As the bodybuilding world builds toward the 2025 Mr. Olympia , all eyes are on who will walk away with the coveted Sandow Trophy on 9 to 12 October 2025. While fans, critics, and analysts debate endlessly about the favorites, one man whose opinion carries significant weight is Flex Wheeler —the legendary bodybuilder known for his unparalleled aesthetics and four Arnold Classic titles.
Despite never winning an Olympia himself, Wheeler remains deeply connected to the sport and continues to offer insightful commentary on its evolution.
In a recent video, he shared his top two picks for the 2025 Mr. Olympia , sparking excitement and debate across the fitness community.
So, who does Flex Wheeler believe will be battling it out on the biggest stage in bodybuilding this year?
Let’s break down his predictions, the reasoning behind them, and what it means for the future of competitive bodybuilding.
🏆 Flex Wheeler: A Legend Weighing In
Flex Wheeler may not have a Mr. Olympia title to his name, but his influence on the sport—and on modern-day champions—is undeniable.
Known for his symmetry, conditioning, and flowing posing routines, Wheeler inspired a generation of athletes who now dominate the IFBB Pro League.
Now in retirement from competition, Wheeler has become a respected voice in bodybuilding media, offering critiques, insights, and predictions that often align closely with how events unfold on stage.
In his latest analysis, he focused on the upcoming 2025 Mr. Olympia , where reigning champion Samson Dauda will look to defend his title against rising stars and former champions alike.
🔮 Flex Wheeler’s 2025 Olympia Prediction: Size Wins Again
Wheeler made it clear that when it comes to predicting the top contenders at the 2025 Olympia, size matters .
“I feel they [Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford] are at the outer limit of having too much, where Samson and Andrew [Jacked] have so much more that they can still just add. They haven’t got to it.”
According to Wheeler, the two athletes with the most potential to evolve and improve heading into the 2025 show are:
Wheeler believes both possess a rare combination of massive size, small waists, and aesthetic flow —key components that judges increasingly favor in today’s era of bodybuilding.
He elaborated:
“If you just take them all at 100%, then it would be Samson and Andrew going at it because they are the two bigger men, and they do have the smaller waists and the more flowing lines.”
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This statement highlights a shift in the judging philosophy over the years—from a balance-first approach to a preference for larger, more imposing physiques that still maintain classic proportions.
💪 The Rise of Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda made history in 2024 by winning his first-ever Mr. Olympia title, defeating former champions like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford. His victory was seen as a turning point in the sport—a blend of modern mass with old-school aesthetics .
Dauda quickly followed up his win by competing at the 2025 Arnold Classic , where he placed second to Derek Lunsford. This result signaled that while Dauda is strong, he isn’t untouchable—and that others are catching up.
Still, Wheeler sees him as a major force moving forward:
“Samson is starting to define and grow into who he can be. If you put the playing field even, there’s no way Hadi or Derek can beat him because he has things that they don’t.”
What sets Dauda apart is his ability to carry extreme muscle mass without sacrificing shape or definition . His back development, leg thickness, and overall conditioning make him a complete package—and one that could dominate for years to come.
🧬 Andrew “Jacked” Osei: The Dark Horse with Monster Potential
While Andrew Jacked didn’t place on the Olympia podium in 2024, his physique turned heads—and Flex Wheeler took notice.
Osei, originally from Ghana and now based in the U.S., has been steadily climbing the ranks in the Open division. He brings a unique combination of height, width, and separation that few competitors can match.
Wheeler praised his potential:
“Andrew has so much more that he can still just add. They haven’t got to it.”
At just 30 years old, Andrew Jacked is likely still in the early stages of his peak. With more time under the bar and better nutrition strategies, he could become a dominant figure in the sport—possibly even dethroning Dauda in the near future.
His frame allows for natural growth without looking bloated , and his conditioning has improved dramatically over the past year. If he can refine his posing and presentation skills, he’ll be a serious threat to anyone on stage.
🥊 The Challengers: Hadi Choopan & Derek Lunsford
While Wheeler predicts that Dauda and Jacked will be the final two standing at the 2025 Olympia, he also gave credit to Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford —two athletes who helped reshape the modern look of bodybuilding.
“The bigger men left the door open that allowed them to do that. Now saying that, Derek and Hadi, what they’ve been able to achieve is just mind-boggling.”
Both Choopan and Lunsford represent a transitional phase in bodybuilding—one where mass met proportion in a way that was visually striking. However, Wheeler suggests that their physiques might be reaching their limits in terms of growth potential.
That doesn’t mean they’re out of the running, though. Both have proven they can win under pressure and adapt to the evolving standards of the sport.
🎯 What Does This Mean for the Future of Bodybuilding?
Flex Wheeler’s prediction reflects a broader trend in the sport:
- Judges are leaning toward larger, more athletic builds that still maintain waist definition and visual harmony.
- Aesthetics are being redefined —not just as a balance between muscle and symmetry, but as a combination of mass, structure, and stage presence .
- Younger athletes like Dauda and Jacked are pushing boundaries , setting new benchmarks for what’s possible in physique development.
Wheeler’s insight serves as a reminder that bodybuilding is always evolving—and those who can adapt to the changing ideals will be the ones who rise to the top.
📅 Countdown to the 2025 Mr. Olympia
With the 2025 Mr. Olympia set for October, the next several months will be crucial for all top contenders. Here’s a quick look at what each athlete needs to focus on:
| Samson Dauda | Mass, conditioning, back development | Maintain waist tightness, refine posing |
| Andrew Jacked | Frame, potential for growth | Stage presence, consistency |
| Hadi Choopan | Symmetry, conditioning | Muscle fullness, recovery |
| Derek Lunsford | Posing, experience | Lean mass retention |
Whoever walks away with the trophy will need to bring peak condition, confidence, and a physique that wows the judges .
🔥 Final Thoughts: The King of the Ring?
Will Samson Dauda cement his legacy with a second consecutive Olympia title? Can Andrew Jacked surprise everyone and claim the crown in just his second appearance? Or will veterans like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford defy the odds once again?
Only time will tell.
But if Flex Wheeler’s track record of predictions holds true, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era in bodybuilding —one defined by bigger, bolder, and more balanced physiques than ever before.
So stay tuned, follow the progress of these elite athletes, and get ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting Olympia showdowns in years.
Because when the lights hit the stage in Las Vegas…
One name will reign supreme.