The 2020 Olympia contest is right around the corner which is always a super exciting time for athletes, fans, and the organization alike. This year was nothing like what we’re used to with the global pandemic halting all competitions. But thankfully, many events resumed and competitors were able to qualify for the world’s biggest fitness and bodybuilding event, scheduled to take place this month.
However, the Olympia will take place in Orlando, Florida December 17-20 this year; not Las Vegas as usual due to gathering restrictions, although we still won’t see the massive crowds that each year usually brings in.
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Men’s Open bodybuilding
What we look forward to in the Open division this year is the return of 7x Mr. Olympia Phil Heath who lost his crown in 2018 to Shawn Rhoden. But he’s back and more focused than ever to win his 8th Mr. Olympia title that would tie him for the all-time wins record alongside legends Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney.
It’ll be no easy task with the defending champion Brandon Curry stranding in the way, in addition to the other champion-caliber competitors that will take the stage as well. We should also mention that many top competitors will sit out this year’s event including the likes of Cedric McMillan, Nathan De Asha, Patrick Moore, Sergio Oliva, Rafael Brandao, Flex Lewis, and James Hollingshead.
Top 10 Mr. Olympia Predictions
10 – Akim Williams/ Iain Valliere
Akim Williams is a mass monster plain and simple. Last year, he was 9th place at the Olympia but looked awesome at the 2020 Arnold Classic of which he arguably should’ve placed higher. He also won the 2020 Chicago Pro that earned him a spot at this year’s Olympia and we’re excited to see this freak on stage. It’s hard to find weak points on this guy but if he comes in with a little better conditioning, then he’s going to continue to move up.
9 – Lukas Osladil
Czech Republic’s Lukas Osladil finally broke the top ten at the Olympia when he finished 8th last year, after having placed 16th in 2016 and 12th in both 2017 and 2018. We expect him to be in the top 10 anywhere from 8th-10th.
8 – Hunter Labrada
Hunter Labrada, son of the legendary Lee Labrada earned his Pro card this year and then took first at the 2020 Tampa Pro to qualify for the Olympia. He’s got an impressive package but has a ways to go before he can compete with the guys at the very top. But he’ll be looking to make a statement in his Olympia debut nonetheless. Plus, he has one of the best posers in bodybuilding history as a father which can only help him.
7 – Dexter Jackson
What else is there to say about “The Blade” Dexter Jackson. He’s the winningest bodybuilder in history and a former Mr. Olympia champion. No one in history has been able to compete for as long and place as high as he has and many thought he looked better than the champion William Bonac at the 2020 Arnold Classic.
6th – Roelly Winklaar
Roelly Winklaar, similar to Big Ramy managed to place in the top three in 2018 behind Phil Heath. But then he just couldn’t bring the same or better conditioning and his legs really suffered which dropped him a few places last year. All is not lost though for this genetic anomaly though because if he’s focused and determined, he can do big things.
5th – Big Ramy
Big Ramy’s most notable show was the 2017 Mr. Olympia where he placed second only to Phil Heath. But after a disappointing 6th place finish in 2018, he decided to take a year off. Ramy returned to compete at the 2020 Arnold Classic and made noticeable improvements, taking third right behind Dexter Jackson.
4th – William Bonac
William Bonac has definitely lived up to his nickname, “The Conquer” minus the Olympia title. He’s consistently improved his physique every year, having taken second to Brandon Curry at the 2019 Olympia and winning the 2020 Arnold Classic Ohio. Bonac had a falling out with his former coach Neil “Yoda” Hill last year but still managed to have his best season in 2019 and 2020.
3rd – Hadi Choopan
Hadi Choopan was undoubtedly the most surprising addition to the 2019 Olympia lineup bringing amazing conditioning and aesthetics in his debut. Many questioned whether he’d be big enough to stand with the Open guys but as a previous 212 competition, he blew away expectations. In fact, many believed that he should have beaten curry to win the whole thing.
2nd – Brandon Curry
Defending champion Brandon Curry has the right genetics to be at the top – but he will certainly have his hands full this year with a stacked lineup that includes Heath, Bonac, Choopan, Ramy, Winklaar, and Jackson. Many felt his conditioning last year was not Mr. Olympia-caliber last year and that he wasn’t deserving of the Sandow. But he had momentum from the Arnold Classic win and it seemed way before the contest that he’d probably be the eventual and new Mr. Olympia.
1st Winner – Phil Heath
When you’re given the nickname, “The Gift,” well, this sort of implies that you have no weaknesses. Sure, his narrow clavicles have been the subject of criticism but that’s obviously insignificant. It was undoubtedly the blocky, distended “bubble gut” in 2018 which cost him an 8th title. But aside from that, his god-tier genetics, work ethic, proportions, and ability to bring champion-caliber conditioning have earned him the biggest title in the sport seven years in a row – and that is one big advantage he has over the others.
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