The 2024 Olympia Expo, marking the 60th anniversary of bodybuilding’s most prestigious event, returned to Las Vegas with a bang. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with bodybuilding and fitness shows staged at the newly opened Resorts World, the weekend was packed with drama, powerhouse performances, and the unmistakable presence of one brand in particular—MUTANT.
But while the event itself showcased the best of the best, it was Nigeria-born Samson Dauda who stole the spotlight, claiming his first Mr. Olympia title in a field stacked with former champions. With a record-breaking $1.6 million prize pool, the stakes were higher than ever. Dauda, who pocketed $600,000 for his victory, didn’t just win—he overpowered.
A New Era for Mr. Olympia
For the third year in a row, the Mr. Olympia crown was placed on a new head, shaking up what was once a division known for its enduring dynasties. Dauda’s victory was anything but a fluke. Facing off against established titans like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, Dauda’s size and conditioning were unmatched. This win followed his third-place finish the previous year, marking a significant leap forward in his decade-long career.
Choopan, the 2022 Mr. Olympia champion, took second place and walked away with $250,000. His consistency over the past five years has made him one of the sport’s top contenders. Lunsford, the 2023 champion and former 212 Olympia winner, placed third this year—a result that might sting for the defending champ but speaks to the caliber of competition he faced. Lunsford’s payout was $100,000. Rounding out the top five were Martin Fitzwater, who earned $40,000 for fourth place, and Chinedu Obiekea, known as Andrew Jacked, who pocketed $35,000 for his fifth-place finish.
Chris Bumstead Bows Out After Sixth Classic Physique Title
On the Classic Physique stage, Canadian phenom Chris Bumstead took home his sixth consecutive title, much to the delight of his legion of fans. Bumstead, who has become synonymous with the Classic Physique division, faced stiff competition from runner-up Mike Sommerfeld, who finished second with $20,000 in prize money. Despite Sommerfeld’s strong challenge, Bumstead once again proved unbeatable, taking home $50,000 and capping off a storied career. After securing the win, Bumstead announced his retirement, leaving a gaping hole in the division for the upcoming generation of athletes.
Urs Kalecinski placed third, earning $12,000, while Ramon Rocha Queiroz took fourth place and received $7,000. Bodybuilding veteran Breon Ansley came in fifth, pocketing $6,000.
212 Olympia: Pearson Secures His Reign
In the 212 division, Keone Pearson showed once again why he’s the man to beat, taking home his second consecutive 212 Olympia title and $50,000. His victory came at the expense of Shaun Clarida, a two-time 212 Olympia champion himself, who placed second and earned $20,000. Angel Calderon Frias came in third, collecting $12,000, followed by Kerrith Bajjo in fourth with $7,000, and Vitor De Oliveira in fifth with $6,000.
Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw's Fifth Title
Andrea Shaw continued her reign of dominance in the Ms. Olympia category, securing her fifth consecutive title and walking away with $50,000. Her toughest competition came from Angela Yeo, who had defeated Shaw earlier in the year at the Rising Phoenix contest. But in Las Vegas, Shaw reasserted her control, leaving Yeo with a second-place finish and a $20,000 prize. Third place went to Ashley Lynette Jones, who earned $12,000, followed by Helle Trevino in fourth ($7,000), and Nadia Capotosto in fifth ($6,000).
Other Division Results
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Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry successfully defended his title, taking home $50,000. Ali Bilal placed second, earning $20,000, followed by Erin Banks in third with $12,000. Emmanuel Hunter placed fourth ($7,000), and Edvan Palmeira rounded out the top five ($6,000).
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Fitness: Missy Truscott made a triumphant return from injury, claiming her third Olympia title and $50,000. Jaclyn Baker earned second place and $20,000, with Taylor Learmont in third ($12,000), Allison Kramer in fourth ($7,000), and Tamara Vahn in fifth ($6,000).
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Wellness: In a surprise twist, Isabelle Nunes unseated reigning champion Francielle Mattos to claim the Wellness title and $50,000. Mattos took second place and $20,000, followed by Eduarda Bazerra in third ($12,000), Elisa Alcantara in fourth ($7,000), and Giselle Machado in fifth ($6,000).
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Figure: Cydney Gillon extended her dominance, winning her eighth Figure Olympia title and securing $50,000. Jessica Reyes Padilla took second ($20,000), with Lola Montez in third ($12,000), Natalia Soltero in fourth ($7,000), and Rhea Gayle in fifth ($6,000).
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Wheelchair: Harold Kelley reclaimed his title as Wheelchair Olympia champion, further solidifying his legacy in the division.
MUTANT: The Unmissable Presence at the Expo
While the competition on stage was fierce, the energy on the expo floor was just as intense, and no brand made a bigger splash than MUTANT. From the moment attendees stepped into the Las Vegas Convention Center, the massive MUTANT statue made it clear that this brand was here to dominate.
The MUTANT booth was the epicenter of activity, featuring appearances from athletes like Dusty Hanshaw, Ron Partlow, and newly signed World’s Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper. CEO Jim McMahon was on hand, embodying the brand’s hands-on approach and telling the crowd, “It’s amazing when a plan comes together. The massive MUTANT statue at the front is no joke—it’s a symbol of how much we love bodybuilding, support it, and make it fun for everyone.”
The 2024 Olympia Expo was a weekend of monumental moments, from Samson Dauda’s victory on stage to MUTANT’s unmissable presence on the expo floor. The energy, competition, and spectacle set a high bar for the years to come.
