2024 Mr. Olympia Prejudging Analysis: A Close Battle for the Top Three

by Mr. O
Posted On October 12, 2024

The 2024 Mr. Olympia has kicked off with an intense prejudging session, giving fans a glimpse into what could be one of the closest competitions in recent memory. As the top competitors took the stage, it became evident that this year’s battle is shaping up to be a repeat of last year’s showdown between Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda, with each bringing their unique strengths to the stage.

First Callout and Early Impressions

The first callout featured seven athletes: Hunter Labrada, Rafael Brandao, Andrew Jacked, Martin Fitzwater, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Samson Dauda. This group set the stage for what would become a highly competitive top three comparison later in the event.

Interestingly, Derek Lunsford started in the middle position but was later replaced by Samson Dauda, a possible indication that the judges were closely comparing the top two contenders from the get-go. However, with seven men on stage, it was difficult to gauge each athlete’s physique fully, leaving the real judgment for later rounds.

The Battle for Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth

Following the initial callout, the focus shifted to the athletes vying for positions just outside the top three. Martin Fitzwater, Andrew Jacked, and Hunter Labrada were at the center of this battle, with each having their moment in the middle. Of these three, Martin Fitzwater impressed the most, showcasing outstanding conditioning and a fuller physique compared to his competitors.

Andrew Jacked, known for his size and freakish appearance, didn’t quite nail his conditioning, which gave Martin the edge. Hunter Labrada also brought one of his best packages to date, but it seems that Martin’s conditioning may have secured him fourth place, leaving Andrew and Hunter to fight for fifth and sixth.

Top Three Showdown: Hadi, Derek, and Samson

As expected, the real excitement came with the top three callout, featuring last year’s top three: Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda. Each athlete brought something unique to the stage, making it a challenging decision for the judges.

Hadi Choopan: Hadi was arguably the most conditioned competitor of the group, reminiscent of his Arnold Classic Ohio form. His front poses, particularly his chest and abs, were deeply striated, giving him an edge in terms of sharpness. However, from the back, he was slightly outmatched by Derek, particularly in the hamstrings and overall rear detail.
Derek Lunsford: Derek appeared slightly bigger than last year, especially in the chest, which was one of his weaker areas previously. His back remained his standout feature, likely allowing him to take both back poses in the judges’ eyes. However, Derek’s overall conditioning may not have been quite as sharp as in 2023, which could make the final decision more difficult.
Samson Dauda: The biggest and tallest of the group, Samson brought size and impressive aesthetics to the stage. His legs, in particular, looked fuller and more detailed as he posed. While his conditioning appeared similar to last year, his size and stage presence made him a serious contender, especially after being placed in the center of the top three callout.

What’s Next? A Tight Race to the Finish

As the dust settles from prejudging, it’s clear that this year’s Mr. Olympia is a tight race. Each of the top three athletes—Hadi, Derek, and Samson—has a legitimate chance at the title. Derek seems to be the safe bet based on last year’s results and his overall improvements, but Samson’s placement in the center during the first callout could be a sign that the judges are seriously considering him for the top spot. Hadi’s incredible conditioning, especially from the front, also keeps him in the mix for a repeat victory.

Ultimately, this competition could go in any direction, and tomorrow’s finals are sure to be a can’t-miss event. With no clear frontrunner, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the judges’ final decision.

Stay tuned for more updates from the 2024 Mr. Olympia weekend!