive prediction when asked if he has a clear winner in mind.
He acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Olympia, emphasizing the difficulty of singling out a victor from such an exceptional lineup of competitors.
Big Ramy‘s humility in not proclaiming himself the victor is a testament to his respect for his fellow athletes and his understanding of the unpredictable nature of bodybuilding competitions.
The Fifth-Place Contenders
In keeping with the tradition of the Mr. Olympia competition, where the top five athletes earn recognition, Big Ramy speculates on who might secure the fifth-place position.
He suggests that either Nick Walker or Hunter Labrada could clinch fifth place.
However, he clarifies that his focus is not on ranking competitors but acknowledging their talents.
The unpredictability of bodybuilding competitions often leads to debates and discussions among fans and experts about the final rankings.
Big Ramy‘s contemplation of the fifth-place contenders adds to the event’s intrigue.
The Insights of Other Bodybuilding Legends
Big Ramy is not the only bodybuilding champion to offer insights into the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Renowned sports figures, including Ronnie Coleman and Samir Bannout, have made predictions.
Notably, Coleman and Bannout suggested that Derek Lunsford could dethrone Hadi Choopan as Mr. Olympia.
Open powerhouse Nick Walker, who secured third place in the previous Olympia, has also weighed in on the competition.
Walker has expressed his focus on defeating Derek Lunsford and shared his assessment of Samson Dauda‘s physique.
Additionally, he suggested that Big Ramy’s time at the top might be over, although he acknowledged the potential for Ramy’s comeback following stem cell therapy.
Anticipation Builds for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
As the countdown to the 2023 Mr. Olympia continues, fans, athletes, and experts eagerly await the spectacle unfolding at the Orlando, Florida, Orange County Convention Center from November 2 to 5.
Big Ramy‘s insights have added another layer of excitement to the event as fans contemplate the potential outcomes of the competition.
While predicting the future of bodybuilding remains challenging, one thing is sure—the 2023 Mr. Olympia promises to showcase unparalleled talent, dedication, and determination.
As the athletes take the stage, they will vie for the title that symbolizes excellence in bodybuilding, and fans worldwide will witness a historic moment in the sport.