• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
BarBend

BarBend

The Online Home for Strength Sports

  • News
    • CrossFit
    • Strongman
    • Bodybuilding
    • Top Athletes
    • Powerlifting
    • Weightlifting
    • Competition Results
    • Latest Research
  • Reviews
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Mini Massage Guns
      • Individual Recovery Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Best Protein
        • Best Whey Protein Powders
        • Best Vegan Protein Powders
        • Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
        • Best Mass Gainers
        • Best Protein Bars
      • Best Pre-Workouts
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Women
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Men
        • Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts
        • Strongest Pre-Workouts
      • Best Creatine
      • Best Electrolyte Supplements
      • Best Greens Powder
      • Best Meal Replacements
      • Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
      • Best Fat Burners
        • Best Fat Burners for Men
        • Best Fat Burners for Women
        • Best Non-Stim Fat Burners
      • More Supplements
        • Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
        • Best Supplements for CrossFit
        • Best Supplements for Weight Loss
        • Best Supplements for Bodybuilding
        • Best Supplements for Men
        • Best Supplement Stacks
      • Individual Supplements Reviews
    • Equipment
      • Cardio
        • Best Treadmills
        • Best Rowing Machines
        • Best Exercise Bikes
        • Best Ellipticals
        • Best Recumbent Bikes
      • Strength
        • Best Adjustable Dumbbells
        • Best Dumbbells
        • Best Kettlebells
        • Best Barbells
        • Best Squat Racks
        • Best Free Weights
        • Best Weight Benches
        • Best Resistance Bands
        • Best Slam Balls
        • Best Weighted Vests
        • Best Leg Extension Machines
        • Best Cable Machines
        • Best Power Racks
        • Best Pull Up Bars
      • Best Home Gyms
        • Best Smart Home Gyms
        • Best Gym Equipment Under $100
        • Best Home Gym Essentials
        • Best Home Gym Flooring
      • Individual Equipment Reviews
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Apparel
        • Best Weightlifting Shoes
        • Best Cross Training Shoes
        • Best Gym Bags
        • Best Gym Shorts
      • Training
        • Best Weightlifting Belts
        • Best Knee Sleeves
        • Best Lifting Straps
        • Best Grip Strengtheners
        • Best Wrist Wraps
        • Best Lifting Gloves
      • Individual Fitness Product Reviews
    • Certifications
      • Best Sports Nutrition Certifications
      • Best Personal Trainer Certifications
      • Best Nutrition Certifications
      • Individual Certifications Reviews
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
      • Individual Program Reviews
  • Nutrition
    • Diets
      • Carb Cycling
      • Vertical Diet
      • Reverse Dieting
      • Carnivore Diet
      • Ketogenic Diet
      • Intermittent Fasting
      • IIFYM Diet
    • Fat Loss
      • Macros for Fat Loss
      • Calorie Deficits
      • Natural Fat Burners
      • Cut 2 Pounds Weekly
    • Muscle Gain
      • How to Dirty Bulk
      • Go From Cutting to Bulking
      • Eat These Carbs
      • How to Eat for Muscle
    • Supplement Guides
      • Pre-Workout
      • Whey Protein
      • Mass Gainers
      • Greens Powders
      • Creatine
      • BCAAs
    • Nutrition Tips
      • Daily Protein Needs
      • Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
      • Foods With Creatine
      • Bulking Tips
  • Training
    • Workouts
      • Back Workouts
      • At-Home Workouts
      • Chest & Back Workouts
      • Full-Body Workout
      • HIIT Workouts
    • Exercise Guides
      • Deadlift
      • Bench Press
      • Back Squat
      • Overhead Press
      • Bent-Over Row
      • Lat Pulldown
      • Crunches
      • Farmer’s Carry
    • Best Exercises
      • Shoulder Exercises
      • Back Exercises
      • Chest Exercises
      • Glute Exercises
      • Ab Exercises
      • Hamstring Exercises
      • Quad Exercises
      • Calf Exercises
      • Biceps Exercises
      • Triceps Exercises
    • Programs
      • Push-Up Program
      • Pull-Up Program
      • German Volume Training
      • 5/3/1 Program
      • Powerbuilding Program
      • The Cube Method
      • 5×5 Program
      • Bodybuilding Programs
      • Build Your Own Program
    • Fat Loss
      • How to Burn Fat
      • Spot Fat Reduction
      • How to Train on a Cut
      • Body Conditioning
      • Workouts
        • Kettlebell Circuits
        • Dumbbell Complexes
        • Farmer’s Carry Workouts
    • Muscle Gain
      • Muscle Hypertrophy Explained
      • How to Build Muscle
      • How to Maintain Muscle
      • What Researchers Say About Muscle Gain
        • Workouts
          • 20-Minute Workouts
          • Kettlebell Circuits
          • CrossFit Workouts for Muscle
          • Bodybuilding Workouts
  • Calculators
    • Protein Intake Calculator
    • Macros Calculator
    • BMR Calculator
    • Squat Calculator
    • Calorie Calculator
News

This May Be 2-Time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy’s Best Physique Update — Ever

Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay started his 2022 Olympia prep at 337 pounds, and looks downright freaky.

Written by Andrew Gutman
Last updated on August 10th, 2023

Two-time Mr. Olympia, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, is not interested in losing the title he worked so hard to claim. Eleven weeks before the 2022 Mr. Olympia, occurring in Las Vegas, NV, the weekend of Dec. 16, Ramy posted a posing video of his most current form. 

In the video, Big Ramy performs a series of mandatory poses — a front lat spread, front double biceps, rear lat spread, most muscular, and side chest post. Big Ramy’s bulked-up physique, which is beginning to lean out just over two months out from the Olympia, garnered praise and attention from some of the sport’s biggest names, including Mike O’Hearn and bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Mr. Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

[Related: The Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss, Bulking, Low-Carb, and More]

Big Ramy didn’t state his exact weight when the video was taken. However, just one week prior, he posted a series of progress photos to Instagram (see below), stating he weighed 337 pounds — so one can assume he’s not too far off from that number. 

Sheer size has always been Big Ramy’s strength, but the level of detail and conditioning displayed in the video above is a relatively new trait. 

Putting the Big in “Big Ramy”

Elssbiay made his splash in the IFBB Pro League at the 2013 New York Pro, stepping on stage at around 300 pounds. Bodybuilders at the time were known to be big (ever heard of Dorian Yates?), but not quite this big. Fans and experts were mind-blown by the Egyptian newcomer. 

He was immediately considered a top Olympia contender but couldn’t quite find his footing on the grandest of stages. He either showed up too big and soft or sacrificed too much size and ended up looking flat. Between the years 2013 and 2016, his best placing was fourth.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Mr. Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

[Related: The Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Muscle Gain, Weight Loss, and More]

Then, in 2017, Ramy had a breakthrough — placing second at the Mr. Olympia, proving to fans that he did have the tools to refine his mass monster look. 

And 2020 was Ramy’s year. At 36 years old, with his window for greatness closing, Big Ramy hired legendary bodybuilder Dennis James to coach him. The result was Elssbiay’s best package; he beat out 2019 Olympia winner Brandon Curry to become the new king. He repeated in 2021 and is now looking for a three-peat. 

Going for Greatness

If Ramy wins the 2022 Mr. Olympia — and he’s got stiff competition in William Bonac, Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada — he’ll become the ninth Men’s Open competitor to claim the title at least three times. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7YhAKe8WS-w

Experts, however, believe that if Ramy can show up looking like he does in these Instagram posts, he’s got the show in the bag. 

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman went on record saying that he thinks Ramy has the stuff to remain Mr. Olympia for the next three to four years. And Phil Heath, a seven-time O winner, says Elssbiay is his favorite to win. 

The 2022 Mr. Olympia is set to take place in Las Vegas from Dec. 16-18. As a former Olympia winner, Big Ramy is automatically qualified for the show, which means he’s had a whole year to prepare. And it’s been a productive year for bodybuilding’s current king.

Featured Image: @big_ramy on Instagram

About Andrew Gutman

Andrew Gutman is a former senior associate editor at Muscle & Fitness and has contributed to Men's Journal, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, and Spartan Race. Outside of work you can find him training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lifting weights (he prefers a full-body/upper/lower split) and air-frying chicken wings.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Latest News

Best Cyber Monday Weight Bench Deals (2023)

International Association of Trans Bodybuilders & Powerlifters 2023 Full Results

Do All High-Carb Diets Lead to Weight Gain?

Dana Linn Bailey’s 4 Meal Prep Tips for Beginners

Enahoro Asein (83KG) Decimates IPF Raw World Deadlift Record With 380 Kilograms

Latest Reviews

Redwood Thermowood Panorama Sauna Review

Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge Tub Review

Redwood Outdoor Thermowood Garden Sauna Review

Future App Review

Bells of Steel Hydra Rack Review

BarBend

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Sections

  • CrossFit
  • Strongman
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Weightlifting
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Training

More

  • BarBend Newsletter
  • BarBend Podcast
  • The Ripped Report
  • 1RM Calculator
  • BMR Calculator
  • Macros Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Squat Calculator

Policies

  • Accessibility
  • Advice Disclaimer
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimers
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2023 · BarBend Inc · Sitemap