Eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman was known for his immense strength — allegedly barbell bench pressing 225 pounds for 72 reps and deadlifting 800 pounds for a double during his Olympia reign from the late 90s through the 2000s. Coleman was atop the sport when it was dominated by mass monsters; he had 26 career pro wins. So, who better to make predictions for the 2023 Mr. Olympia?
Coleman published a video to his YouTube on Oct. 30, 2023, predicting who he believes will raise the Sandow Trophy at the end of Olympia Weekend. Check out Coleman’s top six for the Men’s Open below:
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The King’s Mr. Olympia Predictions
For purposes of suspense, below are Coleman’s top six Mr. Olympia predictions, starting with sixth place:
6. Brandon Curry
As a former Mr. Olympia (2019), Coleman believes Brandon Curry still has enough in the tank to compete amongst the best of the best. However, Coleman feels Curry’s conditioning is not at the level necessary to oust those Coleman ranks above Curry. While Curry has the size, he might not have the detailing the judges will reward.
5. Andrew Jacked
Coleman acknowledges Andrew Jacked has improved his physique and feels the 2023 Texas Pro champion is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory. Given Jacked’s stellar 2023 season, Coleman ranks Jacked in his top five — a three-spot jump from his eighth-place finish at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Coleman suggested that in the next two or three years, Jacked will be a podium contender.
4. Nick Walker
Coleman feels Nick Walker has made significant progress regarding adding mass to his frame — so much so that Coleman knocks Walker down a rank from the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Coleman suggested that the 29-year-old Walker is carrying too much muscle for his younger frame and Walker’s muscle maturity has not kept pace.
Muscle maturity is one of the most important aspects of bodybuilding. It gives a very different look to the muscles.
Coleman wouldn’t be surprised to see “The Mutant” win it all in the next few years but feels Walker needs time for his muscularity to mature for the proper aesthetics needed to win. Unfortunately, Walker withdrew from the 2023 Olympia on Oct. 31, 2023, due to a hamstring tear.
3. Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda was on Coleman’s top three list because of Dauda’s gains in the last two years. It helped Dauda win the 2023 Arnold Classic. Dauda’s condition has come along, and Coleman feels Dauda’s muscle size is aligned with his muscle maturity.
In addition, Ronnie Coleman’s noticed how Dauda has moved up in placings in every show he’s competed in. Due to his physique harmony regarding shape, size, and conditioning, Coleman sees him taking home the Sandow Trophy in the next two to three years.
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2. Hadi Choopan
Coleman believes Hadi Choopan won the 2022 Mr. Olympia on the back of Choopan’s conditioning, feeling it was “mountains on top and way ahead of everybody.” However, Coleman doesn’t think Choopan will go on a winning streak despite Choopan’s consistency toward the top of the Olympia. Choopan scored bronze finishes in 2019 and 2021 and a fourth-place finish from 2020.
1. Derek Lunsford
Coleman told 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford on Coleman’s podcast that Lunsford would become Mr. Olympia soon. Coleman stuck with his intuition for his prediction and feels the former 212 Olympia champion will be the first to win a second division.
It’s going to be one of the biggest upsets in the sport of bodybuilding ever.
Coleman has Lunsford winning across the board on size, conditioning, and especially shape. Coleman described Lunsford’s shape as miles ahead of the field.
Coleman mentioned that most Olympia winners typically stay on top for a two-to-three-year run after achieving their first title, but feels Lunsford will intercept Choopan’s reign. Will Colema’s predictions come to pass in Orlando, FL? Keep tabs on BarBend‘s 2023 Olympia coverage, which will be updated in real-time.
Featured image: @ronniecoleman8 on Instagram
