The Biggest Bodybuilding Moments of 2024 According to Shawn Ray

The year 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary for bodybuilding, packed with unforgettable achievements, historic milestones, and surprising moments. From record-breaking prize pools to emotional farewells and groundbreaking new divisions, this year reaffirmed bodybuilding’s place on the global stage. In this exclusive roundup, I’ll take you through the ten most impactful bodybuilding stories of the year, offering my own unique perspective on the events that shaped the bodybuilding world. Let’s dive into the highlights that defined 2024 and set the stage for an exciting future.

1- Samson Dauda Wins the 60th Mr. Olympia Title in Las Vegas

This past October, the bodybuilding world gathered for another unforgettable Joe Weider Olympia Weekend, marked by the highly anticipated "Reunion of Past Champions." This iconic moment featured all-time greats like 8-time winners Lee Haney (1984-91) and Ronnie Coleman (1998-05), along with Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, and Samir Bannout. However, noticeably absent from the onstage group photo were active Olympia winners Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and the newly crowned champion, Samson Dauda. Their absence left fans wondering what could have been an epic photographic moment in bodybuilding history.

Despite this, Mr. Olympia CEO Jake Wood honored the sport’s legacy by presenting all past winners with a commemorative customized Mr. Olympia Ring. While not all champions were present, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dorian Yates, and Frank Zane, arrangements were made to send these symbolic rings to those absent, as well as to the families of deceased legends such as Larry Scott, Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbo, Chris Dickerson, and Shawn Rhoden.

By the night’s end, the spotlight was firmly on Samson Dauda. Hailing from Nigeria by way of England, Samson delivered a performance that left the judges unanimous in their decision. Known for his complete physique from head to toe, Samson overcame a formidable lineup of three previous Mr. Olympia champions to claim the title. Having already won the Arnold Classic in 2023 and the 2024 Tsunami France Pro earlier this year, Samson’s victory at the Olympia cemented his place in bodybuilding history.

Samson’s win also came with record-breaking prize money. Promoter Jake Wood raised the stakes, increasing the first-place prize to an unprecedented $600,000 and awarding the second-ever gold-plated Sandow Trophy. While Samson may not have been the "driest" competitor onstage, his balanced and commanding presence made him the undeniable champion of the night.

2. Nick Walker Withdraws from Mr. Olympia Days Before the Show

Nick Walker’s rise to stardom seemed unstoppable. After winning the 2021 New York Pro and Arnold Classic, he secured 3rd place at the 2022 Mr. Olympia and pushed hard for 2nd at the 2023 Arnold Classic. However, a devastating hamstring tear derailed his journey back to the Olympia stage, halting his meteoric ascent.

Fast forward to May 2024, Walker made a stunning comeback by clinching a controversial victory at the New York Pro over a fiercely competitive Martin Fitzwater, securing his spot for the 60th Mr. Olympia Weekend in October. Fans and experts alike expected Nick to be a major contender, but speculation about his conditioning began to surface. Observers noted his unusual absence from social media, a stark contrast to his typically vibrant contest prep updates.

The rumor mill reached a fever pitch when Nick’s now-former coach, Matt Jansen, announced that Nick would not be competing due to his body’s lack of response—possibly linked to "fake gear." Shortly after, Nick released a statement confirming he was parting ways with Jansen and stepping back to rest and recover. The news left fans shocked and disheartened, especially given the short notice and the investments many had made to see him onstage.

In a positive turn, Nick has since announced his return to competitive bodybuilding at the Pittsburgh Pro, slated for mid-May 2025, reigniting hope among his loyal supporters.

3. Chris Bumstead Retires After Historic Sixth Classic Physique Olympia Win

Chris Bumstead, one of bodybuilding’s most iconic and beloved athletes, has officially retired from competitive bodybuilding. The six-time consecutive Classic Physique Olympia champion made the announcement onstage at this year’s Mr. Olympia, signaling the end of an era. His decision comes on the heels of successfully defending his title and embracing fatherhood, as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life.

Before bidding farewell to the stage, Chris made a surprise appearance in Prague to compete in Open Professional Bodybuilding. The announcement of his participation caused such a stir that the event’s promoter had to move to a larger venue to accommodate the surge in interest. In his Open debut, Chris delivered an impressive performance, finishing second to rising star Martin Fitzwater. Many fans and spectators believed Chris deserved the win, but the result did little to overshadow his extraordinary career.

Chris’s retirement was marked by gratitude and respect as he shared his final competitive moments with an enthusiastic European audience. His legacy as a champion and ambassador for the sport will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of bodybuilders worldwide.

4. Mr. Olympia prize Money hits $2 Million

The iconic Mr. Olympia contest, which began in 1965 with a modest $1,000 prize, has reached a historic $2 million in total payouts! This milestone was proudly announced by Mr. Olympia Weekend CEO Jake Wood and Olympia President Dan Solomon during this year’s holiday season, marking a new era of growth and recognition for the sport.

Over the years, the Mr. Olympia event has expanded significantly, evolving from a single Men’s Open Pro competition to an impressive 11 Pro Olympia divisions. Reflecting on this achievement, Dan Solomon stated, "To reach this milestone is significant to everyone because it is clearly a by-product of our sponsors, hard workers, and various components that drive the economics in and around the sport."

This record-breaking prize fund is a testament to the unwavering support from fans, sponsors, and athletes, all of whom continue to elevate bodybuilding on the global stage.

5. Coach Matt Jansen Faces Fallout with Top Clients

Matt Jansen, a renowned coach in the bodybuilding community, faced notable changes this year as several high-profile athletes moved on to new coaching relationships. Among them was Nick Walker, a top Pro Bodybuilder and long-time mentee of Jansen. After years of collaboration and success, including multiple major wins, Walker decided to take a break and explore new avenues for his career.

Similarly, two-time 212 Olympia winner Shaun Clarida also chose to part ways with Jansen. Both athletes expressed a desire to seek fresh perspectives and insights to continue their professional growth. Clarida, who placed second in the 212 Olympia this year, is looking forward to reaching new heights as he builds on his incredible career.

Another notable transition involved Canadian Pro Quinton Beastwood, who shared his frustrations about progress during his time with Jansen. While opinions differed on his critique, it highlights the evolving nature of coach-athlete dynamics in the competitive world of bodybuilding.

Despite these changes, Jansen’s contributions to the sport and his athletes remain significant, and transitions like these are part of the ever-evolving landscape of professional bodybuilding. Jansen’s legacy as a coach continues to inspire many, and his experience ensures he remains a respected figure in the industry.

6. Hany Rambod Retires as a 25-Time Olympia-Winning Coach

Hany Rambod, a legendary figure in the bodybuilding world and 25-time Olympia-winning coach, announced his retirement from Olympia coaching earlier this year. Over his illustrious career, Rambod has guided some of the sport’s most iconic athletes, including Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, Chris Bumstead, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Phil Heath, while simultaneously building his successful Sports Nutrition company, EVOGEN.

Although stepping away from the coaching spotlight, Rambod remains a vital supporter of the sport. His focus now shifts to new ventures, including parenthood and expanding his business endeavors. While his presence will be felt from a distance, his legacy as one of the most decorated and influential coaches in Olympia history is firmly cemented.

7. NPC Worldwide Introduces the New Fit Model Division

The National Physique Committee (NPC) has introduced an exciting new division: the Fit Model Division. Announced by IFBB Professional League Vice President Tyler Manion, this category aims to celebrate athletes who embody the classic fitness model aesthetic, reminiscent of mainstream fitness magazine covers. He also made reference to Ashley Kaltwasser when she won her first Olympia title, as the ideal physique the judges will be looking for.

Key features of the Fit Model Division will focus on the athlete’s conditioning and appearance. Athletes should present a firm, toned physique with less overall conditioning compared to the Bikini division. The emphasis is on a balanced, natural look without excessive muscularity or definition. Additionally, athletes in the Fit Model Division are not permitted to cross over into other divisions. The NPC plans to launch IFBB Pro League competitions for this division beginning in 2026, providing a professional platform for athletes who excel in this category.

8. Masters Mr. Olympia Returns

The Masters Mr. Olympia is making a much-anticipated return, scheduled for August 22-23, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. This prestigious event is open to athletes aged 40 and above, offering a stage for seasoned competitors to showcase their enduring talent and passion for bodybuilding.

Key Details:

• Application Period: Athletes will be selected between February 1 and April 30, 2025. Interested participants can submit their applications via email to MastersOlympia@mrolympia.com.
• Competition Divisions:
  • Master’s Open Bodybuilding
  • Master’s 212 Men’s Bodybuilding
  • Master’s Women’s Bodybuilding
  • Master’s Women’s Fitness

While the exact prize money breakdown has yet to be announced, the return of the Masters Mr. Olympia promises to celebrate the resilience and excellence of veteran athletes. Tokyo provides an exciting international stage for this revival, reigniting interest in one of bodybuilding’s most respected contests.

9. Repeat Champions Dominate Olympia Stages

The 2024 Olympia Weekend celebrated the unparalleled achievements of bodybuilding’s most consistent and dominant athletes. These champions have solidified their legacies with impressive repeat victories, showcasing their dedication and excellence on the sport’s grandest stage:

• Ms. Olympia: 5x Andrea Shaw
• Women’s Physique: 4x Sarah Villegas
• 212 Winner: 2x Keon Pearson
• Fitness Olympia: 3x Missy Truscott
• Figure: 8x Cydney Gillon
• Classic Physique: 6x Chris Bumstead
• Men’s Physique: 2x Ryan Terry
• Wheelchair Bodybuilding: 6x Harold Kelly

Each of these athletes exemplifies consistency, determination, and the pinnacle of their respective divisions, setting a high standard for competitors worldwide.

10. Prize Money Skyrockets Across Major Competitions

The 2024 competitive bodybuilding season saw an unprecedented surge in prize money, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and financial support. Promoters stepped up in a big way, offering record-breaking rewards across some of the most prestigious events:

• Mr. Olympia: $600,000 for the 1st Place winner, setting a new standard in bodybuilding history.
• Arnold Classic: $500,000 for the top prize, cementing its status as a premier event.
• Pittsburgh Pro: $100,000 for the champion, highlighting its commitment to rewarding elite athletes.
• Dubai Pro: Over $500,000 in total prize money, further establishing its global significance.

These milestones not only celebrate the achievements of bodybuilding’s finest athletes but also underscore the dedication of event organizers and sponsors in elevating the sport to new heights.

Shawn Ray's World:

Signed a New Deal with Equipment Giant: Panatta Sport✔️

Celebrating 3 Years with MUTANT✔️

Promoted Hawaii's BIGGEST EVENT✔️

7th Annual Shawn Ray Hawaiian Pro-Am with 344 Entries including Pros!

Co-Created Pro Coaching/Nutrition Website: Build With Pros✔️

www.BuildWithPros.com

Completed 2024 World Tour✔️

Countries Visited: 

Switzerland, Dubai, England, Canada, Germany, Italy, Holland, Sweden, USA, Aruba 

In Memoriam: Rest In Peace 

Doug Fruchey, Illia Golem, Matt McLaughlin, Johnnie Morant, Neil Curry, Daniel Broadhurst, David Kalick, Fabiana Veras, Jose C. Silva, Matheus Pavlak, Daniela Schultz, Yevgeny Mishin, Andre Cavalcanti, Johanna Perez, Chad McCrary, Cintia Goldani, Big Lenny Persin, Kristoffer Berner, Antonio, Souza

To keep up with the latest fitness industry news and product releases, subscribe to our free newsletter HERE!

*© Copyright Notice: Muscle Insider can’t always determine which images are protected by copyrights. We use images that are part of the public record and believed to be under the public domain. If for some reason somebody believes copyrights are violated, we will remove or replace the content in question after receiving a DMCA notice.