Mr. Olympia: The World’s Most Popular Bodybuilding Show

Mr. Olympia is one of the most prestigious bodybuilding contests, which dominates the rest. Founded by Joe Weider, it is held under the IFBB Professional League to determine the fittest bodybuilder in the world. It has reigned over the fitness industry for more than six decades, becoming a legacy of the world’s top-notch physique athletes.

The Significance of Mr. Olympia

Over the years, Mr. Olympia has become the benchmark of excellence. It has acquired the status of the highest honor in the world of professional bodybuilding. The world’s top bodybuilders compete for the title to solidify their names in the pages of history. Moreover, it has been the most-watched bodybuilding contest, with millions of fans around the globe.

Format and Criteria

Mr. Olympia has grown into a multi-category contest, featuring several divisions. Let’s take a look at the main divisions.

Men’s Open Bodybuilding

It is the flagship category for which Mr. Olympia is known. This premier division has no upper limit in terms of weight and muscle mass. The winner of this category claims the ultimate title of Mr. Olympia.

212 Olympia

This category caters to leaner or shorter athletes. The weight limit for this division is under 212 pounds or 96.6 kilograms. The athletes with sculpted bodies and sharp conditioning often stand out.

Classic Physique

The primary focus of this category is on aesthetics over muscular size. The upper weight limit depends on the height-to-weight ratio. This category was introduced to honor and revive the charm of the Golden Era of bodybuilding. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the most iconic and charismatic champion of the Golden Era.  

Men’s Physique

This category is for athletic, model-like builds. Toned body, defined muscles, and shredded abs are the key standards for this category. A strong and engaging stage presence is also taken into account.

Women Divisions

Apart from the exclusive Men’s Open and other men’s categories, Mr. Olympia also features several women’s divisions. Here is the breakdown of them.

• Ms. Olympia
• Figure Olympia
• Bikini Olympia
• Women’s Physique Olympia
• Wellness Olympia

Mr. Olympia is the testament to how far a human body can go when driven by discipline, passion, and the pursuit of physical excellence. However, many people believe the contest criteria should be revised to promote safer preparation, as aggressive training and extreme stress can lead to serious health complications. No matter what the health experts say, Mr. Olympia will remain the primary driver of gym culture, fitness trends, and the supplement markets.