The 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia competition is scheduled to take center stage during the 2024 Olympia weekend in Las Vegas, NV. Known as the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, the event will span two nights, beginning with the pre-judging rounds on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, and culminating with the finals on Saturday, Oct. 12, when the new Mr. Olympia will be crowned. Athletes from around the world will compete for the honor of claiming the prestigious Sandow Trophy, a symbol of excellence in the sport of bodybuilding.
Originally, 19 elite competitors qualified for the 2024 event. However, Tonio Burton, a rising star and strong contender, has opted not to participate, narrowing the field to 18 athletes. Despite his absence, the competition remains fierce, with bodybuilders vying for not only the title of Mr. Olympia but also the impressive $400,000 cash prize— the largest payout in bodybuilding this year. Fans and experts alike are eager to see which athlete will rise to the top and etch their name into the sport’s storied history.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event.
Where to watch Mr Olympia Weekend 2024
Fans who are unable to attend the event in person can still catch all the action through a pay-per-view livestream. Olympia Productions/OlymTV.com will offer comprehensive coverage of both the professional and amateur competitions, ensuring viewers don’t miss any of the excitement across the event’s two-day schedule.
Details on how to access Olympia Productions, including pricing and streaming options, will be available on the official Olympia website, allowing fans to enjoy the experience from the comfort of their homes, no matter where they are.
2024 Mr. Olympia Qualifying
According to IFBB Pro League rules, former Mr. Olympia champions have lifetime eligibility to compete, though after five years, they need permission from IFBB President Jim Manion.
The top three finishers from the previous Mr. Olympia automatically qualify for the next year, while others must win a pro show within the qualification season, which ended on Sept. 15, 2024. No special invitations are expected this year.
2024 Mr. Olympia Competitors
Here are the athletes, listed by their qualification order:
- Derek Lunsford (USA) – Defending Champion
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Samson Dauda (UK)
- Theo Leguerrier (France)
- Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- Nicholas Walker (USA)
- Akim Williams (USA)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- William Bonac (Netherlands)
- Behrooz Tabani (Iran)
- Nathan De Asha (UK)
- John Jewett (USA)
- Mohamed Foda (Egypt)
- Jonathan Delarosa (USA)
- Andrew Jacked (UAE)
- Hunter Labrada (USA)
- Bruno Santos (Brazil)
Past Olympia Champions
This year’s lineup includes three previous winners: 2023 champion Derek Lunsford, 2022 titleholder Hadi Choopan, and 2019 victor Brandon Curry, who remains eligible under a five-year rule. Notably, 2020 and 2021 winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay will not compete this year.
The last time three former champions shared the Mr. Olympia stage was in 2020, when Curry, seven-time champion Phil Heath, and 2008 winner Dexter Jackson competed. That year, Elssbiay won his first title.
As 2023’s finalists, Lunsford and Choopan are widely considered top contenders, while Choopan and Curry are both aiming to regain the title, a feat only Jay Cutler accomplished in 2009.
Though some experts doubt Curry’s chances of a high placing in 2024, especially after a fourth-place finish in 2023 following hospitalization, he’s still a factor.
Mr. Olympia Top Contenders
Outside of the past champions, a few athletes stand out as major threats for the title. Samson Dauda, who placed third at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, finished second behind Choopan at both the 2024 Arnold Classic and Arnold Classic UK. While Dauda’s size is impressive, Choopan and Lunsford have historically outmatched him in conditioning.
Nick Walker is another strong contender. Though he missed the 2023 Olympia due to a hamstring injury, he has a history of defeating both Dauda and Curry. After winning the 2024 New York Pro, Walker feels confident about his chances in Las Vegas, even going so far as to practice his victory speech. His conditioning could rival Choopan and Lunsford.
Andrew Jacked and Hunter Labrada have also been top-five finishers in the past. Both athletes qualified for 2024 late in the season, and if they bring their best, they could be contenders for the first callouts during pre-judging.
Mr. Olympia Dark Horses
The remaining spots in the top ten are wide open, with several athletes capable of making it into the top six if any favorites falter. Martin Fitzwater, making his Olympia debut, is one to watch, as cited by four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.
Nathan De Asha, who hasn’t been on the Olympia stage since 2018, has been successful in other competitions but has faced injuries and travel issues. If he competes, he’s likely to be a top-10 contender.
Veteran bodybuilder William Bonac, a two-time Arnold Classic winner and 2019 Mr. Olympia runner-up, is still going strong after a decade of competing at the Olympia.
2024 Olympia Schedule
Locations & times subject to change
Monday, 10/7/2024
Amateur Olympia Athlete Registration
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (Primrose Meeting Room)
Time: 4:00 PM
Tuesday, 10/8/2024
Amateur Olympia – Women’s Judging
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: 8:00 AM
Amateur Olympia – Women’s Finals
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: TBD
Wednesday, 10/9/2024
Amateur Olympia – Men’s Judging
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: 8:00 AM
Amateur Olympia – Men’s Finals
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: TBD
Thursday, 10/10/2024
Olympia Press Conference (Presented by WOLFpak)
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: 12:00 PM
(11:30 AM – VIP Entry
11:45 AM – General Public Entry)
Meet the Olympians (Presented by BSN)
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time:
7:00 PM – VIP Entry
8:00 PM – General Public Entry
Friday, 10/11/2024
Olympia World Fitness Expo
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall, Floors 1 & 2)
Time:
8:00 AM – VIP Entry
9:00 AM – General Public Entry
Olympia Pre-Judging
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Time: 9:30 AM
- Fitness Olympia
- 212 Olympia
- Figure Olympia
- Women’s Physique Olympia
- Ms. Olympia
- Wellness Olympia
Olympia VIP Behind-the-Scenes Theater Tour
Location: Resorts World Theatre (Outside Main Doors)
Time: 3:00 PM sharp
(Gold VIP & Silver VIP Plus Only)
Olympia Friday Finals
Location: Resorts World Theatre
Time: 6:00 PM
- 212 Olympia
- Fitness Olympia
- Figure Olympia
- Women’s Physique Olympia
- Ms. Olympia
- Wellness Olympia
- Plus Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
Saturday, 10/12/2024
Olympia World Fitness Expo
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall, Floors 1 & 2)
Time:
8:00 AM – VIP Entry
9:00 AM – General Public Entry
Olympia Pre-Judging
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Time: 9:30 AM
- Classic Physique Olympia
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Wheelchair Olympia Pre-Judging & Finals
Official Olympia Watch Party (Presented by BodyDream)
Location: Resorts World (Zouk Nightclub)
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM
Olympia Saturday Finals
Location: Resorts World Theatre
Time: 7:00 PM
- Mr. Olympia
- Men’s Physique Olympia
- Bikini Olympia
- Classic Physique Olympia
Olympia VIP Rooftop After Party (Presented by ESN)
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas Rooftop
Time: 11:00 PM (VIPs Only)
Sunday, 10/13/2024
Olympia Champions Seminar
Location: Resorts World Las Vegas (The Olympia Pavilion)
Time: 11:00 AM