The Mr Olympia 2025 competition in Las Vegas has officially concluded, and the bodybuilding world has witnessed the rise of a new dynasty. Derek Lunsford, representing the United States, successfully defended his title, securing his second consecutive Sandow trophy and cementing his position among the sport’s modern legends.
According to The WP Times, citing Wanaen.com, Hadi Choopan was officially named the 2025 Mr Olympia Runner-Up and People’s Champion, following an exceptionally close decision by the judging panel. Choopan’s presentation, definition, and overall stage dominance earned him massive audience support and reaffirmed his global fanbase.
Full Mr Olympia 2025 Results
| Position | Athlete | Country | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derek Lunsford | United States | $600,000 |
| 2 | Hadi Choopan | Iran | $200,000 |
| 3 | Andrew Jacked | Nigeria | $100,000 |
| 4 | Samson Dauda | United Kingdom | $40,000 |
| 5 | Martin Fitzwater | United States | $30,000 |
| 6 | Nick Walker | United States | — |
| 7 | Brandon Curry | United States | — |
| 8 | Tonio Burton | United States | — |
The Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, brought together the best physiques in the world under dazzling lights and roaring crowds. Experts described this year’s contest as one of the most competitive in recent memory, with athletes pushing the limits of symmetry, density, and presentation.
Derek Lunsford: Building a Legacy
At just 32 years old, Derek Lunsford has already achieved what many professional bodybuilders spend a lifetime chasing — consistency at the very top. His back-to-back Mr Olympia victories in 2024 and 2025 place him among the sport’s elite, alongside names like Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath.
Lunsford’s performance in Las Vegas was described by commentators as a “masterclass in precision.” Every pose, transition, and flex reflected months of meticulous preparation. His conditioning — razor-sharp yet aesthetic — struck the perfect balance between mass and symmetry, a combination that judges often struggle to find in the modern era. Former champions Jay Cutler and Phil Heath both praised his evolution. Heath commented during the broadcast:
“Derek represents where the sport is going — athletic, complete, and intelligent about how he presents himself. He’s not just big; he’s balanced.”
Off the stage, Lunsford has become a model of professionalism. Known for his disciplined approach to training and nutrition, he documents much of his preparation through social media, inspiring a new generation of lifters who see him as proof that strategic thinking and mental resilience are as crucial as physical strength. After accepting his second Sandow trophy, Lunsford reflected on his journey with visible emotion:
“Every ounce of effort paid off,” he said. “It’s not just about the body — it’s about discipline, mindset, and the constant drive to improve. You win these titles long before you step on stage.” For fans and experts alike, Lunsford’s triumph symbolises more than victory — it marks the rise of a new archetype in bodybuilding: one defined not by sheer size alone, but by intelligence, humility, and relentless precision.
Hadi Choopan: The People’s Champion
Iran’s Hadi Choopan, affectionately known as The Persian Wolf, once again proved why he stands among the most admired and influential athletes in professional bodybuilding. Though he narrowly missed out on the title, finishing as runner-up at Mr Olympia 2025, Choopan captivated the audience from the moment he stepped on stage. His incredible conditioning, deep muscular density, and electric presence earned him the People’s Champion Award — a title he has now claimed twice in his career.
What sets Choopan apart is not just his physique but his relentless work ethic and consistency. Year after year, he refines every detail — from posing precision to muscle separation — creating a look that bridges the classic and modern eras of the sport. His control on stage and ability to hold peak condition across multiple rounds reflect a level of professionalism that only the most seasoned champions possess.
Fans across the world see Choopan as more than an athlete; he embodies discipline, loyalty, and resilience. Rising from humble beginnings in southern Iran, he has become a global icon who represents the power of perseverance and the spirit of competition. His emotional reaction at the 2025 finals — acknowledging the crowd’s roaring support — underscored his deep connection with the audience and the respect he commands from rivals and fans alike.
Looking ahead, Choopan has already set his sights on Mr Olympia 2026. In post-event interviews, he promised to return with an even more complete and balanced package — “stronger, sharper, and hungrier than ever.” For many in the sport, that statement isn’t just a promise but a warning: The Persian Wolf is not finished yet.
Rising Stars: Dauda and Jacked
A new generation of competitors is making its mark on the Olympia stage — and two names are leading the charge: Samson Dauda from the United Kingdom and Andrew Jacked from Nigeria. Both athletes showcased extraordinary physiques and composure under the spotlight, signalling a clear generational shift in professional bodybuilding.
Samson Dauda, often referred to as The Nigerian Lion, earned widespread acclaim for his combination of mass, symmetry, and classic proportions. His fluid posing and aesthetic lines brought a touch of the sport’s golden era back to the modern stage. Many experts compared him to legends like Lee Haney and Flex Wheeler, praising his ability to blend sheer power with elegance — a balance rarely seen in today’s hyper-conditioned field.
Meanwhile, Andrew Jacked continues to rise as one of the most promising new forces in the IFBB Pro League. His striking height, sculpted frame, and commanding stage presence make him a standout performer wherever he competes. Commentators described him as “the complete modern athlete” — a bodybuilder who can dominate with both physical presence and performance intelligence.
Both Dauda and Jacked represent a new era of bodybuilding: global, diverse, and forward-looking. Their success proves that the sport is evolving beyond borders, as athletes from Africa and Europe now stand shoulder to shoulder with the traditional American elite — redefining what it means to be a world-class champion in 2025 and beyond.
The 2025 season has set a new benchmark for professional bodybuilding. With Lunsford eyeing a potential hat-trick, Choopan hungry for redemption, and a wave of new international talent on the rise, Mr Olympia 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in recent history.
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