In bodybuilding, the Mr. Olympia competition is the pinnacle of achievement. As the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest draws nearer in Orlando, Florida, anticipation and excitement among fans and competitors alike are reaching a fever pitch.
A panel of distinguished bodybuilding veterans, consisting of Dennis James, Chris Cormier, Milos Sarcev, and the rising star Kerrith Bajjo, recently gathered on The Menace Podcast to share their predictions for the Men’s Open category.
In this article, we delve into their top five picks, discuss the evolving landscape of Men’s Open bodybuilding, and explore the factors influencing their choices.
The Ever-Evolving Men’s Open Division
The Men’s Open bodybuilding division is a relentless arena where athletes continually raise the bar, pushing the boundaries of size, symmetry, and conditioning.
Last year’s Mr. Olympia contest was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport, reminding everyone that victory can slip away with a single misstep.
The two-time former champion, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, fell to fifth place. At the same time, Hadi Choopan emerged as the victor, with Derek Lunsford securing second place and Nick Walker taking third, earning the coveted Olympia People’s Champ Award.
This year, the competition promises to be fiercer than ever, with formidable contenders like Brandon Curry, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked in the mix.
While some veterans have refrained from making predictions, the insights shared by Dennis James, Chris Cormier, Milos Sarcev, and Kerrith Bajjo provide valuable perspectives for fans and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the showdown in November.
Milos Sarcev’s Top 5 Predictions
- Winner – Samson Dauda
- Second Place – Hadi Choopan
- Third Place – Derek Lunsford
- Fourth Place – Andrew Jacked
- Fifth Place – Nick Walker
Milos Sarcev, known for his role in training Samson Dauda, believes that Samson Dauda has the potential to claim the title.
He emphasizes that while size is essential, conditioning ultimately matters in the Olympia competition.
Chris Cormier’s Top 5 Predictions
- Winner – Hadi Choopan
- Second Place – Derek Lunsford
- Third Place – Samson Dauda
- Fourth Place – Nick Walker
- Fifth Place – Andrew Jacked
Chris Cormier places his faith in Hadi Choopan‘s ability to secure the victory, followed closely by Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda.
His predictions reflect the fierce competition expected at the 2023 Olympia.
Kerrith Bajjo’s Top 5 Predictions
- Winner – Samson Dauda
- Second Place – Derek Lunsford
- Third Place – Hadi Choopan
- Fourth Place – Nick Walker
- Fifth Place – Andrew Jacked
Kerrith Bajjo aligns with Milos Sarcev and Chris Cormier, foreseeing Samson Dauda as the potential champion.
His predictions highlight the consensus among the panel regarding the top contenders.
Dennis James’ Top 5 Predictions
- Winner – Derek Lunsford
- Second Place – Hadi Choopan
- Third Place –Nick Walker
- Fourth Place –Andrew Jacked
- Fifth Place – Samson Dauda
Dennis James bucks the trend by predicting Derek Lunsford as the victor.
James also acknowledges the significance of Nick Walker, emphasizing the competitive nature of this year’s Olympia.
The Focus on Conditioning
The discussions surrounding the top contenders reveal a consensus on the importance of conditioning.
Milos Sarcev points out that while Samson Dauda‘s size is impressive, the combination of size and impeccable activity will make him a contender.
He emphasizes the need for Samson Dauda to replicate his size and training from previous competitions, highlighting the judges’ expectations.
Sarcev also mentions that with Big Ramy opting out of the 2023 Mr. Olympia, the emphasis on sheer size has remained strong.
Instead, athletes like Samson Dauda should focus on reaching peak conditions to compete against Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and Nick Walker.
Veterans and Bajjo: A Three-Man Battle
In closing, the consensus among these bodybuilding veterans and Kerrith Bajjo is that the 2023 Mr. Olympia will likely come down to a three-person battle between Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan.
The dynamics of this battle will be shaped by factors such as conditioning, symmetry, and the ability to command the stage.
With only four weeks left until the Olympia, the anticipation continues to build.
Fans eagerly await the moment these predictions are tested, a new Mr. Olympia is crowned, or an existing champion reaffirms their dominance.
As the bodybuilding world prepares for this marquee event, one thing remains certain—the quest for excellence in the Men’s Open division is an ongoing journey that captivates audiences and athletes alike.