The Olympia Weekend is the pinnacle of bodybuilding events, and the 59th edition of the Mr. Olympia (Men’s Open) contest promises to be a spectacle like no other.
Set to take place on November 3-4 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, this competition is an unforgettable display of muscle, determination, and dedication.
With twenty-four qualified bodybuilders aiming for the ultimate title, this year’s Olympia promises intense competition and jaw-dropping performances.
Mr. Olympia 2023 Winner
At the heart of the Olympia Weekend is the Men’s Open competition, where elite athletes showcase their unparalleled dedication and physique worldwide.
The 2023 Olympia competition is set to host twenty-four qualified bodybuilders, each with their unique journey to the stage.
While all have earned their place through exceptional dedication and hard work, only twenty-one are expected to grace the stage and vie for the coveted title.
The Qualified Athletes
Here is the full roster of qualified athletes for the Men’s Open competition in the order they qualified:
- Brett Wilkin (USA) (With Drawn)
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay (Egypt) (With Drawn)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Derek Lunsford (USA)
- Nick Walker (USA)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- William Bonac (USA) (With Drawn)
- Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
- Behrooz Tabani (Iran)
- Tonio Burton (USA)
- Ross Flanigan (USA)
- Iain Valliere (Canada) (Retired)
- Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)
- Phil Clahar (USA)
- Andrea Presti (Italy)
- Hassan Mostafa (Egypt)
- Justin Shier (USA)
- Roman Fritz (Germany)
- Hunter Labrada (USA)
- Chinedu Andrew Obiekea (Andrew Jacked) (UAE)
- Kamal Elgargni (Libya) (With Drawn)
- Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
- Regan Grimes (Canada)
- Theo Leguerrier (France)
- Charles Griffen (USA)
While these athletes have secured their place on the prestigious Olympia stage, they must bring their absolute best to book a place among the elite.
This year’s competition is expected to be intense, with athletes pushing the limits of their physiques and showing what years of hard work and dedication can achieve.
Mr. Olympia 2023 Prize Money
- Mr. Olympia: $400,000
- 212 Showdown: $50,000
- Ms. Olympia: $50,000
- Fitness Olympia: $50,000
- Figure Olympia: $50,000
- Bikini Olympia: $50,000
- Men’s Physique Showdown: $50,000
- Women’s Physique Showdown: $50,000
Athletes Not Competing in Olympia 2023
The road to the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest is challenging, demanding unwavering dedication, hard work, and sacrifices from the athletes.
However, sometimes, despite their best intentions, circumstances force athletes to make difficult decisions regarding their participation.
As the Olympia 2023 draws near, it’s worth noting that three competitors who initially qualified for the contest have made the tough choice to withdraw.
Their reasons vary, but their decisions will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the competition.
Iain Valliere: A Farewell to Competitive Bodybuilding
In early September 2023, the bodybuilding community received surprising news when Iain Valliere announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding.
Iain Valliere was a promising contender who had earned a spot at the Olympia. His decision to step away from the sport signifies the end of a remarkable career marked by dedication, discipline, and significant achievements.
Iain Valliere’s journey may have concluded, but his legacy will continue to inspire future bodybuilders.
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay: Shifting Focus
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, a former two-time Mr. Olympia champion, decided to bow out of the 2023 competition in September.
His reasons were centered around focusing on physique development and recovery.
Big Ramy’s decision, though disappointing for fans who hoped to see him on the Olympia stage once more, underscores the importance of an athlete’s long-term health and career.
It’s a decision that respects his body and aims to ensure his longevity in the sport.
Brett Wilkin: A Health-Driven Exit
On October 9, 2023, the bodybuilding community learned of Brett Wilkin’s withdrawal from the Olympia 2023. Health issues were the driving force behind this decision.
Brett Wilkin’s commitment to prioritizing his well-being reminds him that an athlete’s health should always be paramount, even in the face of the most significant competition.
We wish him a swift recovery and a return to the sport when ready.
Kamal Elgargni: A Decision Unconfirmed
While Kamal Elgargni secured a spot in the Olympia 2023 after winning the 2023 Masters Olympia, it’s not yet confirmed in which contest he will participate at the time of this article’s publication. Kamal Elgargni, a past 212 champion, has options before him.
His decision will undoubtedly be followed with great interest, as his expertise and experience can significantly impact the Olympia stage, regardless of his chosen division.
Past Champions: The Key Contenders in Olympia 2023
With some past champions sitting out of this year’s contest, the spotlight shines brightly on those who remain.
In this edition, two former Mr. Olympia titlists take center stage, adding excitement and anticipation to the competition.
Hadi Choopan: The Defending Champion
Defending his title and aiming for a back-to-back victory is Hadi Choopan, the Iranian powerhouse.
With his remarkable physique, Hadi Choopan secured the Mr. Olympia title in 2022, becoming one of the most promising athletes in the industry.
He embodies sheer dedication, discipline, and a never-say-die spirit. Leading up to the 2023 Olympia, many experts consider Hadi Choopan the favorite to defend his title successfully.
His work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned him the admiration and respect of fans and fellow athletes.
On Friday, November 3, 2023, during pre-judging, Hadi Choopan is expected to participate in the first callouts, where the elite athletes are assessed and evaluated in minute detail.
Brandon Curry: A Return to Glory
Brandon Curry, the 2019 Mr. Olympia, is another past champion who remains in contention.
While he finished fourth overall in the 2022 Olympia, Brandon Curry remains a force to be reckoned with.
The 2019 victory signified Brandon Curry’s ascent to the zenith of bodybuilding, and he continues demonstrating immense potential.
His journey to the 2023 Olympia is a testament to resilience, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Competing at the highest level, Brandon Curry has a shot at reclaiming the coveted title, cementing his place among the sport’s legends.
Like Hadi Choopan, Brandon Curry is likely among the first callouts during the pre-judging phase, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Top Contenders: The Battle for the 18th Mr. Olympia Title
The 2023 Mr. Olympia competition concerns more than just the past champions looking to cement their legacies.
There’s an exciting lineup of top contenders, each eager to etch their name in the history books as the 18th Mr. Olympia.
While the defending champion Hadi Choopan and former champion Brandon Curry are the favorites, a few athletes stand out as formidable challengers, each bringing their unique blend of talent, dedication, and charisma to the stage.
Derek Lunsford: The 212 Olympia Champion
Derek Lunsford, the 2021 212 Olympia champion, is no stranger to the Olympia stage. In 2022, Mr. Olympia was the runner-up to Hadi Choopan, narrowly missing the coveted title.
Derek Lunsford now aspires to make history by becoming the first athlete to win the Olympia in two different divisions.
He’s known for his exceptional conditioning and muscle symmetry.
Derek Lunsford’s commitment to the sport and drive to secure the top spot make him a significant threat in the 2023 Olympia competition.
Nick Walker: The Confident Challenger
The 2022 Mr. Olympia bronze medalist, Nick Walker, is a force to be reckoned with.
His journey from the 2021 Arnold Classic championship to being crowned a Mr. Olympia contender has been remarkable. What sets Nick Walker apart is his unabashed self-belief.
He consistently engages with fans through social media and YouTube, sharing his progress throughout the preparation.
His ability to connect with the audience and his physique, which displays size and symmetry, make him a top contender for the title.
He’s not shy about proclaiming himself as the next champion his confidence is undoubtedly one of his strengths.
Samson Dauda: The Rising Star
The 2021 Arnold Classic champion, Nick Walker, might garner attention, but he’s not the only one. Samson Dauda, the 2023 Arnold Classic champion, quickly emerges as a significant threat.
In 2022, Mr. Olympia ranked sixth overall, but his performance has improved remarkably since then.
The tradition of the Arnold Classic champion being a top contender for the Olympia holds, and Samson Dauda embodies this tradition.
His rapid progress and dedication to excellence could lead him to the Olympia title, making him a noteworthy contender.
Making Their Mark: Newcomers at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
The Olympia stage is known for its aura of grandeur and its ability to propel bodybuilders into the realm of legends. 2023, the location will welcome a fresh batch of competitors making their Olympia debuts.
Behrooz Tabani, Ross Flanigan, Phil Clahar, Justin Shier, and Roman Fritz have embarked on their Olympia journey, and the bodybuilding community is eagerly awaiting their debut performances.
While it’s anyone’s guess where they will rank, one thing is sure: the competition has never been steeper.
Olympia Debutants: A Mixed Bag of Outcomes
Making an Olympia debut is an honor and a challenge. The outcome of these debuts is unpredictable, as history has shown us.
Some rookies have faltered, failing to secure a spot in the top 15, while others have made a remarkable first impression, confidently earning a place in the top 10.
The only certainty about Olympia debuts is that nothing is certain.
Behrooz Tabani: A Rising Star
Behrooz Tabani’s ascent to the Olympia stage signifies a new chapter in his bodybuilding journey.
With dedication, sweat, and unrelenting discipline, he’s sculpted a physique that demands attention.
Behrooz Tabani’s debut marks the beginning of a promising career, and he’s eager to prove his mettle alongside the best in the world.
Will he shine as a newcomer, or will the pressure of the Olympia stage be his greatest challenge?
Ross Flanigan: A Challenger’s Dream
Ross Flanigan’s Olympia debut is a testament to his passion for the sport. The journey from local stages to the grandest is a testament to his unyielding commitment.
He steps into the Olympia arena, ready to show the world the culmination of years of sacrifice and hard work.
Will Ross Flanigan’s determination translate into a standout performance at the Olympia?
Phil Clahar: A Newcomer with Grit
Phil Clahar, with his chiseled physique and committed mindset, embodies the spirit of a true competitor.
His debut at the Olympia is not just a personal milestone but an inspiration to aspiring bodybuilders worldwide.
The spotlight is now on Phil Clahar as he enters the stage, vying for recognition among the world’s best. Will he seize this opportunity and carve his name into Olympia’s history?
Justin Shier: A Dream Come True
For Justin Shier, the Olympia stage represents a dream realized through relentless effort.
His Olympia debut is a testament to the sweat, the countless hours of training, and the sacrifices made along the way.
Stepping onto the Olympia stage is an honor that few can claim, and Justin Shier’s presence is a tribute to the pursuit of greatness.
As the curtain rises, will he shine as a newcomer, capturing the fans’ hearts and the judges’ admiration?
Roman Fritz: The Challenger
With his unwavering determination, Roman Fritz takes on the Olympia as a true challenger.
His physique reflects years of steadfast dedication, and his debut represents a significant milestone in his career. The Olympia is where legends are made, and Roman Fritz aims to leave an indelible mark.
The world watches as he steps onto the grandest stage in bodybuilding.
Will he emerge as a breakout star among the newcomers?