The annual Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition runs from Friday night through Saturday in Las Vegas this weekend.
Mamdouh Elssbiay, known as 'Big Ramy,' is aiming for his third consecutive Mr. Olympia title after wins in 2020 and 2021. While three wins would be a huge achievement for Elssbiay, he still would have a long way to go to rank among the most successful competitors in Mr. Olympia history.
The nearly 50-year history of the Mr. Olympia competition includes big names such as Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Lou Ferrigno, but who has the most titles?
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The Sporting News takes a look at Mr. Olympia's most successful competitors and recent winners.
Who has the most Mr. Olympia wins?
While Schwarzenegger may be the most well-known bodybuilder in Mr. Olympia history, Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman have both surpassed his mark of seven titles. Phil Heath tied Schwarzenegger's mark in 2017.
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While 'Big Ramy' has a chance to become only the ninth man to win three Mr. Olympia titles this year, there is still quite a climb ahead if he wants to join the ranks of Coleman and Haney.
Titles | Competitor | Years |
8 | Ronnie Coleman | 1998-2005 |
8 | Lee Haney | 1984-1991 |
7 | Arnold Schwarzenegger | 1970-1975, 1980 |
7 | Phil Heath | 2011-2017 |
6 | Dorian Yates | 1992-1997 |
4 | Jay Cutler | 2006-2007, 2009-2010 |
3 | Frank Zane | 1977-1979 |
3 | Sergio Oliva | 1967-1969 |
2 | Franco Columbo | 1976, 1981 |
2 | Mamdouh Elssbiay | 2020-2021 |
2 | Larry Scott | 1965-1966 |
How many times did Arnold Schwarzenegger win Mr. Olympia?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most well-known bodybuilder in Mr. Olympia history, and he also ranks among the most successful.
Schwarzenegger won seven Mr. Olympia competitions, including six consecutive titles from 1970-1975. He would win a seventh Mr. Olympia in 1980, padding his record.
Schwarzenegger's record was tied by Lee Haney in 1990 and broken the next year. Ronnie Coleman would later surpass Schwarzenegger's mark and tie Haney, while Phil Heath tied Schwarzenegger in 2017 with his seventh title.
Schwarzenegger has become known globally for his acting career, which he later turned into a political career as the governor of California, but he remains involved in bodybuilding as the sponsor and namesake of the annual Arnold Sports Festival.
Mr. Olympia winners by year
After a brief period of parity following seven consecutive wins by Phil Health, 'Big Ramy' might be poised for his own run of dominance over the competition.
Year | Name |
2021 | Mamdouh Elssbiay |
2020 | Mamdouh Elssbiay |
2019 | Brandon Curry |
2018 | Shawn Rhoden |
2017 | Phil Heath |
2016 | Phil Heath |
2015 | Phil Heath |
2014 | Phil Heath |
2013 | Phil Heath |
2012 | Phil Heath |
2011 | Phil Heath |
2010 | Jay Cutler |
2009 | Jay Cutler |
2008 | Dexter Jackson |
2007 | Jay Cutler |
2006 | Jay Cutler |
2005 | Ronnie Coleman |
2004 | Ronnie Coleman |
2003 | Ronnie Coleman |
2002 | Ronnie Coleman |
2001 | Ronnie Coleman |
2000 | Ronnie Coleman |