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The world of bodybuilding crowned its first-ever Mr. Olympia champion in Las Vegas on Saturday, as Samson Dauda delivered the best performance in one of the most unexpected fields in recent memory to secure a career-defining victory.
The win came after numerous appeals from officials, who wanted to take every possible time to ensure that they had made the final decision and selected the correct winner.
In a decision that left no doubt that the Nigerian Lion was the clear winner, the 32-year-old was named People’s Champion of this year’s event, an award reserved for the athlete receiving the most fan votes.
The $600,000 check announced along with the first-place medal and the People’s Champion trophy and belt was the largest payday for a winner in the event’s history.
Hadi Chupan, the runner-up for the second consecutive year, received $250,000.
For the Iranian-born bodybuilder, it was the second disappointing performance at the event. Realistically, the 2022 champion was one or two judges’ decisions away from becoming a three-time champion and carving his name into the history books as the most decorated champion since the end of Phil Heath’s reign.
Hatam Shiralizadeh ,hatmadaddy
Hadi Chupan came in second place at the 2024 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open and received a $250,000 prize.
Congratulations to the Persian Wolf and all his people #Iran For this great achievement.
First: Samson David
Second: Hadi Chupan
3rd: Derek Lunsford
Fourth: Martin Fitzwater pic.twitter.com/tZlYybW6EN
Instead, he continued what has become a career of “close but no cigar” moments, which saw him twice finish in third (2019, 2021) and fourth (2020).
The 2023 winner, Derek Lunsford, failed to successfully defend his title and finished third in this year’s event.
This is the third consecutive year that the defending champions have won the title. not repeatedA testament to the depth of the game at this time and the quality of legitimate contenders for the Mr. Olympia title.
Another fan-favorite Martin Fitzwater finished fourth at the event and gave fans a look at an athlete who could become a force in the sport in the coming months and years.