October 14, (THEWILL) – Nigerian-born United Kingdom bodybuilder Samson Dauda, claimed victory at the 2024 Mr Olympia competition held at Resorts World in Las Vegas. The event, renowned as the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, saw Dauda emerge victorious after a series of intense judging rounds. This marks Dauda’s first Mr Olympia title, earning him not only prestigious recognition but also a record-breaking prize of $600,000.
The competition was notably tight, with former champions Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford finishing in second and third place, respectively. Choopan, who won in 2022, received $250,000 for his runner-up position. Dauda’s win is particularly significant as it sees the Mr Olympia title return to the UK for the first time since Dorian Yates’ reign ended in 1997.
Upon being announced as the winner, Dauda displayed raw emotion, falling to his knees in tears before proudly lifting the coveted trophy. His victory was not limited to the judges’ decision; Dauda also received the People’s Champion award, complete with a championship belt and trophy, indicating strong support from fans and fellow bodybuilders alike.
The 2024 Mr Olympia competition underscored the dynamic nature of professional bodybuilding, with last year’s champion, Lunsford, dropping to third place.
This shift in rankings shows the highly competitive environment and the constant evolution required to stay at the top of the sport. Dauda’s win represents a significant milestone in his career and a new chapter in the history of Mr Olympia.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
