Shocking Outcome at 2024 Mr. Olympia: Samson Dauda Takes the Crown, Derek and Hadi Stumble

by Mr. O
Posted On October 13, 2024

In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Samson Dauda emerged as the victor, dethroning two former champions, Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan. This year’s Olympia saw some unexpected shake-ups in the rankings, with Dauda rising to the top, while Lunsford, the 2023 champion, settled for third place and Hadi Choopan, the 2022 champion, took second. These surprising results have sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding world.

Samson Dauda’s Rise to Victory

Samson Dauda’s win comes as a significant milestone in his career, marking him as the newest champion in the Open division. Known for his impressive size, symmetrical lines, and full, round muscle bellies, Dauda has been steadily improving in recent years. His triumph at the Olympia solidifies his place among the elite, especially considering the level of competition he overcame.

Dauda’s physique displayed the perfect balance of size and conditioning, making him a clear standout among his competitors. His fullness and overall frame, coupled with remarkable stage presence, allowed him to claim victory over some of the most celebrated names in the sport. His win was a decisive moment, especially against two Mr. Olympia winners, solidifying Dauda as a dominant force moving forward.

What Happened to Derek and Hadi?

Derek Lunsford’s placement in third came as a shock to many, especially given his strong showing in 2023. However, his performance this year was slightly off, with noticeable changes in his leg separation and fullness from the front. Some speculate that his attempt to improve conditioning might have backfired, leading to a flatter appearance than expected. While still impressive, Lunsford couldn’t recapture the same magic from last year.

Hadi Choopan, meanwhile, brought his trademark conditioning to the stage but appeared smaller than his competitors. Though his conditioning was the best among the top five, he seemed to lack the size necessary to stand out against Dauda’s imposing frame. Despite this, Choopan improved significantly from prejudging to the finals, which allowed him to secure second place, narrowly missing out on the title.

The Rising Stars: Martin Fitzwater and Andrew Jacked

This year’s competition also saw Martin Fitzwater taking fourth place in a breakout performance. Known for his hard, full muscle and youthful energy, Fitzwater’s placing exceeded expectations, solidifying his status as one to watch in future contests. Andrew Jacked, another rising star, took fifth place, though many felt he deserved a higher ranking. Jacked’s tall, massive physique made him a crowd favorite, and his future in the sport looks incredibly bright.

The Legacy of Samson Dauda

Samson Dauda’s victory at the 2024 Mr. Olympia not only marks a significant personal achievement but also represents a shift in the landscape of bodybuilding. His combination of size, structure, and conditioning echoes the classic era of bodybuilding while embracing the modern demands of the sport. Dauda’s victory is perhaps the most surprising since Shawn Rhoden defeated Phil Heath in 2018, another unexpected win that shook the bodybuilding world.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles on the 2024 Mr. Olympia, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and the new champion, Samson Dauda. With Dauda now at the top, it will be exciting to see how long he can maintain his reign and whether Lunsford or Choopan can reclaim the title.

This year’s competition was truly one for the history books, leaving fans eager for what’s next in the ever-evolving world of professional bodybuilding.