Mr. Olympia is the competition that best represents bodybuilding, despite the fact that the sport has produced many legends. Established by Joe Weider in 1965, this competition has developed into the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, showcasing the world’s best physiques. Over the years, it has produced both modern-day stars like Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan and past champions like Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This blog will cover the complete list of Mr. Olympia champions, year-by-year, their highlights, and their contributions to the growth of bodybuilding.
Mr. Olympia’s Past
Before diving into the list, it is important to understand Mr. Olympia’s importance. Joe Weider created the competition to allow winners of other competitions, like Mr. Universe, to compete professionally. The Olympia stage quickly became the ultimate venue for bodybuilding legends and is still the gold standard in bodybuilding today.
Mr. Olympia Winners: The Origins of Olympia, Year by Year, 1960s
Larry Scott, 1966, 1967, and 1965
The “Legend,” Larry Scott, the first Mr. Olympia champion, captivated generations with his charisma and skillfully sculpted arms. He won the first two titles and went into retirement unbeaten.
Sergio Oliva (1968, 1969)
Fans were amazed by Sergio Oliva, popularly known as “The Myth,” because of his massive size, broad shoulders, and narrow waist. His dominance turned bodybuilding into a show.
The 1970s Arnold Era
Schwarzenegger, Arnold, 1970–1975, 1980
Arnold’s seven Olympia titles made him the face of bodybuilding. His size, charm, and attractiveness contributed to the sport’s rise in popularity. His 1980 comeback victory is still remembered despite the controversy surrounding it.
Columbu, Franco (1976)
As evidenced by Franco Columbu, Arnold’s close friend and training partner, who showed incredible strength for his size, shorter bodybuilders could also be dominant.
From 1977 to 1979, Frank Zane
Frank Zane, popularly known as “The Chemist,” used proportion, symmetry, and beauty to contrast with the mass monsters of the era.
The 1980s Haney Dynasty
Second title, Franco Columbu, 1981
Dickerson, Chris (1982)
Bannout, Samir (1983)
Haney, Lee (1984–1991)
On the Olympia stage, Lee Haney set a record with eight consecutive wins. By combining mass and symmetry, he never placed lower than first since 1984.
1990s: The Coleman Revolution Begins
Yates, Dorian (1992–1997)
Dorian Yates, aka “The Shadow,” won six straight Olympias, ushering in the age of extreme mass and conditioning. His back development is still well-known.
Coleman, Ronnie, 1998–2005
Bodybuilding reached a new height thanks to Ronnie Coleman’s amazing size and strength. With eight Olympia titles, he tied Lee Haney’s record and is widely considered the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
The rivalry between Cutler and Heath in the 2000s
In 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010, Jay Cutler
Renowned for his perseverance and quad dominance, Jay Cutler went on to win four Olympias after defeating Ronnie Coleman in 2006.
Jackson, Dexter (2008)
In 2008, Dexter Jackson, also known as “The Blade,” shocked everyone by defeating Cutler through incredibly sharp conditioning.
Phil Heath, 2011–2017
Thanks to his round, muscular bellies and fullness, Phil Heath, also known as “The Gift,” won seven consecutive Olympias, second only to Coleman and Haney.
2018–2020: The Rise of Big Ramy
Shawn Rhoden
Rhoden’s aesthetic package, which proved that symmetry could defeat mass, ended Phil Heath’s reign in 2018.
In 2019, Brandon Curry
Brandon Curry won the title with an impressive physique and conditioning during a year of transition in bodybuilding.
Elssbiay, Mamdouh “Big Ramy,” 2020, 2021
Big Ramy became the first Mr. Olympia champion from Egypt and the Middle East, showcasing his immense size and global influence in the sport.
2022–2023: A New Era Is Ushern by Hadi Choopan
In 2022 and 2023, Hadi Choopan
The “Persian Wolf,” Hadi Choopan, won the title because of his exceptional conditioning, work ethic, and popularity. His triumph symbolized the globalization of bodybuilding and inspired millions of people worldwide.
The complete roster of Mr. Olympia champions from 1965 to 2023
- Scott, Larry, 1965–1966
- Sergio Oliva, 1967–1969
- Schwarzenegger, Arnold, 1970–1975, 1980
- In 1976 and 1981, Franco Columbu
- From 1977 to 1979, Frank Zane
- In 1982, Chris Dickerson
- In 1983, Samir Bannout
- Haney, Lee (1984–1991)
- Yates, Dorian (1992–1997)
- Coleman, Ronnie, 1998–2005
- Jay Cutler, 2006–2007, 2009–2010
- In 2008, Dexter Jackson
- Phil Heath, 2011–2017
- In 2018, Shawn Rhoden
- In 2019, Brandon Curry
- 2020–2021: Big Ramy
- 2022–2023: Hadi Choopan
The Legacy of Mr. Olympia
In addition to declaring champions, Mr. Olympia has influenced bodybuilding history. Every champion left their own mark:
- Larry Scott is credited with establishing bodybuilding.
- Arnold took it all over the world.
- Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman defined mass and dominance.
- Big Ramy, Phil Heath, and Hadi Choopan brought the sport into the social media age.
With each new Olympia, fans eagerly await the next legend to emerge.
To sum up
The Mr. Olympia contest is more than just a bodybuilding competition; it’s a custom of self-control, dedication, and growth. Every champion, from Hadi Choopan’s reign today to Larry Scott’s triumph in 1965, has upheld the standard of excellence and reshaped the potential of the human body.
As bodybuilding becomes more and more popular worldwide, Mr. Olympia remains the ultimate dream stage for athletes and the ultimate show for fans. Which legend will be added to this list next? Although only time will tell, the Olympia legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate future generations.
