As the 2024 Mr. Olympia approaches, excitement is building in the bodybuilding world, and legendary voices are weighing in on who deserves the top spots. Eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Lee Haney recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming competition, expressing that he believes Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked should place in the top two at this year’s event.
In a YouTube video shared on October 4, 2024, Haney also discussed the idea of creating a new category within the Men’s Open division for shorter competitors like Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Nick Walker.
Lee Haney’s View on Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked
Lee Haney is no stranger to bodybuilding greatness, having dominated the Mr. Olympia stage for eight consecutive years with a physique that boasted balance, symmetry, and muscle maturity.
As someone who understands the finer details of what makes a winning physique, Haney believes that Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked possess the qualities needed to secure the top two spots at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Haney emphasized the importance of what he calls the “Excalibur” physique—one that is not only massive but also balanced, with great lines, muscle maturity, and overall aesthetics.
He drew comparisons to bodybuilding legends like Frank Zane and Lee Labrada, both of whom exemplified physiques with perfect symmetry and beauty.
“In my opinion, the Excalibur physique is the best of the best,” Haney said. “It’s not just about size; it’s about having everything in the right place. When I look at Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked, I see that same sort of perfection.”
Dauda and Jacked have made significant strides in the sport over the past year, with Dauda placing runner-up to Hadi Choopan twice this year at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK shows, before winning the 2024 Tsunami Pro just weeks ahead of the Mr. Olympia.
Meanwhile, Andrew Jacked turned heads with his massive 300-pound physique at the 2024 Texas Pro, where he secured another major victory. For Lee Haney, both athletes represent the future of bodybuilding with their impressive balance and presentation.
Related: 2024 Tsunami Pro Bodybuilding Results — Samson Dauda Wins Open Bodybuilding Title
The Case for a New Category in Open Bodybuilding
While Lee Haney praised Dauda and Jacked for their towering physiques and well-balanced proportions, he also touched on the issue of shorter competitors in the Men’s Open division.
Haney pointed out that athletes like Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Nick Walker—who have shorter statures but massive muscle density—deserve recognition, but he believes they belong in a different category.
“When you look at physiques like Hadi’s and Derek’s, they are in a different category,” Haney explained. “I wouldn’t mind seeing a new category for shorter competitors in the Open class. These guys work hard and should be rewarded, but you can’t overlook athletes like Samson and Andrew, who bring something different to the table.”
Lee Haney likened this potential new category to the impact that Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead has had on the sport.
Bumstead’s balanced, aesthetically pleasing physique has helped popularize bodybuilding, and Lee Haney believes that creating a new category could have a similar effect, giving fans more diversity in the types of physiques on display.
“People love what they see in Chris Bumstead—those lines, that symmetry,” Haney said. “It’s a look that popularizes the sport. But then you have athletes like Nick Walker, Hadi, and Derek, who belong in their own group. I could really see another category being created.”
Related: Andrew Jacked One-Arm Row Iconic 330-Pound Dumbbell for Reps
The Importance of Presentation and Symmetry
For Lee Haney, bodybuilding is not just about sheer size and mass—it’s about the total package.
He stressed the importance of presentation, symmetry, and muscle maturity as key factors that should be considered when judging competitors at the Mr. Olympia.
“You have to look at the total package,” Haney said. “Presentation should be a determining factor, as well as symmetry and muscle maturity. All three of those elements should be scored.”
Lee Haney’s assessment of Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked goes beyond just their size; he appreciates their ability to combine massive muscle with aesthetic lines and balanced physiques.
He believes that athletes like Dauda and Jacked are not only contenders for this year’s Mr. Olympia but also have the potential to bring bodybuilding into the mainstream with their impressive builds.
“When I look at Samson and Andrew, I see balance, presentation, and that small waist that draws attention,” Haney said. “They have everything it takes to win Mr. Olympia and help make bodybuilding more accepted and popular.”
Related: Lee Priest Shares His Top 6 Men’s Open Picks 9 Days from 2024 Mr. Olympia
Looking Forward to the 2024 Mr. Olympia
As the 2024 Mr. Olympia draws near, all eyes will be on athletes like Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan as they battle it out for the top spot.
Lee Haney’s predictions have added an extra layer of intrigue to the competition, and fans are eager to see if Samson Dauda and Jacked will live up to the expectations placed on them.
With the event’s 60th anniversary set to take place from October 11-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada, bodybuilding enthusiasts are in for a historic showdown.
Will Lee Haney’s vision of a new category for shorter bodybuilders take shape?
And will Dauda and Jacked rise to the occasion and secure their place at the top of the bodybuilding world? Only time will tell.