Bodybuilding history was made on Saturday, October 12 th , 2024 when Samson Daudastood center stage as the 19 th man to win bodybuilding’s biggest title – the Mr. Olympia.Dauda was one of 15 Men’s Open competitors posing down in Resorts World Theater inLas Vegas, NV as the main event of the 2024 Joe Weider Olympia Fitness andPerformance Weekend, and his win capped a historic weekend in the sport ofbodybuilding.
Hadi Choopan finished second for the second consecutive year, and 2023Olympia champion Derek Lunsford ended the contest in third place.
Dauda has etched his name into immortality in more ways than one. Aside from beingthe 19th champion in the contest’s 60-year history, he is also the first Nigerian championever. He is also the third non-American to hold the title since 2019. The other two areChoopan and two-time winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Dauda also holds thesecond Golden Sandow in recognition of the 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia. The firstwas given to Phil Heath, who won the 50th edition.
The new champion also earned the single biggest purse in bodybuilding history. Prior to theannouncement, Olympia owner Jake Wood came onto the stage and announced that hewas awarding $600,000 to the winner. No competitor had ever received more than$400,000 for a single-contest win. The 2025 Arnold Classic was set to be the newbenchmark with $500,000 before Wood’s announcement,
Rounding out the top five were fourth-place finisher Martin Fitzwater, who was makinghis Olympia debut, and Andrew Jacked in fifth place.
Dauda is now qualified for the Olympia for life, and he was overcome with emotion afterthe announcement, receiving several hugs and congratulations from his fellowcompetitors. Prior to this weekend, he had never finished higher than third place.
To catch up on all the action from the 2024 Olympia, go to www,mrolympia.com, orcheck out the rest of our coverage here on Muscle & Fitness.
