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 outgoing champion Big Ramy and former title holder Brandon Curry to win the Sandow Trophy. Now the question is “can he do it again?” Choopan will defend his title for the first time in Orlando, Fla., when the 2023 Mr. Olympia takes place Nov. 2-5.
Tim Wilkins, Chris Cormier and Terrick El-Guindy discussed the champion’s chances on a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle. El Guindy noted that consistency is important in sports, and Choopan has demonstrated that over the past four years.
“(He is) a phenomenal bodybuilder with incredible consistency in his conditioning,” said the IFBB Pro League judge and promoter. “He’s grown in size, and he’s also had muscle 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 wanted to see. He was back in the gym shortly after the competition ended.
Wilkins noted the definition Choopan displayed when they reviewed his images of Olympia. It wasn’t just during the poses either.
“Look at the partings in the quads and the streaks in the upper chest, and he’s not even touching the upper chest. He’s in between poses.
Choopan’s title contenders 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 of these suitors is there, but Choopan is the one he’s paying the most attention to right now.
“This is Mr. Olympia. He’s the best bodybuilder in the world.
You can see more of their breakdown of the champion and his contenders by watching the full episode of PTM on the Olympia TV YouTube channel. While you’re at it, subscribe so you can catch the next episodes every week.
