The prejudging round of the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is the traditional conclusion of the Olympia Friday night festivities. That event started on Friday night, Nov. 3, 2023, in Orlando, FL.
After many rumors and controversies about his health, 2019 Mr. Olympia winner Brandon Curry confirmed on Instagram that he would compete after an ulcer flare-up scare put into question whether or not he would be cleared. He is the only former Mr. Olympia in the lineup.
The defending champion, Hadi Choopan, sought to defend his throne. Numerous top contenders aimed to take the title from Choopan for the title, including the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up, Derek Lunsford, and 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda.
Following the introductions of each competitor, head judge Steve Weinberger and the rest of the judges in attendance began sifting down the field to determine the top contenders for the coveted Sandow Trophy.
[Tune In: 2023 Mr. Olympia Results — Live Updates & Coverage]
[Related: 2023 Amateur Olympia Results]
Callout One
- Brandon Curry
- Derek Lunsford
- Samson Dauda
- Hadi Choopan
- Andrew Jacked
- Hunter Labrada
Callout Two
- Hassan Mostafa
- Regan Grimes
- Michal Krizanek
- Tonio Burton
- Charles Griffen
Callout Three
- Justin Shier
- Ross Flanigan
- Phil Clahar
- Roman Fritz
- Theo Leguerrier
- Andrea Presti
Callout Four
- Hunter Labrada
- Andrew Jacked
- Brandon Curry
- Michal Krizanek
Callout Five
- Derek Lunsford
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
Curry received applause from the crowd upon his entrance, but the crowd favorites were Dauda, Lunsford, and Labrada, Meanwhile, the judges opted to have Curry and Andrew Jacked in the first callout. Lunsford and Choopan maintained the center position until Dauda was swapped in.
Choopan, Lunsford, and Dauda were in their own callout to conclude the round, with each athlete getting a turn in the middle.
While some fans may have their favorites to win, nothing was settled in this opening round. The finals take place on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center. Either Choopan will leave with the title he entered with, or a new Mr. Olympia will be crowned. BarBend will continue coverage of the 2023 Olympia until the champion in that division has been crowned.
[Related: 8-Time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney to Hadi Choopan: To Repeat, Play Your Own Game]
2023 Olympia Results
- Sarah Villegas Wins 2023 Women’s Physique Olympia, Reclaiming the Crown
- Cydney Wins 2023 Figure Olympia, Scores Seventh Consecutive Title
- Keone Pearson Wins 2023 212 Olympia
- Oksana Grishina Wins 2023 Fitness Olympia
- Andrea Shaw Wins 2023 Ms. Olympia, Scoring Fourth Consecutive Title
- Francielle Mattos Wins 2023 Wellness Olympia — Three-Peat Complete
Featured image: @hadi_choopan on Instagram