In December 2022, bodybuilding history was made at the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas, NV when Hadi Choopan became the 17th man to win bodybuilding's greatest title - the Mr. Olympia. Choopan defeated then-reigning champion Big Ramy and former defending champion Brandon Curry to win the Sandow Trophy. w the question is, "Can he do that again?" Choopan will defend his title for the first time in Orlando, FL when the 2023 Mr. Olympia takes place vember 2-5.
Tim Wilkins, Chris Cormier and Terrick El-Guindy discussed the champion's odds on a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle. El Guindy noted that consistency is important in sport and Choopan has shown that over the past four years.
"(He's) a phenomenal bodybuilder with incredible consistency in his conditioning," said the IFBB Pro League judge and promoter. "He's increased in size and he's also got the muscular maturity."
Consistency is a big part of winning, but so is work ethic. Cormier knows a lot about it and he said the champion knows it too.
“Hadi is one of the hardest working guys you would ever want to see. Shortly after the competition he was back in the gym.”
Wilkins noted the definition Choopan showed when they reviewed his Olympia shots. It wasn't just during poses, either.
“Look at the splits in the quads and the stripes in the upper chest and he doesn't even hit the upper chest. He's between poses."
Contenders for Choopan's title include 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford, 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda, and Nick "The Mutant" Walker. El Guindy understands why the fanfare is there for these contenders, but Choopan is the one he's giving the most attention to at the moment.
"This is Mr. Olympia. That's the best bodybuilder in the world.”
You can see more of their breakdown of the champion and their contenders by watching the full episode of PTM on Olympia TV's YouTube channel. While you're there, subscribe so you can see future episodes each week.
