In the colossal realm of bodybuilding, where iron will clash and muscles speak louder than words, the 2023 Mr. Olympia unfolded as a historic chapter in the annals of the sport.
The showdown witnessed the rise of champions, the resilience of athletes, and the unmistakable imprint of destiny.
Among the esteemed voices dissecting the spectacle, King Kamali, a seasoned veteran, stepped into the limelight to deliver his verdict on the top five finishers and bestow special awards in the wake of a night that will forever echo in the corridors of bodybuilding history.
The Preamble: A Night of Triumphs and Tribulations
The 2023 Mr. Olympia wasn’t merely a competition it was a theater of dreams, an arena where warriors sculpted in iron sought to etch their names in the hallowed scrolls of bodybuilding lore.
Derek Lunsford emerged as the crowned king, etching his legacy as the world’s first-ever two-division champion.
But as the confetti settled, and the cheers reverberated, it was time for the pundits to lend their insights.
King Kamali’s Throne: Dissecting the Top 5
In a riveting YouTube video, King Kamali embarked on a meticulous breakdown of the top five finishers, unraveling the nuances that defined their performances and the narrative woven into each pose.
5th Place – Andrew Jacked:
King Kamali, in his characteristic style, lauded Andrew Jacked for his structural prowess. With an imposing width and towering stature, Andrew Jacked, according to Kamali, possesses the foundational elements to ascend to the pinnacle as Mr. Olympia.
However, the oracle of bodybuilding had a prescription for the aspiring champion—adding mass to hamstrings and glutes.
A mere 5 to 7 pounds of muscle, particularly in the lower body, could propel Andrew Jacked to the zenith, according to King Kamali’s discerning eye.
4th Place – Brandon Curry:
Brandon Curry, a beacon of symmetry and aesthetic beauty, stood resilient amidst personal tribulations.
King Kamali’s admiration for Brandon Curry’s physique was evident, labeling him as one of the most beautiful bodies on the stage.
The narrative of Brandon Curry’s struggle, fasting for medical procedures and battling esophageal issues, painted a picture of unwavering determination.
King Kamali prescribed added leg volume and definition for Brandon Curry, envisioning a triumphant return to the apex of bodybuilding.
3rd Place – Samson Dauda:
In the pantheon of bodybuilding monsters, Samson Dauda, aptly dubbed “The Nigerian Lion,” commanded attention.
King Kamali’s analysis was resounding—Samson Dauda possesses every tool necessary to seize the coveted Mr. Olympia title.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and a staggering 300 pounds on the morning of the show, Samson Dauda’s completeness, according to King Kamali, was unparalleled.
The oracle acknowledged varying opinions on potential improvements but affirmed Samson Dauda’s rapid evolution, labeling him a complete IFBB Pro.
2nd Place – Hadi Choopan:
In the symphony of muscle and conditioning, Hadi Choopan played a captivating tune. From the front, Hadi Choopan emanated the aura of Mr. Olympia, his conditioning a testament to Persian genetic prowess.
However, King Kamali’s discerning eye detected nuances that tipped the scales—side and back shots.
Hadi Choopan, in Kamali’s estimation, faltered due to a slightly off-tan color and a posing routine that leaned more towards a guest appearance than a competitive showcase.
1st Place – Derek Lunsford:
The crescendo of the night belonged to Derek Lunsford, the People’s Champ, and the man who sealed the deal from the back.
King Kamali’s analysis drew attention to Derek Lunsford’s completeness, hardness, and dryness, factors that played pivotal roles in securing the coveted title.
From the front, Derek Lunsford might have faced stiff competition, but his back shots, according to King Kamali, were the deciding factor.
The oracle emphasized the crowd’s resonance, hinting that judges, too, aren’t immune to the emotions echoing through the auditorium.
Special Awards: King Kamali’s Commendations
Beyond the traditional rankings, King Kamali, ever the showman, donned his master of ceremonies hat to bestow special awards, adding a touch of flair to the post-Olympia discourse.
Most Muscular Award: Samson Dauda:
In the realm of sheer muscularity, Samson Dauda reigned supreme. King Kamali’s proclamation—”Come on, guys, it’s not even close”—underscored Samson Dauda’s dominance in the most muscular department, a testament to his colossal presence on the Olympia stage.
Best Poser Award: Samson Dauda:
For King Kamali, the artistry of posing found its maestro in Samson Dauda. The Nigerian Lion’s classical routine and his ability to extract the most from his physique earned him the Best Poser Award, a nod to the aesthetics and storytelling embedded in the art of posing.
BMF (Bad Motherf*er) Award: Brandon Curry:**
Brandon Curry, the indomitable force who battled health issues and adversity, received the BMF Award. King Kamali’s tribute—”No man can tell me any different.
Puking blood to being fourth in the world, give me a break guys. Brandon Curry, you are one bad mother–you know what, man”—epitomized the resilience and tenacity that defines a true champion.
X-Factor Award: Nick Walker:
In the hypothetical scenario where Nick Walker graced the Olympia stage, King Kamali envisioned a seismic shift in dynamics.
The X-Factor Award, reserved for Nick Walker, symbolized the transformative impact the charismatic bodybuilder could have had on the event.
Every facet, from placings to the People’s Champ, would have witnessed a paradigm shift in the presence of Nick Walker.
Parting Thoughts: The Unseen Influences
As King Kamali drew the curtains on his breakdown and awards ceremony, he alluded to the intangible influences that transcend the judging criteria.
The crowd’s reactions, the emotional resonance, and the palpable energy coursing through the auditorium—all these elements contribute to the intricate tapestry of Olympia history.
Epilogue: The Unveiling of Destiny
The 2023 Mr. Olympia, with its twists of fate, tales of triumph, and the emergence of a two-division champion, Derek Lunsford, will forever stand as a benchmark in the journey of bodybuilding.
As the echoes of the night reverberate, and the champions etch their names in the scrolls of immortality, King Kamali’s breakdown adds layers to the narrative—a narrative that transcends numbers and poses, delving into the essence of what makes the Olympia an enduring spectacle in the grand theater of bodybuilding.
The stage is set, the verdict delivered, and the journey continues—a journey where iron wills and sculpted physiques collide, defining the destiny of champions.