Hadi Choopan emerged victorious in the highly anticipated 2022 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding competition with a thrilling display of athleticism and determination.
At Joe Weider’s 58th annual Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend on December 18, 2022, this event marked a turning point in the history of bodybuilding.
Hadi Choopan’s exceptional performance showcased his unwavering dedication and toppled the reign of two-time Mr. Olympia champion Big Ramy.
The Intense Showdown
The Men’s Open division was the focal point of the 2022 Olympia Weekend, and fans were treated to a remarkable showcase of muscular prowess.
Seasoned veterans like four-time Olympia winner Jay Cutler had predicted the greatness of this year’s show, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
During the prejudging phase, Big Ramy was unexpectedly sidelined for most of the night, while Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford emerged as formidable contenders. Nick Walker’s exceptional physique also loomed as a significant threat onstage
Thrilling Finals and Pose Down
As the finals commenced, Nick Walker, Hadi Choopan, and Derek Lunsford pushed Big Ramy to his limits, delivering impressive individual posing routines that left the audience in awe.
However, Hadi Choopan’s electric energy stole the spotlight during the final pose down. Determined to leave no stone unturned, Choopan sought as many comparisons as possible, leaving an indelible mark on the judges and spectators alike.
Dethroning the Champion
In a stunning turn of events, Big Ramy failed to defend his title and plummeted to fifth place by the night’s end.
Hadi Choopan, often called “The Persian Wolf,” dethroned the formidable champion, cementing his place in bodybuilding history.
Former 212 champion Derek Lunsford secured an impressive second-place finish, while the awe-inspiring physique of Nick Walker earned him a well-deserved third place.
Brandon Curry, who exhibited remarkable gains in size throughout the season, concluded his campaign with a respectable fourth-place finish.
Top 10 Placings
The final official results of the 2022 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open division are as follows:
- Hadi Choopan – $400,000
- Derek Lunsford – $150,000
- Nick Walker – $100,000
- Brandon Curry – $40,000
- Big Ramy – $35,000
Nick Walker’s Triumph
The People’s Champ Award also went to Nick Walker, aptly named “The Mutant,” to recognize his remarkable performance and connection with the audience.
Nick Walker’s electrifying presence on stage solidified his status as a fan favorite and further highlighted the caliber of talent at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Looking Back at Mr. Olympia’s Illustrious History
The Mr. Olympia competition boasts a rich and storied past, with legendary names etched into its annals. The complete list of past champions showcases the evolution of bodybuilding as a sport, with iconic figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Phil Heath dominating the stage.
Each champion left an indelible mark on the sport, contributing to its growth and inspiring generations to pursue greatness.
The Takeaways
Hadi Choopan’s triumph at the 2022 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Bodybuilding competition will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
His dedication, undeniable talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled him to the top, surpassing the reigning champion and capturing the coveted title.
On the 2022 Olympia Weekend, he solidified bodybuilding’s status as a thrilling and ever-evolving spectacle, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this awe-inspiring journey of muscular dominance.
