As the 2024 Mr. Olympia approaches, bodybuilding fans worldwide are eager to see which athletes will dominate the prestigious competition.
Among the notable voices offering insights into the potential outcome of this year’s Mr. Olympia is Flex Lewis, a seven-time Men’s 212 Olympia champion.
In a recent interview with Ron Harris on August 23, 2024, Flex Lewis shared his thoughts on the top contenders, breaking down the chances of success for Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, Andrew Jacked, Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, and Brandon Curry.
The Men’s Open: A Battle of Titans
The Men’s Open category is heating up, with several top contenders poised to leave their mark on the Olympia stage.
According to Flex Lewis, the rivalry between reigning champion Derek Lunsford and former Olympia winner Hadi Choopan is one of the most exciting storylines heading into the competition.
However, athletes like Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and Nick Walker are also in the mix, each with the potential to upset the top contenders.
Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan’s Rivalry
Flex Lewis was quick to acknowledge the intense competition between Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.
Both athletes have shown incredible dedication to improving their physiques, and their rivalry is expected to be one of the highlights of the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Flex Lewis pointed out that both Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan have their strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
He described the prospect of seeing “the scarier version of Hadi next to the best version of Derek” as a thrilling comparison, emphasizing that both athletes are operating at an exceptionally high level.
In Lewis’s eyes, the competition between these two will come down to who can showcase the best version of themselves on stage. “It’s going to be who brings that best version?” Lewis said.
He noted that both Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan are training hard and are fully focused on their preparation, making the outcome even more unpredictable.
Related: 2024 Mr. Olympia Qualified Athletes and Rules
Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked: Dark Horses to Watch
While much of the attention is focused on Lunsford and Choopan, Flex Lewis believes that Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked could also make a significant impact at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Samson Dauda, who placed third at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, has been working tirelessly to improve his physique.
Since his impressive performances at the 2023 EVLS Prague Pro and the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK, Samson Dauda has parted ways with his coach Milos Sarcev, leaving fans curious about the changes he has made to his training and conditioning.
Lewis praised Dauda for his incredible journey from bodybuilding fan to Olympia contender. “He’s tasted victory. He knows he has a shot at winning the Mr. Olympia,” Lewis said.
However, he also expressed some uncertainty about whether Samson Dauda has made the necessary improvements to challenge Lunsford and Choopan at the top.
Andrew Jacked is another athlete to keep an eye on, as his freakish muscle mass and recent victory at the 2024 Texas Pro have cemented him as a potential threat in the Men’s Open category.
Lewis was impressed by Jacked’s off-season improvements, particularly his ability to add size and maintain a balanced, aesthetic physique.
“He made the improvements. He had his off-season, which he never really had before. This guy now truly believes that he could be a frontrunner in any show he competes in,” Lewis noted.
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While acknowledging Jacked’s potential, Flex Lewis pointed out that his conditioning could be a limiting factor. He believes that if Jacked can marry his muscle mass with a “crazy cartoon physique” for the Mr. Olympia, he could secure a top-three finish.
However, with Samson Dauda also gunning for the third spot, it remains to be seen which of these athletes will rise to the occasion.
Related: Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, and Samson Dauda Share Physique Updates 10 Weeks from 2024 Mr. Olympia
Nick Walker: The Freak of Freaks
No discussion of the Men’s Open would be complete without mentioning Nick Walker, who has earned a reputation as one of the most freakish bodybuilders on the scene today.
Despite suffering a torn calf and hamstring last year, Nick Walker has made a strong comeback and recently won the 2024 New York Pro, albeit by a narrow margin.
Flex Lewis, who has always appreciated the “freak” factor in bodybuilding, had high praise for Walker’s unique physique.
“He is a freak of freaks,” Lewis said. He compared Walker to some of the most massive bodybuilders of the 90s, emphasizing that Walker brings an “it factor” to bodybuilding that fans love.
Walker’s journey back from injury has been a challenging one, but Lewis is optimistic about his chances at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
“I would love to see Nick back in the mix and get up there in spots,” Lewis said.
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He believes that Walker’s determination and work ethic will serve him well as he prepares for the biggest competition of the year.
Related: Nick Walker Is So Sure He’s Winning the 2024 Olympia That He’s Already Practicing His Victory Speech
Brandon Curry: The Disrespected Champion
While discussing the top contenders for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Flex Lewis also took a moment to address the lack of respect shown to former champion Brandon Curry.
Curry, who won the Olympia in 2019, has consistently placed in the top ranks but has often been overlooked by fans and analysts.
Lewis believes that Curry’s legs, which have been criticized in the past, have improved significantly.
“He continued to fight through all that negativity and achieve the Mr. Olympia status,” Lewis said, praising Curry’s perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite not being on many people’s radar, Lewis believes that Curry could still be a contender at this year’s Olympia.
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The Road to 2024 Mr. Olympia
As the 2024 Mr. Olympia draws closer, excitement is building within the bodybuilding community.
Flex Lewis’s insights into the top contenders have added fuel to the fire, and fans are eager to see which athletes will rise to the occasion.
With Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan leading the charge, and dark horses like Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and Nick Walker waiting in the wings, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
Only time will tell who will claim the coveted Sandow Trophy, but one thing is certain: the 2024 Mr. Olympia will be a battle for the ages.
Be sure to follow the latest updates as we count down to the biggest event in bodybuilding this October in Las Vegas.