Muscle Insider
New member
Winning the Mr. Olympia title is one of the most prestigious accomplishments a bodybuilder can achieve. The mecca of muscle, it's where the biggest men to ever walk this earth go to prove they're the best.
Being invited to compete in just one Mr. Olympia contest and walk across the Mr. Olympia stage is an accomplishment most will never see. And winning one? Only kings among kings.
Since its inception in 1965, only 16 men have been able to claim the top spot and call themselves Mr. Olympia. This article will go over each of them.
This post will cover:
Mr. Olympia history
Every single Mr. Olympia champion
Frequently asked Mr. Olympia questions and answers
A recap of every Mr. Olympia contest
Recap Of Mr. Olympia History
Let's take a quick walk down weight training history lane. The IFBB was created in 1946 by Joe Weider and Ben Weider to help support and promote the sport of bodybuilding.
After seeing issues with the then-present elite competition, NABBA Mr. Universe, the Weider brothers wanted to create their own show. On September 18, 1965, they hosted the inaugural Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.
Since that monumental day, Mr. Olympia has been held annually across 10 different countries. Through each generation, hundreds of athletes have trained at an Olympia competition.
But only 16 have won.
The Complete List of Mr. Olympia Winners
Because some of the Olympia winners won multiple times in non-consecutive years, we will list them in chronological order from their first win.
1. Larry Scott (1965-1966):
Besides being the best at something, the next coveted designation is being the first. That title goes to the very first Mr. Olympia winner Larry Scott, who took home first in the Mr. Olympia debut.
The next best designation is being the second at something. That, too, goes to Larry Scott as he won the first two Mr. Olympia competitions and then retired, giving him the nickname "The Golden Boy."
Still, because of this unique situation, Larry Scott is the only bodybuilder to go undefeated!
Larry Scott was known for his massive biceps, which he built using what's known as a Scott Curl. The Scott Curl is a preacher curl performed with a narrower grip, allowing it to isolate the biceps for maximal stimulus.
2. Sergio Oliva (1967-1969):
Sergio Oliva, aka "The Myth," was an impressive bodybuilder from Cuba who also worked as a police officer.
Sergio had 3 consecutive wins from 1967-1969. And in 1969, he was literally the only competitor as all the other athletes had to withdraw.
Then, in 1970, he met the most famous bodybuilder of all time, who took his crown. That bodybuilder was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian oak.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger (1970-1975, 1980):
Arnold Schwarzenegger began lifting at 15. He instantly developed a love of bodybuilding and was determined to be the most famous bodybuilder in the world. To get this done, the Austrian oak needed to get to America.
In 1968, at 21, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the U.S. thanks to the help of Joe Weider. Known for his size and beautiful symmetry, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the epitome of bodybuilding, forever changing the bodybuilding world.
Arnold Schwarzenegger used his notoriety to propel his personal life and has since become a major movie star and Governor of California. In 1989, he established the Arnold classic, which many consider to now be the better bodybuilding competition.
We also have him to thank for the Arnold press, a shoulder exercise beloved by many gym goers. Want to train like this legend? Be sure to check out the Arnold split.
4. Franco Columbu (1976, 1981):
Franco Columbo was a very close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his training partner. During his competition days, he was very well known for his insanely deep and striated chest.
In 1974, Mr. Olympia introduced two weight classes:
Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds
Lightweight: Under 200 pounds
These classes would first compete within their own divisions. Then, the winner of these two classes would go head-to-head with the winner being crowned Mr. Universe. In 1974 and 1975, Franco won the lightweight title. And in 1976, Franco Columbo won the lightweight title and then went on to win the Mr. Olympia title.
In 1977, Franco suffered an injury competing in the inaugural World's Strongest Man Competition, which kept him out for the next 4 years. However, he returned in 1981 and got his second win.
5. Frank Zane (1977-1979):
Frank Zane is an enigma in the world of bodybuilding. During his career, Frank Zane actually competed in the lighter-weight division (
Winning the Mr. Olympia title is one of the most prestigious accomplishments a bodybuilder can achieve. The mecca of muscle, it's where the biggest men to ever walk this earth go to prove they're the best.
Being invited to compete in just one Mr. Olympia contest and walk across the Mr. Olympia stage is an accomplishment most will never see. And winning one? Only kings among kings.
Since its inception in 1965, only 16 men have been able to claim the top spot and call themselves Mr. Olympia. This article will go over each of them.
This post will cover:
Recap Of Mr. Olympia History
Let's take a quick walk down weight training history lane. The IFBB was created in 1946 by Joe Weider and Ben Weider to help support and promote the sport of bodybuilding.
After seeing issues with the then-present elite competition, NABBA Mr. Universe, the Weider brothers wanted to create their own show. On September 18, 1965, they hosted the inaugural Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.
Since that monumental day, Mr. Olympia has been held annually across 10 different countries. Through each generation, hundreds of athletes have trained at an Olympia competition.
But only 16 have won.
The Complete List of Mr. Olympia Winners
Because some of the Olympia winners won multiple times in non-consecutive years, we will list them in chronological order from their first win.
1. Larry Scott (1965-1966):
Besides being the best at something, the next coveted designation is being the first. That title goes to the very first Mr. Olympia winner Larry Scott, who took home first in the Mr. Olympia debut.
The next best designation is being the second at something. That, too, goes to Larry Scott as he won the first two Mr. Olympia competitions and then retired, giving him the nickname "The Golden Boy."
Still, because of this unique situation, Larry Scott is the only bodybuilder to go undefeated!
Larry Scott was known for his massive biceps, which he built using what's known as a Scott Curl. The Scott Curl is a preacher curl performed with a narrower grip, allowing it to isolate the biceps for maximal stimulus.
2. Sergio Oliva (1967-1969):
Sergio Oliva, aka "The Myth," was an impressive bodybuilder from Cuba who also worked as a police officer.
Sergio had 3 consecutive wins from 1967-1969. And in 1969, he was literally the only competitor as all the other athletes had to withdraw.
Then, in 1970, he met the most famous bodybuilder of all time, who took his crown. That bodybuilder was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian oak.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger (1970-1975, 1980):
Arnold Schwarzenegger began lifting at 15. He instantly developed a love of bodybuilding and was determined to be the most famous bodybuilder in the world. To get this done, the Austrian oak needed to get to America.
In 1968, at 21, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the U.S. thanks to the help of Joe Weider. Known for his size and beautiful symmetry, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the epitome of bodybuilding, forever changing the bodybuilding world.
Arnold Schwarzenegger used his notoriety to propel his personal life and has since become a major movie star and Governor of California. In 1989, he established the Arnold classic, which many consider to now be the better bodybuilding competition.
We also have him to thank for the Arnold press, a shoulder exercise beloved by many gym goers. Want to train like this legend? Be sure to check out the Arnold split.
4. Franco Columbu (1976, 1981):
Franco Columbo was a very close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his training partner. During his competition days, he was very well known for his insanely deep and striated chest.
In 1974, Mr. Olympia introduced two weight classes:
These classes would first compete within their own divisions. Then, the winner of these two classes would go head-to-head with the winner being crowned Mr. Universe. In 1974 and 1975, Franco won the lightweight title. And in 1976, Franco Columbo won the lightweight title and then went on to win the Mr. Olympia title.
In 1977, Franco suffered an injury competing in the inaugural World's Strongest Man Competition, which kept him out for the next 4 years. However, he returned in 1981 and got his second win.
5. Frank Zane (1977-1979):
Frank Zane is an enigma in the world of bodybuilding. During his career, Frank Zane actually competed in the lighter-weight division (
This was due to the fact that Frank Zane competed in the Golden Era of bodybuilding when more emphasis was placed on physique and aesthetics. Frank took this to the extreme as he always worked toward physical perfection.
Frank Zane sported the second smallest waist size of any Mr. Olympia and was known for his impressive V-shaped torso. This focus on aesthetics led him to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1968 Mr. Universe competition, putting him on a list of only three to do so.
Interested in achieving incredible aesthetics like Frank? Check out our aesthetic workout routine and you'll be well on your way.
6. Chris Dickerson (1982):
Chris Dickerson was a trailblazer. He won his one and only Mr. Olympia title in 1982, making him the first single winner. In fact, this makes him part of a small group of only 5 lifters, including:
Chris Dickerson also led the way for two causes significantly more important. Chris Dickerson was the first openly gay Mr. Olympia and the first African American Mr. Olympia.
Chris Dickerson went on to win the 1994 Masters Olympia (50+) and was inducted into the IFBB Hall Of Fame in 2000.
7. Samir Bannout (1983):
Samir Bannout was the first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title. Although he only captured one Olympia win, he earned the nickname "Lion of Lebanon."
Part of what made this one win so distinct was that it was his first pro win ever, which is unheard of. After this solo Mr. Olympia win, Samir went on to compete in an array of bodybuilding competitions with great success.
Samir Bannout would be the last Mr. Olympia champion in the Golden Era as athletes then started getting massive.
8. Lee Haney (1984-1991):
Lee Haney, one of the biggest bodybuilders of all time, is an absolute legend in the world of bodybuilding as he has won the Mr. Olympia competition 8 times in a row!
At 31, Haney retired and used his expertise to train other bodybuilders and athletes. In fact, Lee Haney trained Evander Holyfield and is credited with helping him gain 20 pounds in two weeks.
9. Dorian Yates (1992-1997):
Dorian Yates marked the official beginning of a new era in bodybuilding, the Era of Mass Monsters. This new generation contradicted the old and put bulk size over perfect aesthetics.
Dorian Yates weighed 265 pounds on stage at just 5'10". For comparison, Arnold Schwarzenegger stood at 6'2" during his reign and weighed "just" 235 pounds.
Yates was massive, but it worked as he crushed the other Mr. Olympia contestants for 6 years in a row!
10. Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005):
Ronnie Coleman started his career as a police officer, quickly becoming a legend after he decided to start lifting. He is one of the biggest bodybuilders to ever walk across the stage at 5'1" and 300 pounds. Absolutely huge!
Despite his large size, his fellow competitors regard him as one of the easiest-going athletes. The public also has this same thought as he is very active with his fans.
The fact is that when you know you're the best, you don't have anything to prove. This is true for Ronnie Coleman, who won 8 Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005. In 2001, he was also the first bodybuilder to win both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia in the same year.
Want to train like this legend? Check out the Ronnie Coleman workout split for some serious workout inspiration.
11. Jay Cutler (2006-2007, 2009-2010):
One of the longest-running battles in the history of bodybuilding was between Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. From 2002-2005, Jay Cutler placed 2nd to Ronnie Coleman. That's 4 years of almost winning the title but coming in second.
However, in 2006, Jay Cutler won Mr. Olympia, dethroning Ronnie Coleman. Jay Cutler went on to win in 2007 but eventually came in second at the 2008 contest to Dexter Jackson. Not giving up, Jay returned and won two more times in 2009 and 2010.
This gives Jay Cutler 4 total wins. Since bodybuilding, he has been active as an entrepreneur and has started a supplement line.
12. Dexter Jackson (2008):
Known as "The Blade," Dexter Jackson was always a top bodybuilder but not the best. That was until 2008 when he not only won Mr. Olympia but also two other titles. This means that in 2008 he won Mr. Olympia, the Arnold Classic, and the Australian Pro Grand Prix.
He's one of just a handful of athletes to be crowned Mr. Olympia champion and also take 1st at the Arnold Classic.
13. Phil Heath (2011-2017):
Phil Heath was the new king to reign in an era of winning with a total of 7 consecutive wins! Together with Arnold Schwarzenegger, this is the second most wins from a bodybuilder.
Known as "The Gift" Phil Heath is known for having full-muscle bellies that are big and symmetrical. During competitions, he was also a master at bodybuilding poses with the ability to make his muscles really pop.
If there was a question about who would win, once he posed, it was clear. Hoping to train like this Mr. Olympia? Check out Phil Heath's biceps workout.
14. Shawn Rhoden (2018):
Shawn Rhoden is another athlete who tasted being the champ just one time. However, he did not lose in 2019 but was rather banned from competing due to rape allegations.
The IFBB declared that while he could not compete again until his legal matters were taken care of, he could keep his title until the final verdict. While his case proceeded, he passed away in 2021 from a heart attack.
15. Brandon Curry (2019):
Originally a football player, Brandon Curry gravitated to bodybuilding, a decision that seems to have paid off for him. Like Dexter Jackson, he too swept the competition by being crowned Mr. Olympia and winning the Arnold Classic in the same year.
Brandon Curry is another single-time Mr. Olympia winner but is regarded as one of the most consistent athletes, having both amazing size and symmetry. Brandon Curry also won the '22 Arnold classic.
16. Mamdouh Elssbiay "Big Ramy" (2020-2021):
When you compete with some of the largest guys on earth and still get the nickname "Big," there are only two possibilities. One, you're really small, and it's said ironically, or two, you're an absolutely massive beast of a man.
Big Ramy is the latter.
An Egyptian IFBB bodybuilder, Mamdouh Elssbiay earned this title because he is, in fact, a monster. At just 5'9", he weighs a whopping 295-300 pounds on competition day!
Since he began lifting, Big Ramy is clearly a natural as he won his pro card in 2013, just 3 years after he began training. He quickly climbed the ladder and grabbed his first Olympia win in 2020. This was repeated in 2021, making Big Ramy the current champion.
What Mr. Olympia Winner Has The Most Wins?
When you see that there have only been 16 Olympia winners in 57 contests, you don't need to be a mathematician to realize that some of these guys have won more than one.
That begs the question, who has won the most? It's a tie.
Both Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman have won an astounding 8 Mr. Olympia titles!
After them, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Phil Heath are next in line with a total of 7 Mr. Olympia wins.
What Mr. Olympia Winner Has The Most Consecutive Wins?
Above, we mentioned that Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman have won Mr. Olympia 8 times.
That's impressive in its own right. However, what makes it even more impressive is that they both did it for 8 consecutive years. Talk about winning.
Right behind them is Phil Heath, who won the Mr. Olympia title 7 times in a row.
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger has 7 Olympia wins, he only has 6 consecutive wins from 1970-1975.
What Was The Purse Size For The Mr. Olympia Winners?
To say that Mr. Olympia has grown immensely over the years would be an understatement.
Since its inaugural event in 1965, the purse size for the Olympia champion has grown 400 times larger! Here's a breakdown of the total prize money by year.
Who Is The Greatest Mr. Olympia Of All Time?
Out of these 16 winners, who's the champion among champions? Who is the best bodybuilder?
The two athletes most often compared are Phil Heath, 7 wins, and Ronnie Coleman, 8 wins.
However, the answer is clear when you compare the two when they were in their prime.
The most obvious difference is the sheer size of Ronnie Coleman. When he walks across the stage, he sits at 5'11" and 300 pounds. That's 2 inches taller than Phil Heath and 50 to 60 pounds heavier!
Other than his weight, fans often point to Ronnie's massive back and thighs for catapulting him far above the rest of the competition.
Results Of Every Mr. Olympia Competition
Here's a detailed look at the top three bodybuilders in every Mr. Olympia competition since its beginning in 1965.
Notice that from 1974 to 1978 there are two categories, those bigger than 200 pounds and those less than 200 pounds. During this time, the winner from each weight group would then compete for the Mr. Olympia title.
1965, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1966, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1967, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1968, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1969, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1970, The Town Hall, New York, NY
1971, Maison de la Mutualité Paris, France
1972, The Handelshof, Essen, West Germany
1973, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1974, Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu went head to head for the Mr. Olympia title, with Arnold taking home the first-place win.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
Under 200 Pound Winner:
1975, Pretoria, South Africa (Building Unknown)
It was once again Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu taking 1st place in their respective brackets, with Arnold winning the Mr. Olympia title again.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
Under 200 Pound Winner:
1976, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
Ken Waller and Franco Columbu competed for the Mr. Olympia title, and this year, Franco was victorious.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
Under 200 Pound Winner:
1977, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
In '77, Robby Robinson was the winner of the over 200-pound category, and Frank Zane was the winner of the less than 200 pounds division. Zane took home the Mr. Olympia title.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
Under 200 Pound Winner:
1978, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
Once again, Robby Robinson and Frank Zane faced off for Mr. Olympia, with Frank Zane taking home the title yet again.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
Under 200 Pound Winner:
1979, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
1980, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
1981, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
1982, Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
1983, Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
1984, Felt Forum inside Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
1985, Forest National Theatre, Brussels, Belgium
1986, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
1987, Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
1988, Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
1989, Sala del Congressi, Rimini, Italy
1990, Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL
1991, Orlando, FL (Building Unknown)
1992, Helsinki Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland
1993, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
1994, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
1995, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
1996, Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL
1997, Terrace Theater, Long Beach, CA
1998, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
1999, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2000, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2001, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2002, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2003, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2004, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2005, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2006, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2007, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2008, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2009, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2010, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2011, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2012, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2013, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2014, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2015, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2016, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2017, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2018, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
2020, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
2021, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Olympia Lives On
Mr. Olympia has grown immensely over the years. What started as a simple bodybuilding competition that wasn't always guaranteed to have enough competitors has turned into a full-blown fan expo extravaganza.
Over the years, the ideal physique has changed dramatically. But as we're reaching a point where it's virtually impossible to get larger, we're curious to see if there will be a shift back toward the Golden Era.
Regardless, Mr. Olympia will return to Las Vegas on December 15-18, 2022, for its 58th year. Will Big Ramy be able to hold onto his title? Or are we going to see the 17th winner of the coveted title?
We can't wait to find out.
Related:
Some images courtesy of bodybuilder's social media accounts.
Click here to view the article.
Being invited to compete in just one Mr. Olympia contest and walk across the Mr. Olympia stage is an accomplishment most will never see. And winning one? Only kings among kings.
Since its inception in 1965, only 16 men have been able to claim the top spot and call themselves Mr. Olympia. This article will go over each of them.
This post will cover:
Mr. Olympia history
Every single Mr. Olympia champion
Frequently asked Mr. Olympia questions and answers
A recap of every Mr. Olympia contest
Recap Of Mr. Olympia History
Let's take a quick walk down weight training history lane. The IFBB was created in 1946 by Joe Weider and Ben Weider to help support and promote the sport of bodybuilding.
After seeing issues with the then-present elite competition, NABBA Mr. Universe, the Weider brothers wanted to create their own show. On September 18, 1965, they hosted the inaugural Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.
Since that monumental day, Mr. Olympia has been held annually across 10 different countries. Through each generation, hundreds of athletes have trained at an Olympia competition.
But only 16 have won.
The Complete List of Mr. Olympia Winners
Because some of the Olympia winners won multiple times in non-consecutive years, we will list them in chronological order from their first win.
1. Larry Scott (1965-1966):
Besides being the best at something, the next coveted designation is being the first. That title goes to the very first Mr. Olympia winner Larry Scott, who took home first in the Mr. Olympia debut.
The next best designation is being the second at something. That, too, goes to Larry Scott as he won the first two Mr. Olympia competitions and then retired, giving him the nickname "The Golden Boy."
Still, because of this unique situation, Larry Scott is the only bodybuilder to go undefeated!
Larry Scott was known for his massive biceps, which he built using what's known as a Scott Curl. The Scott Curl is a preacher curl performed with a narrower grip, allowing it to isolate the biceps for maximal stimulus.
2. Sergio Oliva (1967-1969):
Sergio Oliva, aka "The Myth," was an impressive bodybuilder from Cuba who also worked as a police officer.
Sergio had 3 consecutive wins from 1967-1969. And in 1969, he was literally the only competitor as all the other athletes had to withdraw.
Then, in 1970, he met the most famous bodybuilder of all time, who took his crown. That bodybuilder was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian oak.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger (1970-1975, 1980):
Arnold Schwarzenegger began lifting at 15. He instantly developed a love of bodybuilding and was determined to be the most famous bodybuilder in the world. To get this done, the Austrian oak needed to get to America.
In 1968, at 21, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the U.S. thanks to the help of Joe Weider. Known for his size and beautiful symmetry, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the epitome of bodybuilding, forever changing the bodybuilding world.
Arnold Schwarzenegger used his notoriety to propel his personal life and has since become a major movie star and Governor of California. In 1989, he established the Arnold classic, which many consider to now be the better bodybuilding competition.
We also have him to thank for the Arnold press, a shoulder exercise beloved by many gym goers. Want to train like this legend? Be sure to check out the Arnold split.
4. Franco Columbu (1976, 1981):
Franco Columbo was a very close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his training partner. During his competition days, he was very well known for his insanely deep and striated chest.
In 1974, Mr. Olympia introduced two weight classes:
Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds
Lightweight: Under 200 pounds
These classes would first compete within their own divisions. Then, the winner of these two classes would go head-to-head with the winner being crowned Mr. Universe. In 1974 and 1975, Franco won the lightweight title. And in 1976, Franco Columbo won the lightweight title and then went on to win the Mr. Olympia title.
In 1977, Franco suffered an injury competing in the inaugural World's Strongest Man Competition, which kept him out for the next 4 years. However, he returned in 1981 and got his second win.
5. Frank Zane (1977-1979):
Frank Zane is an enigma in the world of bodybuilding. During his career, Frank Zane actually competed in the lighter-weight division (
Winning the Mr. Olympia title is one of the most prestigious accomplishments a bodybuilder can achieve. The mecca of muscle, it's where the biggest men to ever walk this earth go to prove they're the best.
Being invited to compete in just one Mr. Olympia contest and walk across the Mr. Olympia stage is an accomplishment most will never see. And winning one? Only kings among kings.
Since its inception in 1965, only 16 men have been able to claim the top spot and call themselves Mr. Olympia. This article will go over each of them.
This post will cover:
- Mr. Olympia history
- Every single Mr. Olympia champion
- Frequently asked Mr. Olympia questions and answers
- A recap of every Mr. Olympia contest
Recap Of Mr. Olympia History
Let's take a quick walk down weight training history lane. The IFBB was created in 1946 by Joe Weider and Ben Weider to help support and promote the sport of bodybuilding.
After seeing issues with the then-present elite competition, NABBA Mr. Universe, the Weider brothers wanted to create their own show. On September 18, 1965, they hosted the inaugural Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City.
Since that monumental day, Mr. Olympia has been held annually across 10 different countries. Through each generation, hundreds of athletes have trained at an Olympia competition.
But only 16 have won.
The Complete List of Mr. Olympia Winners
Because some of the Olympia winners won multiple times in non-consecutive years, we will list them in chronological order from their first win.
1. Larry Scott (1965-1966):
Besides being the best at something, the next coveted designation is being the first. That title goes to the very first Mr. Olympia winner Larry Scott, who took home first in the Mr. Olympia debut.
The next best designation is being the second at something. That, too, goes to Larry Scott as he won the first two Mr. Olympia competitions and then retired, giving him the nickname "The Golden Boy."
Still, because of this unique situation, Larry Scott is the only bodybuilder to go undefeated!
Larry Scott was known for his massive biceps, which he built using what's known as a Scott Curl. The Scott Curl is a preacher curl performed with a narrower grip, allowing it to isolate the biceps for maximal stimulus.
2. Sergio Oliva (1967-1969):
Sergio Oliva, aka "The Myth," was an impressive bodybuilder from Cuba who also worked as a police officer.
Sergio had 3 consecutive wins from 1967-1969. And in 1969, he was literally the only competitor as all the other athletes had to withdraw.
Then, in 1970, he met the most famous bodybuilder of all time, who took his crown. That bodybuilder was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian oak.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger (1970-1975, 1980):
Arnold Schwarzenegger began lifting at 15. He instantly developed a love of bodybuilding and was determined to be the most famous bodybuilder in the world. To get this done, the Austrian oak needed to get to America.
In 1968, at 21, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the U.S. thanks to the help of Joe Weider. Known for his size and beautiful symmetry, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the epitome of bodybuilding, forever changing the bodybuilding world.
Arnold Schwarzenegger used his notoriety to propel his personal life and has since become a major movie star and Governor of California. In 1989, he established the Arnold classic, which many consider to now be the better bodybuilding competition.
We also have him to thank for the Arnold press, a shoulder exercise beloved by many gym goers. Want to train like this legend? Be sure to check out the Arnold split.
4. Franco Columbu (1976, 1981):
Franco Columbo was a very close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his training partner. During his competition days, he was very well known for his insanely deep and striated chest.
In 1974, Mr. Olympia introduced two weight classes:
- Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds
- Lightweight: Under 200 pounds
These classes would first compete within their own divisions. Then, the winner of these two classes would go head-to-head with the winner being crowned Mr. Universe. In 1974 and 1975, Franco won the lightweight title. And in 1976, Franco Columbo won the lightweight title and then went on to win the Mr. Olympia title.
In 1977, Franco suffered an injury competing in the inaugural World's Strongest Man Competition, which kept him out for the next 4 years. However, he returned in 1981 and got his second win.
5. Frank Zane (1977-1979):
Frank Zane is an enigma in the world of bodybuilding. During his career, Frank Zane actually competed in the lighter-weight division (
This was due to the fact that Frank Zane competed in the Golden Era of bodybuilding when more emphasis was placed on physique and aesthetics. Frank took this to the extreme as he always worked toward physical perfection.
Frank Zane sported the second smallest waist size of any Mr. Olympia and was known for his impressive V-shaped torso. This focus on aesthetics led him to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1968 Mr. Universe competition, putting him on a list of only three to do so.
Interested in achieving incredible aesthetics like Frank? Check out our aesthetic workout routine and you'll be well on your way.
6. Chris Dickerson (1982):
Chris Dickerson was a trailblazer. He won his one and only Mr. Olympia title in 1982, making him the first single winner. In fact, this makes him part of a small group of only 5 lifters, including:
- Samir Bannout
- Dexter Jackson
- Shawn Rhoden
- Brandon Curry
Chris Dickerson also led the way for two causes significantly more important. Chris Dickerson was the first openly gay Mr. Olympia and the first African American Mr. Olympia.
Chris Dickerson went on to win the 1994 Masters Olympia (50+) and was inducted into the IFBB Hall Of Fame in 2000.
7. Samir Bannout (1983):
Samir Bannout was the first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title. Although he only captured one Olympia win, he earned the nickname "Lion of Lebanon."
Part of what made this one win so distinct was that it was his first pro win ever, which is unheard of. After this solo Mr. Olympia win, Samir went on to compete in an array of bodybuilding competitions with great success.
Samir Bannout would be the last Mr. Olympia champion in the Golden Era as athletes then started getting massive.
8. Lee Haney (1984-1991):
Lee Haney, one of the biggest bodybuilders of all time, is an absolute legend in the world of bodybuilding as he has won the Mr. Olympia competition 8 times in a row!
At 31, Haney retired and used his expertise to train other bodybuilders and athletes. In fact, Lee Haney trained Evander Holyfield and is credited with helping him gain 20 pounds in two weeks.
9. Dorian Yates (1992-1997):
Dorian Yates marked the official beginning of a new era in bodybuilding, the Era of Mass Monsters. This new generation contradicted the old and put bulk size over perfect aesthetics.
Dorian Yates weighed 265 pounds on stage at just 5'10". For comparison, Arnold Schwarzenegger stood at 6'2" during his reign and weighed "just" 235 pounds.
Yates was massive, but it worked as he crushed the other Mr. Olympia contestants for 6 years in a row!
10. Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005):
Ronnie Coleman started his career as a police officer, quickly becoming a legend after he decided to start lifting. He is one of the biggest bodybuilders to ever walk across the stage at 5'1" and 300 pounds. Absolutely huge!
Despite his large size, his fellow competitors regard him as one of the easiest-going athletes. The public also has this same thought as he is very active with his fans.
The fact is that when you know you're the best, you don't have anything to prove. This is true for Ronnie Coleman, who won 8 Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005. In 2001, he was also the first bodybuilder to win both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia in the same year.
Want to train like this legend? Check out the Ronnie Coleman workout split for some serious workout inspiration.
11. Jay Cutler (2006-2007, 2009-2010):
One of the longest-running battles in the history of bodybuilding was between Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. From 2002-2005, Jay Cutler placed 2nd to Ronnie Coleman. That's 4 years of almost winning the title but coming in second.
However, in 2006, Jay Cutler won Mr. Olympia, dethroning Ronnie Coleman. Jay Cutler went on to win in 2007 but eventually came in second at the 2008 contest to Dexter Jackson. Not giving up, Jay returned and won two more times in 2009 and 2010.
This gives Jay Cutler 4 total wins. Since bodybuilding, he has been active as an entrepreneur and has started a supplement line.
12. Dexter Jackson (2008):
Known as "The Blade," Dexter Jackson was always a top bodybuilder but not the best. That was until 2008 when he not only won Mr. Olympia but also two other titles. This means that in 2008 he won Mr. Olympia, the Arnold Classic, and the Australian Pro Grand Prix.
He's one of just a handful of athletes to be crowned Mr. Olympia champion and also take 1st at the Arnold Classic.
13. Phil Heath (2011-2017):
Phil Heath was the new king to reign in an era of winning with a total of 7 consecutive wins! Together with Arnold Schwarzenegger, this is the second most wins from a bodybuilder.
Known as "The Gift" Phil Heath is known for having full-muscle bellies that are big and symmetrical. During competitions, he was also a master at bodybuilding poses with the ability to make his muscles really pop.
If there was a question about who would win, once he posed, it was clear. Hoping to train like this Mr. Olympia? Check out Phil Heath's biceps workout.
14. Shawn Rhoden (2018):
Shawn Rhoden is another athlete who tasted being the champ just one time. However, he did not lose in 2019 but was rather banned from competing due to rape allegations.
The IFBB declared that while he could not compete again until his legal matters were taken care of, he could keep his title until the final verdict. While his case proceeded, he passed away in 2021 from a heart attack.
15. Brandon Curry (2019):
Originally a football player, Brandon Curry gravitated to bodybuilding, a decision that seems to have paid off for him. Like Dexter Jackson, he too swept the competition by being crowned Mr. Olympia and winning the Arnold Classic in the same year.
Brandon Curry is another single-time Mr. Olympia winner but is regarded as one of the most consistent athletes, having both amazing size and symmetry. Brandon Curry also won the '22 Arnold classic.
16. Mamdouh Elssbiay "Big Ramy" (2020-2021):
When you compete with some of the largest guys on earth and still get the nickname "Big," there are only two possibilities. One, you're really small, and it's said ironically, or two, you're an absolutely massive beast of a man.
Big Ramy is the latter.
An Egyptian IFBB bodybuilder, Mamdouh Elssbiay earned this title because he is, in fact, a monster. At just 5'9", he weighs a whopping 295-300 pounds on competition day!
Since he began lifting, Big Ramy is clearly a natural as he won his pro card in 2013, just 3 years after he began training. He quickly climbed the ladder and grabbed his first Olympia win in 2020. This was repeated in 2021, making Big Ramy the current champion.
What Mr. Olympia Winner Has The Most Wins?
When you see that there have only been 16 Olympia winners in 57 contests, you don't need to be a mathematician to realize that some of these guys have won more than one.
That begs the question, who has won the most? It's a tie.
Both Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman have won an astounding 8 Mr. Olympia titles!
- Lee Haney 1984-1991
- Ronnie Coleman 1998-2005
After them, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Phil Heath are next in line with a total of 7 Mr. Olympia wins.
What Mr. Olympia Winner Has The Most Consecutive Wins?
Above, we mentioned that Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman have won Mr. Olympia 8 times.
That's impressive in its own right. However, what makes it even more impressive is that they both did it for 8 consecutive years. Talk about winning.
Right behind them is Phil Heath, who won the Mr. Olympia title 7 times in a row.
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger has 7 Olympia wins, he only has 6 consecutive wins from 1970-1975.
What Was The Purse Size For The Mr. Olympia Winners?
To say that Mr. Olympia has grown immensely over the years would be an understatement.
Since its inaugural event in 1965, the purse size for the Olympia champion has grown 400 times larger! Here's a breakdown of the total prize money by year.
- 1965-1974: $1,000
- 1975: $2,500
- 1976-1977: $5,000
- 1978: $15,000
- 1979-1983: $25,000
- 1984-1985: $50,000
- 1986-1987: $55,000
- 1988-1989: Unknown
- 1990-1994: $100,000
- 1995-2003: $110,000
- 2004: $120,000
- 2005: $150,00
- 2006-2008: $155,000
- 2009-2011: $200,000
- 2012-2013: $250,000
- 2014: $275,000
- 2015-2021: $400,000
Who Is The Greatest Mr. Olympia Of All Time?
Out of these 16 winners, who's the champion among champions? Who is the best bodybuilder?
The two athletes most often compared are Phil Heath, 7 wins, and Ronnie Coleman, 8 wins.
However, the answer is clear when you compare the two when they were in their prime.
The most obvious difference is the sheer size of Ronnie Coleman. When he walks across the stage, he sits at 5'11" and 300 pounds. That's 2 inches taller than Phil Heath and 50 to 60 pounds heavier!
Other than his weight, fans often point to Ronnie's massive back and thighs for catapulting him far above the rest of the competition.
Results Of Every Mr. Olympia Competition
Here's a detailed look at the top three bodybuilders in every Mr. Olympia competition since its beginning in 1965.
Notice that from 1974 to 1978 there are two categories, those bigger than 200 pounds and those less than 200 pounds. During this time, the winner from each weight group would then compete for the Mr. Olympia title.
1965, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
- First — Larry Scott
- Second — Harold Poole
- Third — Earl Maynard
1966, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
- First — Larry Scott
- Second — Harold Poole
- Third — Chuck Sipes
1967, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
- First — Sergio Oliva
- Second — Chuck Sipes
- Third — Harold Poole
1968, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
1969, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
- First — Sergio Oliva
- Second — Arnold Schwarzenegger
1970, The Town Hall, New York, NY
- First — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Sergio Oliva
- Third — Reg Lewis
1971, Maison de la Mutualité Paris, France
1972, The Handelshof, Essen, West Germany
- First — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Sergio Oliva
- Third — Serge Nubret
1973, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
- First — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Franco Columbu
- Third — Serge Nubret
1974, Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu went head to head for the Mr. Olympia title, with Arnold taking home the first-place win.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
- First and Overall winner — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Lou Ferrigno
Under 200 Pound Winner:
- First — Franco Columbu
- Second — Frank Zane
1975, Pretoria, South Africa (Building Unknown)
It was once again Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu taking 1st place in their respective brackets, with Arnold winning the Mr. Olympia title again.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
- First and Overall winner — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Serge Nubret
- Third — Lou Ferrigno
Under 200 Pound Winner:
- First — Franco Columbu
- Second — Ed Corney
- Third — Albert Beckles
1976, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
Ken Waller and Franco Columbu competed for the Mr. Olympia title, and this year, Franco was victorious.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
- First — Ken Waller
- Second — Mike Katz
Under 200 Pound Winner:
- First and Overall Winner — Franco Columbu
- Second — Frank Zane
- Third — Ed Corney
1977, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
In '77, Robby Robinson was the winner of the over 200-pound category, and Frank Zane was the winner of the less than 200 pounds division. Zane took home the Mr. Olympia title.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
- First — Robby Robinson
- Second — Ken Waller
- Third — Dennis Tinerino
Under 200 Pound Winner:
- First and Overall Winner — Frank Zane
- Second — Ed Corney
- Third — Boyer Coe
1978, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
Once again, Robby Robinson and Frank Zane faced off for Mr. Olympia, with Frank Zane taking home the title yet again.
Over 200 Pound Winner:
- First — Robby Robinson
- Second — Roy Callender
- Third — Kalman Szkalak
Under 200 Pound Winner:
- First and Overall Winner — Frank Zane
- Second — Boyer Coe
- Third — Danny Padilla
1979, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
- First — Mike Mentzer
- Second — Dennis Tinerino
- Third — Roger Walker
1980, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
- First — Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Second — Chris Dickerson
- Third — Frank Zane
1981, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
- First — Franco Columbu
- Second — Chris Dickerson
- Third — Tom Platz
1982, Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
- First — Chris Dickerson
- Second — Frank Zane
- Third — Casey Viator
1983, Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
- First — Samir Bannout
- Second — Mohamed Makkawy
- Third — Lee Haney
1984, Felt Forum inside Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Mohamed Makkawy
- Third — Jusop Wilkosz
1985, Forest National Theatre, Brussels, Belgium
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Albert Beckles
- Third — Rich Gaspari
1986, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Rich Gaspari
- Third — Mike Christian
1987, Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Rich Gaspari
- Third — Lee Labrada
1988, Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Rich Gaspari
- Third — Barry Dewey
1989, Sala del Congressi, Rimini, Italy
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Lee Labrada
- Third — Vince Taylor
1990, Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL
- First — Lee Haney
- Second — Lee Labrada
- Third — Shawn Ray
1991, Orlando, FL (Building Unknown)
- First — Lee Haney
- Second —Dorian Yates
- Third — Vince Taylor
1992, Helsinki Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Kevin Levrone
- Third — Lee Labrada
1993, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Flex Wheeler
- Third — Shawn Ray
1994, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Shawn Ray
- Third — Kevin Levrone
1995, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Kevin Levrone
- Third — Nasser El Sonbaty
1996, Arie Crown Theater, Chicago, IL
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Shawn Ray
- Third — Kevin Levrone
1997, Terrace Theater, Long Beach, CA
- First — Dorian Yates
- Second — Nasser El Sonbaty
- Third — Shawn Ray
1998, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Flex Wheeler
- Third — Nasser El Sonbaty
1999, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Flex Wheeler
- Third — Chris Cormier
2000, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Kevin Levrone
- Third — Flex Wheeler
2001, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Kevin Levrone
2002, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Kevin Levrone
- Third — Chris Cormier
2003, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Dexter Jackson
2004, Mandalay Bay Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Gustavo Badell
2005, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Ronnie Coleman
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Gustavo Badell
2006, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Jay Cutler
- Second — Ronnie Coleman
- Third — Victor Martinez
2007, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Jay Cutler
- Second — Victor Martinez
- Third — Dexter Jackson
2008, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Dexter Jackson
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Phil Heath
2009, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Jay Cutler
- Second — Branch Warren
- Third — Dexter Jackson
2010, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Jay Cutler
- Second — Phil Heath
- Third — Branch Warren
2011, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Jay Cutler
- Third — Kai Greene
2012, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Kai Greene
- Third — Shawn Rhoden
2013, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Kai Greene
- Third — Dennis Wolf
2014, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Kai Greene
- Third — Shawn Rhoden
2015, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Dexter Jackson
- Third — Shawn Rhoden
2016, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Shawn Rhoden
- Third — Dexter Jackson
2017, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Phil Heath
- Second — Mamdouh Elssbiay
- Third — William Bonac
2018, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Shawn Rhoden
- Second — Phil Heath
- Third — Roelly Winklaar
2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- First — Brandon Curry
- Second — William Bonac
- Third — Hadi Chopin
2020, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- First — Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
- Second — Brandon Curry
- Third — Phil Heath
2021, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- First — Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
- Second — Brandon Curry
- Third — Hadi Chopin
Olympia Lives On
Mr. Olympia has grown immensely over the years. What started as a simple bodybuilding competition that wasn't always guaranteed to have enough competitors has turned into a full-blown fan expo extravaganza.
Over the years, the ideal physique has changed dramatically. But as we're reaching a point where it's virtually impossible to get larger, we're curious to see if there will be a shift back toward the Golden Era.
Regardless, Mr. Olympia will return to Las Vegas on December 15-18, 2022, for its 58th year. Will Big Ramy be able to hold onto his title? Or are we going to see the 17th winner of the coveted title?
We can't wait to find out.
Related:
Some images courtesy of bodybuilder's social media accounts.
Click here to view the article.
