The Sandow Trophy represents a legacy in bodybuilding. The reigning Mr. Olympia holds that trophy high and proclaims himself the world champion of the Men’s Open division, the best of the best, and then some.
Before the conclusion of the 2022 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding show, incumbent winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay faced stiff challenges ranging from former champion Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, as well as former 212 Olympia title-holder Derek Lunsford.
[Related: 2022 Mr. Olympia Results — Live Updates & Coverage]
The fans were buzzing in the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas, NV, to find out who would stand atop the bodybuilding throne. In a surprise turn of events, the defending champion fell to fifth place and a new Mr. Olympia was crowned — Iranian bodybuilder and veteran competitor Hadi Choopan.
Here are the top five results from the Men’s Open division, as well as their winnings:
2022 Mr. Olympia Results
- Hadi Choopan— $400,000
- Derek Lunsford — $150,000
- Nick Walker — $100,000
- Brandon Curry — $40,000
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay — $30,000
2022 Men’s Olympia Recap
The final comparisons were made early in the show. Head judge Steve Weinberger made these callouts for confirmation:
Callout 1
- Samson Dauda
- Nick Walker
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
- Brandon Curry
- Mamdouh Elssbiay
Callout 2
- Iain Valliere
- Andrew Jacked
- William Bonac
- Hunter Labrada
- Rafael Brandao
- Michael Krizanek
Callout 3
- Antoine Vaillant
- James Hollingshead
- Patrick Johnson
- Charles Griffen
- Justin Rodriguez
- Akim Williams
Callout 4
- Blessing Awodibu
- Mohamed Shaaban
- Joel Thomas
- Mohammad Alnsoor
Callout 5
- Andrea Presti
- Theo Leguerrier
- Andrea Muzi
Callout 6
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
- Brandon Curry
- Nick Walker
- Samson Dauda
- Mamdouh Elssbiay
The top six in the first and last callouts were shuffled multiple times for multiple posing comparisons. After six callouts, the round was over. The top 10 athletes performed their individual routines in the following order:
- Hadi Choopan
- Andrew Jacked
- Derek Lunsford
- William Bonac
- Nick Walker
- Brandon Curry
- Hunter Labrada
- Rafael Brandao
- Samson Dauda
- Mamdouh Elssbiay
After the routines, the Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, and Bikini finals took place. The Men’s Open competitors returned at the end of the evening for a traditional posedown for the 7,000 fans in attendance before the award ceremony.
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The 2022 “People’s Champion” Award
Shortly before the conclusion of the “O” but after the Bikini division had wrapped, Nick Walker received the 2022 People’s Champion (his first) award for his sportsmanship and adoration from the fans.
Walker would subsequently snag a third-place finish in the final standings, advancing his position ever closer to winning a Sandow of his own. Walker placed fifth in 2021 at his Olympia debut.
A Tearful Finish
The entire stadium sat in rapt silence as the seconds ticked by. The final two competitors, Choopan and Lundsford, waited with their heads down.
When the words “…and new…” boomed throughout the Zappos Theater, followed swiftly by Choopan’s name, 35-year-old Choopan collapsed to his knees in relief. Contorted in joy and with sincere tears running down his face, Choopan, a former 212 competitor who transitioned to Men’s Open in 2019, rose to accept his Sandow trophy and usher in a new era for men’s bodybuilding.
During his victory speech and with the assistance of a translator, Choopan expressed his gratitude to the audience and his fans around the globe. His coach, Hany Rambod, also took to the stage to remark on Choopan’s extraordinary work ethic and intensity in the gym. Choopan can rest on his well-deserved victory for now, but will have to put his nose back to the grindstone as the 2023 season approaches.
Featured image: Chris Bernacchi
