The bodybuilding world’s top competitors will head to Las Vegas this weekend for the Joe Weider Fitness and Performance Weekend, headlined by the 2025 Mr. Olympia competition.
Hadi Choopan will look to defend his title after winning the top prize in 2024, but stiff competition will seek to snatch the sport’s most prestigious prize from him.
Who are his main contenders and does Choopan have a chance to repeat?
Find out in this event preview.
Date: Saturday October 11
Time: 9:30 a.m. (pre-judging), 7:00 p.m. (finals)
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Overview and best bodybuilders
Choopan did not compete in the Arnold Classic, allowing his toughest competitor, Derek Lunsford, to take victory at the prestigious event. Samson Dauda, his runner-up at last year’s Mr. Olympia, also gained momentum with the best physique of his career.
Both Dauda and Lunsford are legitimate contenders to topple Choopan, but neither has the conditioning of the reigning champion. This is its strongest asset and the only thing that sets the 2024 winner apart from the pack.
Nick Walker returns to the field after missing last year’s competition and while he has the size, there are real and understandable questions about his ability to match the on-stage fitness of top contenders.
Andrew Jacked is a physical specimen, someone with muscular depth that his opponents don’t have but, like Walker, he faces questions about his conditioning.
Not since Jay Cutler (not that Jay Cutler) has a repeat bodybuilder as champion. Choopan has all the tools to win back the Sandow Trophy and leave Vegas having etched his name in the history books.
There is, however, something to be said for Lunsford winning the Arnold and working to improve himself and his body in preparation for taking that final step toward immortality and an Olympia title.
Choopan goes wow, Dauda may have the best pure physique of the group, but Lunsford should be the favorite.
Prediction: Lunsford wins
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