Mr. Olympia Winners: Complete List And History
The Mr. Olympia competition is the world's most prestigious bodybuilding contest. Each year, the greatest bodybuilders on the planet gather to compete for the coveted Sandow Trophy. This article provides a comprehensive list of Mr. Olympia winners, along with a look at the history and significance of this iconic event.
History of the Mr. Olympia Competition
Founded in 1965 by Joe Weider, the Mr. Olympia competition was created to allow Mr. Universe winners to continue competing and earning money. Prior to Mr. Olympia, many top bodybuilders retired from competition due to a lack of opportunities. Weider's vision filled this void, providing a platform for elite athletes to showcase their physiques and compete for the title of Mr. Olympia.
Early Years
The first Mr. Olympia was held on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. Larry Scott won the inaugural competition, establishing himself as the first Mr. Olympia champion. Scott defended his title in 1966 before retiring from bodybuilding.
The Arnold Era
Arnold Schwarzenegger's dominance in the late 1960s and 1970s brought unprecedented attention to the Mr. Olympia competition. Schwarzenegger won the title seven times (1970-1975, 1980), captivating audiences with his charisma and impressive physique. His rivalry with other bodybuilding legends, such as Sergio Oliva and Franco Columbu, made Mr. Olympia a must-see event.
Golden Era and Beyond
The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of legendary bodybuilders like Lee Haney and Dorian Yates. Lee Haney holds the record for the most Mr. Olympia titles, with eight wins (1984-1991). Dorian Yates introduced a new level of muscularity and conditioning, winning six titles (1992-1997).
Modern Era
In the 21st century, Ronnie Coleman matched Haney's record of eight wins (1998-2005), solidifying his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. More recently, Phil Heath won seven titles (2011-2017), and Brandon Curry (2019), Big Ramy (2020, 2021), and Hadi Choopan (2022) have added their names to the list of Mr. Olympia champions. — Browns Vs. Bengals: Player Stats Showdown
List of Mr. Olympia Winners
| Year | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Larry Scott | United States |
| 1966 | Larry Scott | United States |
| 1967 | Sergio Oliva | Cuba |
| 1968 | Sergio Oliva | Cuba |
| 1969 | Sergio Oliva | Cuba |
| 1970 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1971 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1972 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1973 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1974 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1975 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1976 | Franco Columbu | Italy |
| 1977 | Frank Zane | United States |
| 1978 | Frank Zane | United States |
| 1979 | Frank Zane | United States |
| 1980 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | Austria |
| 1981 | Franco Columbu | Italy |
| 1982 | Chris Dickerson | United States |
| 1983 | Samir Bannout | Lebanon |
| 1984 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1985 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1986 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1987 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1988 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1989 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1990 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1991 | Lee Haney | United States |
| 1992 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1993 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1994 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1995 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1996 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1997 | Dorian Yates | England |
| 1998 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 1999 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2000 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2001 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2002 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2003 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2004 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2005 | Ronnie Coleman | United States |
| 2006 | Jay Cutler | United States |
| 2007 | Jay Cutler | United States |
| 2008 | Dexter Jackson | United States |
| 2009 | Jay Cutler | United States |
| 2010 | Jay Cutler | United States |
| 2011 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2012 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2013 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2014 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2015 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2016 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2017 | Phil Heath | United States |
| 2018 | Shawn Rhoden | United States |
| 2019 | Brandon Curry | United States |
| 2020 | Big Ramy | Egypt |
| 2021 | Big Ramy | Egypt |
| 2022 | Hadi Choopan | Iran |
| 2023 | Derek Lunsford | United States |
FAQ Section
What is the Mr. Olympia competition?
The Mr. Olympia competition is the premier international bodybuilding competition, held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness (IFBB).
When was the first Mr. Olympia competition held?
The first Mr. Olympia competition was held in 1965.
Who has won the most Mr. Olympia titles?
Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman each have eight Mr. Olympia titles, the most in the competition's history. — Best Places To Meet Single People A Comprehensive Guide
Who founded the Mr. Olympia competition?
Joe Weider founded the Mr. Olympia competition in 1965.
Where is the Mr. Olympia competition held?
The location of the Mr. Olympia competition varies each year. It has been held in various cities around the world, including New York, Las Vegas, and Orlando. — Inter Miami CF: News, Matches, And Analysis
Conclusion
The Mr. Olympia competition has a rich history and continues to be the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding. The list of Mr. Olympia winners includes some of the most legendary figures in the sport. As the competition evolves, it remains a celebration of dedication, athleticism, and the pursuit of physical perfection.