Mr. Olympia has been enjoying being the “greatest bodybuilding event worldwide.” The credit goes to the depth of bodybuilding talent that it features in the ranks, the epic battles that it has taken care of, and so much more.
Mr. Olympia was initiated in 1965 by the high and late Joe Weider. He was the one to decide who was the greatest bodybuilder on this planet earth. Since the beginning, only 13 bodybuilders have remained unbeaten in winning the title of Mr. Olympia and taking the Sandow trophy to their homes.
A couple of these 13 bodybuilders named Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney have the record of earning most of the victories, i.e., eight an individual. Moreover, only Jay Cutler among these 13 men regained the title after he lost it.
Assigning the greatest-ever title will not be accessible when comparing the Olympia winners. No doubt, each fan has his or her individual preferences. Similarly, someone who is the best of his era is picked based on several reasons that highlight the perfect definition of the best competitors.
No doubt all the Mr. Olympia winners have been able to do what only these 13 bodybuilders did in the history of this competition; however, some of these hold impressive records, and the size and shape that defined that era might be ranked a little bit better.
This article aims to determine 6 of the best all-time Mr. Olympia. We have designed the list based on the impact made, record, improvements on physical benchmarks, and last but not least, consensus.
One of the most significant features that make Ronnie Coleman distinct among the Mr. Olympia winners is that before winning this title, he regularly fished out of money at big dance bodybuilding. He earned his first title in 1998. Coleman was not at all considered to be the treat for Mr. Olympia.
He appeared out of nowhere to present to the world one of the most impressive physiques that could have donned the stage of the Mr. Olympia contest. Then again, in Olympia 2003, he dropped jaws by shedding 300 lbs.
Coleman is the man who won 8 titles and decided to retire on his terms and conditions. He lost his title to Jay Cutler in 2006.
It is his complete dominance, physical completeness, tenure length at the top, perfect condition, and sheer size of the physique that Ronnie Coleman undoubtedly remains to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
The great Arnold Schwarzenegger beholds credited for boosting their professional bodybuilding profile compared to the Mr. Olympia winners. With his achievements, image, and mainstream success, he has facilitated changing the perception of what was considered an undercover cult act into something recreational pursuit and a favorite sport among the people.
He will always be remembered as one of the supreme Olympia champions of all time for bodybuilders around the globe. In his peak shape at 235lbs, 6’ 2”, along with a presence that remains incomparable, he won the title six times easily.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was criticized for having hamstrings, an incomplete lower back, and abdominal development. However, his physique compares well with several other great bodybuilders. He is indeed a class of his own.
Must read: How Arnold Schwarzenegger Became the World’s Best Bodybuilder
It was the 80’s when Lee Haney started his career, and Dorian Yates continued in the ’90s with a higher degree of shredded mass on a physique, leaving his competitors in the dust.
Yate's unique, impressive physique initiated an era of extreme size. He retired in 1997, but his frame continues to push the boundaries of bodybuilding.
Eventually, he brought the stage at a 260+ physique which will always be considered a game changer till the world exists.
Sergio Oliva is one of the old-school bodybuilders; he won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1967. Oliva died in 2012 at 71 years of age. Genetically speaking, he is known as the best bodybuilder. He won three Mr. Olympia titles without today’s dietary practices and sophisticated training.
Sergio also developed a perfectly balanced physique according to today’s standards. He has possessed the most unbelievably tiny waist, massive legs, unique V taper, flaring lats, and most giant arms; Sergio Oliva is renowned as “The Myth.”
He is standard for the mass elegantly combined with the pleasing shape of one of the Greek Gods.
Just as Arnold and Sergio are credited for starting the trends of bodybuilding for shape and size, Lee Haney, the 8 times winner, introduced a new era in the mass. At the same time, keeping oneself accurate to the aesthetical criteria that earn the names of several 70s champions.
With the broadest shoulders and back brought to the stage, a waist resonating Sergio. He also had a cross-striated beef on his frame of 5’11”, Haney is the bodybuilding excellence of the ’80s.
Among all the other men listed here, Jay Cutler being the ultra-wide is the only one contesting today’s best. Since 2001 he has been second and has never been in a lower position than second place.
Jay is the natural bodybuilder of this modern era. He is the only one to challenge the eight-time title winner during Ronnie’s peak.
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