Las Vegas buzzed with unparalleled energy as the world’s top bodybuilders gathered at Resorts World Casino for the 61st annual Mr. Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend. From October 9 to 12, 2025, the city transformed into a vibrant global hub of muscle, dedication, and fierce competition. Known as the “Super Bowl of bodybuilding,” this prestigious event is more than just a contest—it’s a tribute to human perseverance, potential, and the relentless quest for excellence.
How to Experience Mr. Olympia 2025: Streaming Options and Fan Engagement
For those unable to attend in person, OlympiaTV offered an extensive pay-per-view (PPV) stream at $74.99, granting access to all main events including pre-judging and finals across 11 divisions. This ensured fans worldwide could catch every moment live. Complementing the PPV, free live streams of the Olympia Press Conference and the vibrant World Fitness Expo were available via olympiaproductions.com.
Beyond competition, the event featured exclusive backstage interviews and the highly anticipated ‘Meet the Olympians’ night, giving fans rare access to bodybuilding legends and emerging stars, fostering deeper connections with the sport’s trailblazers.
The Men’s Open Division: Samson Dauda’s Epic Title Defense
The spotlight was firmly on the Men’s Open division—the crown jewel of Mr. Olympia, known for its intense rivalries and jaw-dropping physiques. Samson Dauda, affectionately called “The Nigerian Lion,” entered the stage carrying the weight of history and expectation. After making waves by becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to claim the Sandow Trophy in 2024, Dauda’s rise from sixth place in 2022 to champion was nothing short of legendary. In 2025, he aimed to cement his legacy against a field of formidable contenders.
With a record $600,000 prize for the champion—part of nearly $2 million in total prize money (Marca)—the competition was fierce. Former champions Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan brought peak form, promising an unforgettable showdown. Ultimately, Dauda successfully defended his title, delivering a performance that will fuel debates and admiration for years.
Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry Continues His Dominance
One of the weekend’s most thrilling battles unfolded in the Men’s Physique category, where Ryan Terry secured his third consecutive Olympia title. Challenging rivals like Ali Bilal and Brandon Hendrickson pushed Terry to showcase his unmatched consistency and peak condition (Generation Iron).
Terry’s win not only solidified his place as a defining figure in the division but also earned him $50,000, with expectations high for a fourth consecutive defense in 2026. The top five finishers were:
- Ryan Terry ($50,000)
- Ali Bilal ($20,000)
- Brandon Hendrickson ($12,000)
- Erin Banks ($7,000)
- Edvan Palmeira ($6,000)
With fierce competition and a rapidly growing fanbase, Men’s Physique remains one of the sport’s fastest-growing divisions worldwide.
Classic Physique: Ushering in a New Era
The retirement of reigning champion Chris Bumstead left the Classic Physique division wide open. Favorites like Breon Ansley and Urs Kalecinski vied for the top spot, but Ramon Rocha Queiroz ultimately took the crown with a flawless presentation, edging out Mike Sommerfeld (Marca).
Focusing on aesthetics, symmetry, and posing artistry, Queiroz’s victory marks a new chapter and sets a high standard for future competitions. This division featured a diverse international lineup—from Eric Abelon (USA) to Kai Wang (China)—highlighting bodybuilding’s global growth.
212 Olympia: Precision Meets Power
The Men’s 212 division, limited to athletes under 212 lbs (96.6 kg) and under 166 cm in height, remains a showcase of technical mastery. Shaun Clarida, a perennial favorite, faced strong challenges from competitors like Bulgaria’s Radoslav Angelov, USA’s Kerrith Bajjo, and Brazil’s Lucas Coelho.
This division exemplifies that excellence is not just about size but also balance, conditioning, and posing finesse, proving that greatness comes in many forms.
Beyond the Spotlight: Women’s, Wheelchair, and Diverse Divisions
While the Men’s Open often garners the most attention, Mr. Olympia 2025 celebrated diversity across all 11 divisions. The fiercely contested Women’s Physique, Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Wheelchair events crowned new champions, pushing the boundaries of the sport’s inclusivity and competitive spirit.
Attendees mingled with athletes, industry insiders, and fitness enthusiasts at the World Fitness Expo, participated in seminars with legends, and witnessed the ever-evolving landscape of bodybuilding, where every competitor enriches the Olympia narrative.
Key Schedule Highlights and Fan Interaction
The event schedule was tightly orchestrated to maximize fan engagement:
- Press Conference: Thursday, Oct 9, 12:00 PM
- Meet the Olympians Night: Thursday, Oct 9, 8:00 PM
- Prejudging & Finals: Friday, Oct 10 & Saturday, Oct 11 — covering Fitness, 212, Figure, Women’s Physique, Ms. Olympia, Wellness, and Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
- Finals: Saturday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM — featuring Mr. Olympia, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Classic Physique
- Sunday Seminar: Sunday, Oct 12, 11:00 AM
Fans worldwide stayed connected through online channels, social media, and live interviews, turning every pose and flex into a shared global experience.
The Legacy of Mr. Olympia 2025: Inspiring the Future of Bodybuilding
Mr. Olympia 2025 not only raised the bar with record prize pools and international talent but also reinforced its role as a unifying force in the bodybuilding community. This event inspires athletes and fans alike to pursue greatness, whether on stage or in everyday life.
From a niche competition to a worldwide phenomenon, Mr. Olympia showcases the evolving power of fitness culture. With champions like Samson Dauda and Ryan Terry leading the charge—and fresh names rising—this year’s Olympia proved the future of bodybuilding is as dynamic and inspiring as ever.
The true triumph lies in celebrating dedication, diversity, and passion on bodybuilding’s grandest stage.
