What an exciting weekend we all experienced! The 2023 Mr. Olympia weekend was a huge success, with history being made in almost every area. Those who made the trip to Orlando, FL were blessed with one of the best Olympic productions of all time.

Athletes and fans from around the world flocked to Orlando to see the best athletes on the Olympic stage, making Disney jealous. There's so much to cover in our Mr. Olympia 2023 review, so let's waste no more time and get straight to it.

The Evogen Elite athletes never disappoint - and Derek stole the show!

When Flex Lewis moved from the 212 division to the Open, there was a lot of talk. Many thought he had the potential to become the first multi-division Olympic champion. Unfortunately, we never saw that come true. Luckily for us, Derek Lunsford did just that at the 2023 Mr. Olympia this weekend.

Similar article: Battle of the Evogen athletes at Mr. Olympia 2023

At the beginning of the show it was all about the Hadi vs Derek showdown. Last year it was almost a coin toss whether Hadi or Derek would take home the Sandow Trophy, and this year was no different.

Looking at the comparisons, the $400.000 check could have gone to either of them. Only this year we put the crown on a new champion, Derek Lunsford, and the internet exploded.

Ahead of last weekend, Hany Rambod was busy putting the finishing touches on Hadi and Derek. Both were confident and brought their best packages yet. Hany had prepared the two warriors for battle, and when the smoke cleared and Bob Chick announced: "And newwwwwww..." Derek knew and raised his arms in victory.

While Derek stole the night from the competition, Hadi Choopan has nothing to worry about. After all, it was an Evogen athlete against an Evogen athlete and a Hany customer against a Hany customer. There was a winner and someone who had to take second place. On Saturday evening it was Derek who took home his first Sandow.

They always say shows are won from behind, and Derek closed the door on each competitor as they turned for the judges. As soon as Derek struck his first pose from behind, the lights were off. He showed off insanely wide and detailed lats that tapered to a tiny waist, crazy striated glutes, and impressive hips.

It's hard to compete with Hadi when it comes to frontal shots, but Derek was every bit as good as the former champion. As always, Hadi brought with him his excellent fitness and his full, round muscle stomach, in which muscle fibers could be seen everywhere.

I'll say it a year earlier than planned, but the top three of Mr. Olympia 2023 will put on a great show next year. Be ready!

History was made in both the men's and women's divisions

Looking at the rest of the Men's Open field, Samson Dauda (who was fresh off an Arnold Classic win) came in third, 2019 Olympic gold medalist Brandon Curry was fourth, and the ever-improving Andrew Jacked rounded things out the five best placements.

Samson Dauda is someone everyone should keep an eye on, and if competitors in 2024 sleep on this man, they will watch as he steals the rankings from them.

212 Division

In a shocking decision, "The Giant Killer" Shaun Clarida was dethroned by Keone Pearson. Keone has been fine-tuning his physique since leaving Classic Physique, and it's clearly paid off for him. Keone brought a package that not only showed off tons of muscle, but also brought an aesthetic to the stage that many appreciate.

Shaun Clarida took second place, but he has no reason to hang his head. He brought another insane physique to the Mr. Olympia 2023 stage, and with his muscle mass and conditioning he will continue to pressure the competition for years to come and potentially reclaim his title next year.

Classic Physique 

Classic Physique is a class that many say could one day eclipse the Men's Open. What started as a smaller class has grown into something dominated by one man who happens to be coached by none other than Hany Rambod - Chris Bumstead.

In 2022, Chris Bumstead suffered from some injuries early in the tournament, but was still able to take home his fourth Olympic title. This year, when he was also injured during his preparation, Chris brought something to the stage that could have easily given the guys a run for their money in the Men's Open.

Chris Bumstead was tested by the great physicality that Dino brought with him this year, but when the final name was called, it was Chris Bumstead who took home his fifth title. With the way Chris improves every year, his reign may have no end until he decides to hang up his trunks.

Ramon “Dino” brought another fantastic package to the stage, but was once again edged out by Bumstead’s dominance. Dino has a bright future and will continue to improve until next year's Olympics, where it will be all or nothing if Chris doesn't do right. Urs Kalecinski rounded out the top three with an impressive figure and placement.

Men's Physique 

The lineups in men's physics seem to change from year to year. This year, Ryan Terry won first place, securing his first Olympic title, just ahead of Brandon Hendrickson. Erin Banks took third place.

Fitness

When one of the best to ever step onto the fitness stage is able to be present, it's always something very special. The 2023 Mr. Olympia did not disappoint as we saw the return of Oksana Grishina. Oksana dominated the fitness division for years, winning four times. She then walked away from the sport and returned six years after her fourth win to reclaim her title this year, taking her total to a whopping five titles.

While Oksana was the clear winner, Taylor Learmont showed an amazing performance and great figure that earned her second place. Third place went to Jaclyn Baker, fourth to Ariel Khadr and fifth to Whitney Jones.

figure 

Very few people can say they have won an Olympic title. But at Mr. Olympia 2023, it's even harder to find someone who can say they've won seven consecutive titles. And in case you have no idea who I'm talking about, it's Cydney Gillon.

When it comes to the figure division, Cydney really stands alone. I don't mean to disparage the other contestants' body size, but Cydney really seems unstoppable. How many titles does she still have ahead of her? Only time will tell.

Rounding out the top five are Jessica Reyes Padilla in second place, Lola Montez in third place, Cherish Richardson in fourth place and Natalia Soltero in fifth place.

Wellness 

At the Mr. Olympia 2023 there has so far only been one winner in the wellness division. Francielle Mattos went into the show as the favorite, and she didn't show up to relinquish her title. She brought a complete package and claimed her title while standing next to a great group of ladies. Behind her came Isabelle Nunes in second place and Elisa Alcantara in third place.

Women's Physique 

Natalia Abraham Coelho is the figurehead for the Women's Physique division. Her physique seems to match everything the judges are looking for. Then Sarah Villegas came in at the 2023 Mr. Olympia to shake things up. Sarah delivered and the judges clearly saw the improvements in her physique as she took home the Women's Physique title, relegating Natalia to second and Zama Benta to third.

Bikini 

Jennifer Dorie won her second Olympic title in just six Bikini Olympics participations. I'll be honest, it's hard to categorize these women. They all look stunning and I have to hand it to the judges when it comes to deciding who stands where. Jennifer Dorie looked phenomenal and Maureen Blanquisco came in second behind her. Third place went to Dahye Jeon. Fourth place went to Lauralie Chapados. And fifth place went to Elisa Pecini.

Hany Rambod wins number 24!

Before Mr. Olympia 2023, Hany Rambod already had an impressive 22 Olympic titles under his belt among many athletes in all disciplines. This year Hany was able to extend his dominance as a trainer with two more wins - thanks to Derek Lunsford and Chris Bumstead.

With 24 Olympic victories, there is no stopping Hany. He goes full throttle and cannot be stopped. Expect Hany Rambod to win even more titles in the coming year as he continues to help his clients improve and win even more Olympic victories!