Mr. Olympia 2025 Results & Prize Money Breakdown

Derek Lunsford made bodybuilding history at Mr. Olympia 2025 by winning his second title. He took home $600,000, the largest cash prize ever awarded in the sport. Lunsford defeated one of the toughest teams we’ve seen in recent years. This year, Lunsford achieved something truly special. The champion won the Pittsburgh Pro, the Arnold Classic, and the Olympia Open, completing the unusual “Triple Crown.”

The competition intensified with a significant increase in prizes. The total prize pool reached nearly $2 million, spread across 11 professional divisions. This year’s winner received $200,000 more than last year’s champion. Hadi Choopan took second place and $200,000, while Andrew Jacked earned $100,000 for third. The event also had its surprises. Samson Dauda dropped from champion to fourth place, taking home $40,000.

Let’s analyze the results from all divisions. We’ll examine the key moments that made this year’s Olympia special and show you exactly how the prize money was distributed in each category.

Mr. Olympia 2025: Event Summary and Highlights

The bodybuilding world witnessed an epic weekend with the 61st annual Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, which showcased impressive physiques and intense competition. Elite athletes from around the globe gathered to compete for bodybuilding’s most coveted prize.

Where and when did the event take place?

Resorts World in Las Vegas hosted the 2025 Mr. Olympia from October 9-12. The venue proved perfect for bodybuilding’s most prestigious competition. The four-day event spanned the luxurious Resorts World Theater for the main competitions and the massive Las Vegas Convention Center for the Olympia World Fitness Expo.

The organizers designed a smart schedule. Pre-judging began on Friday, October 10, and several divisions concluded their finals that same evening. The Men’s Open final was the center of attention on Saturday, October 11, drawing a packed crowd eager to witness history. The event returned to Las Vegas after a brief stint in Orlando, Florida, in 2023.

Key arguments for the competition

Several exciting stories captured everyone’s attention before the event. Champion Samson Dauda arrived ready to make history with another victory after his big win in 2024. Derek Lunsford brought incredible momentum, having won the Arnold Classic and the Pittsburgh Pro earlier in 2025. He had a chance to achieve the rare “Triple Crown.”

The 2025 show made history with four former Mr. Olympia champions competing simultaneously: Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement at this unique lineup.

Hadi Choopan, the “Persian Wolf,” arrived eager to win after finishing second in two consecutive Olympic Games. He wanted to reclaim his 2022 title. Nick Walker’s return from injury added even more excitement to an already talented roster.

The course seemed more unpredictable than ever. Unlike past eras dominated by legends like Ronnie Coleman or Phil Heath, at least five competitors had a real chance of winning the title.

Notable changes compared to previous years

The 2025 Olympia brought significant changes that improved both the competition and the fan experience. The total prize money reached a record $2 million, distributed across 11 divisions, demonstrating the growing popularity of bodybuilding. The winner of the Men’s Open would take home an incredible $600,000.

The show’s production returned to the fundamentals of bodybuilding. Organizers abandoned the distracting smoke effects, moving lights, and sophisticated video walls of recent years. Instead, dark backdrops were used to highlight the athletes’ physiques. The simpler, more focused lighting delighted old-school bodybuilding fans.

The IFBB addressed overcrowding with new classification rules. The Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness categories now use a points system that limits each category to approximately 33 competitors. This represents a significant reduction from the previous 60-70 athletes per division.

These changes created a more competitive and dynamic spectacle, more beneficial for everyone. The event demonstrated once again that bodybuilding is a global sport, with champions from diverse countries and backgrounds.

Results and prize money of the Men’s Open (Mr. Olympia)

The 2025 Mr. Olympia champion was crowned in a stunning display of muscle, symmetry, and conditioning. This year’s prize money shattered all previous records in the history of professional bodybuilding.

The top 5 finishers and their cash prizes

Derek Lunsford dominated the Men’s Open division against the world’s best-built athletes. He took home the prestigious Sandow Trophy and a staggering $600,000, the largest individual prize ever awarded to a bodybuilder in competition.

Here’s how the top 5 ended up:

1. Derek Lunsford – $600,000
2. Hadi Choopan – $200,000
3. Andrew Jacked – $100,000
4. Samson David – $40,000
5. Nick Walker – $35,000

The top five competitors took home a total of $975,000. This is a significant achievement, as it means the prize money has increased considerably compared to previous years. Even the fifth-place prize now surpasses what many division winners earned just a few years ago.

The total prize money for the Men’s Open reached $1.1 million, distributed among the top 10 finishers. Competitors who placed 6th through 10th earned between $10,000 and $30,000. Reaching the final now carries significant financial rewards.

Derek Lunsford’s path to victory

Lunsford’s victory in Las Vegas capped what bodybuilding experts are now calling the “perfect year.” The 32-year-old American achieved bodybuilding’s rare “Triple Crown” by winning the Pittsburgh Pro, the Arnold Classic, and Mr. Olympia in the 2025 season.

Lunsford’s achievement is remarkable given his competitive trajectory. He competed as the Olympia 2012 champion just four years ago before moving up to the Open division, where he finished second in 2023. His dedication and methodical improvement paid off with consecutive victories in 2024 and 2025.

During his victory speech, Lunsford praised his intense focus during the preseason on improving his back thickness and overall fitness. The judges unanimously agreed, awarding him first place in the final.

This victory carries extra weight because the 2025 lineup featured four former Mr. Olympia champions competing together, something rarely seen in modern bodybuilding.

How much will Mr. Olympia earn in 2025?

The champion’s prize, at $600,000, increased by 50% from the $400,000 prize in 2024. Winners now earn three times what they earned five years ago. Growing commercial interest, expanding sponsorships, and packed crowds fueled this unprecedented financial boost.

The Mr. Olympia title now pays more than the Arnold Classic ($300,000) and surpasses all other Olympia division prizes combined. However, these earnings seem modest compared to traditional sports championships, where winners take home millions.

The financial growth is impressive. Winners received $400,000 in 2018, a figure that dropped to $300,000 during the post-pandemic recovery in 2023. The rebound to $400,000 in 2024 and now to $600,000 demonstrates the industry’s renewed strength.

The title opens doors to sponsorship deals, special appearances, and seminars. These opportunities typically multiply the champion’s earnings. Industry experts believe Lunsford could earn more than $2 million next year from her Olympia-related activities.

There’s already talk of a possible $750,000 prize for the 2026 champion. Bodybuilding could soon see its first million-dollar winner in the coming years.

Breakdown of prize money by division

The 2025 Mr. Olympia set a new record with a $2 million prize pool, distributed across its divisions beyond the Men’s Open category. This represents the largest financial commitment ever made in the competition’s history and demonstrates the growing commercial appeal of bodybuilding.

Classical physicist

Ramón Rocha “Dino” Queiroz took home   $100,000   as the 2025 Classic Physique champion, double the amount awarded to last year’s winners. The division’s popularity surged after Chris Bumstead’s retirement, leading to these larger prizes. Here’s what the top five earned:

1. Ramón Rocha Queiroz –   $100,000
2. Mike Sommerfeld – $40,000
3. Terrence Ruffin – $20,000
4. Josema Munoz – $10,000
5. Niall Darwen – $6,000

212 Olympics

Keone Pearson retained his title in the 212 Olympia category after winning what many called “his closest battle to date” against former champion Shaun Clarida. The prize money remained the same as in previous years.

1. John Pearson –   $50,000
2. Shaun Clarida – $20,000
3. Lucas Garcia – $12,000
4. Nihat Kaya – $7,000
5. Courage Opara – $6,000

Male physique

Four former Olympia champions competed in the Men’s Physique category. Ryan Terry secured his third consecutive victory and a $50,000 prize. The prizes were distributed as follows:

1. Ryan Terry –   $50,000
2. Ali Bilal – $20,000
3. Brandon Hendrickson – $12,000
4. Erin Banks – $7,000
5. Edvan Palmeira – $6,000

Mrs. Olympia

Andrea Shaw continued her reign with her sixth consecutive Ms. Olympia title. The prize money was awarded in the 212 kg and male physique categories.

1. Andrea Shaw –   $50,000
2. Ashley Lynette Jones – $20,000
3. Leyvina Barros – $12,000
4. Angela Yeo – $7,000
5. Alcione Santos Barreto – $6,000

Figure, fitness, and wellness

Each woman’s division champion took home   $50,00. Newcomer Rhea Gayle captured the Figure Olympics title. British athlete Michelle Fredua-Mensah won the Fitness Olympics, while Eduarda Bezerra defeated former champion Isabelle Nunes to win her first Wellness title.

The prize structure remained similar in these divisions:

• 1st place:   $50,000
• 2nd place: $20,000
• 3rd place: $12,000
• 4th place: $7,000
• 5th place: $6,000

Olympia in a wheelchair

James Berger won the Olympia Wheelchair Championship and took home $6,000. Second place won $4,000, third place $2,000, and fourth and fifth place $500 each. This division is becoming more prominent every year.

The detailed prize structure reflects the financial growth of Mr. Olympia. The Men’s Open category remains the most prestigious, but other categories offer substantial rewards. The double prize money for Classic Physique demonstrates its increasing prestige in the bodybuilding world.

New champions crowned in 2025

The 2025 Mr. Olympia saw new champions rise to the top, with new faces taking control in several divisions. These victories transformed the landscape of professional bodybuilding.

Classical physicist: Ramón Rocha Queiroz

Ramón “Dino” Queiroz made history in the Classic Physique division. He fell to his knees with emotion after becoming the first Brazilian Mr. Olympia champion. His victory came after placing second in 2022 and 2023. The path was cleared when Chris Bumstead announced his retirement after his sixth consecutive title in 2024.

Queiroz showed remarkable improvement, especially in his midsection and back. He defeated Germany’s Mike Sommerfeld, who finished second, while American Terrence Ruffin came in third. The Brazilian champion took home $100,000, double what the division paid out last year.

Queiroz stood out in the key comparisons thanks to his well-rounded package. Other competitors had better individual characteristics, but he showed no weaknesses. His poses flowed smoothly as he showcased his best angles.

Figure: Rhea Gayle

British bodybuilder Rhea Gayle seized her opportunity in the Figure division following the departure of eight-time champion Cydney Gillon. She became the division’s first new champion since 2016 and displayed her best physical condition.

Lola Montez took second place, while Jessica Reyes Padilla, winner of the 2025 Masters Olympia, finished third. Former Fitness Olympia champion Missy Truscott made her Figure Olympia debut exciting, finishing tenth.

Physical fitness: Michelle Fredua-Mensah

British athlete Michelle Fredua-Mensah claimed the Fitness Olympia title after three-time champion Missy Truscott switched to figure. She jumped from sixth place in 2024 to become the twelfth IFBB Pro with this prestigious title.

The judges evaluated both physique and athletic performance. Fredua-Mensah’s routine stood out for its creativity and flawless execution. American Jaclyn Baker took second place again, while Canadian Taylor Learmont rounded out the top three.

Welfare: Eduarda Bezerra

Eduarda Bezerra won the Wellness category after an intense battle with the 2024 champion, Isabelle Nunes. Her victory was not surprising: she had beaten Nunes at the 2025 Arnold Classic by five points.

All the competitors demonstrated exceptional lower-body development in the final. Bezerra’s well-balanced physique gave her the edge, especially her lean but not overly defined upper body. Elisa Alcántara showcased her best training package to secure third place in what proved to be a tough night for the judges.

Bikini: Maureen Blanquisco

Maureen Blanquisco reclaimed her Bikini Olympia crown in 2025, earning her second title since 2022. Her comeback story shone even brighter since she had to withdraw from the 2024 event.

The Bikini final required extra time for the judges due to the six outstanding competitors. Defending champion Lauralie Chapados surprised everyone by not making the top five. Blanquisco won ahead of Ashlyn Little in second place and Jasmine Gonzalez in third. Former three-time champion Ashley Kaltwasser finished in fifth.

These new champions across multiple divisions mark a major shift in professional bodybuilding. These new faces are setting new standards of excellence in physical competition.

Champions who return and defend their titles

The 2025 Olympia saw new champions emerge in several divisions. Three exceptional athletes stood out by successfully defending their titles against tough competition.

Andrea Shaw at Ms. Olympia

Andrea Shaw made bodybuilding history by winning her sixth consecutive Ms. Olympia title at Resorts World in Las Vegas. The 41-year-old Detroit native proved herself to be the most powerful figure in modern female bodybuilding. This victory makes her the third most decorated Ms. Olympia champion in history, behind Iris Kyle (10 titles) and Lenda Murray (8). She now shares the record with Cory Everson.

Shaw’s move to Arizona to train with coach Damian Segovia paid off in 2025. His physique showed clear improvements. His already powerful legs now displayed exceptional flexibility and hip-to-ankle separation. His core reached new levels of conditioning with a deep abdominal separation typically seen only in male weight classes.

“It’s just as magical as the first one, but this one is very, very special,” Shaw said after her victory. She shared her plans for the future: “Iris gave me orders. She said, ‘Break the record,’ and I said, ‘Yes, ma’am.’ We’ll take it one step at a time, one prep at a time, one training camp at a time. Right now, I’m going to enjoy six.”

Ryan Terry in Men’s Physique

British star Ryan Terry secured his third consecutive Olympic title in the Men’s Physique category. He arrived in his best form to date, building on his victories in 2023 and 2024 to solidify his position at the top of this highly competitive category.

The lineup boasted incredible talent, including former champions Brandon Hendrickson, Erin Banks, and four-time winner Jeremy Buendia. The battle came down to four men. Ali Bilal took second place, matching his 2024 results, and Brandon Hendrickson secured third.

This division is among the largest in bodybuilding, and the athletes brought their best:

• Erin Banks displayed incredible back development and width.
• Brandon Hendrickson provided exceptional detail in the midfield.
• Ali Bilal improved significantly from his second-place finish in 2024.

Terry confirmed he will return in 2026 to defend his title, ready to build an even greater championship legacy.

Keone Pearson at 212 Olympia

Keone Pearson etched his name in bodybuilding history with his third consecutive Olympic victory in the 212-pound division. This achievement ties Kevin English’s record of three consecutive wins. Pearson now stands as the second most successful champion in the division’s history, second only to the legendary Flex Lewis.

“Three times sounds good, much better than once or twice,” Pearson told Bob Cicherillo after his victory. “It’s been an incredible experience, incredible preparation.”

Pearson’s victory in 2025 was the result of hard work that began immediately after his triumph at the 2024 Olympic Games. The 30-year-old athlete gained 4.5 kg of quality muscle mass, maintaining his characteristic symmetry, proportions, and conditioning. He weighed 95 kg (compared to 90 kg in 2024) and dominated with his X-shaped physique, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and considerable quadriceps development.

His victory proved that his ingenious approach worked. His double biceps in the front view displayed full, 3D-like muscles, and his rear-facing poses revealed every detail. Defeating former champion Shaun Clarida, who finished second, further solidifies Pearson’s growing legacy in the division.

The biggest surprises and shocks

The 2025 Mr. Olympia competition left the bodybuilding world in shock. No one predicted these results: from the fall of champions to the rise of new stars on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.

Samson Dauda’s fall from champion to fourth place

The harrowing experience surrounding Samson Dauda shook the competition to its core. The “Nigerian Lion” suffered one of the most devastating falls ever experienced by a Mr. Olympia champion. Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, Dauda proved himself a true champion by owning up to his mistakes.

“We demanded physical conditioning more than ever,” Dauda said in a post-competition video. “We pushed ourselves to the limit, and we simply underestimated how long it would take us to complete the training.”

Weighing over 136 kilos, Dauda’s team miscalculated how long it would take for his imposing physique to recover after an extreme workout. His pose remained fluid and powerful, but water retention prevented him from reaching his peak form. The former champion was devastated, but he didn’t waste any time. He told his fans, “I got home and went straight to the gym.”

The effect of Chris Bumstead’s retirement

Chris Bumstead’s departure shook up the Classic Physique division. After winning his sixth Olympic title in 2014, Bumstead surprised everyone by moving up to the Open division in Prague. There, he finished second, against bigger rivals like Martin Fitzwater.

Family life changed everything for Bumstead. He explained, “I don’t want to keep doing this now, with family, priorities, and values ​​changing.” Many fans sympathized when he admitted he no longer enjoyed the strict bodybuilding diet.

Ramón Dino finally won gold after years of second-place finishes. Bumstead’s withdrawal narrowed the field of contenders for the Classic Physique title. Mike Sommerfeld, who nearly defeated Bumstead in his last Olympia, seemed poised to take the crown.

Unexpected positions in the top 5

The surprises didn’t stop at the top of the leaderboard. Martin Fitzwater capped off his best year to date with a top-five finish at the Open. He brought size and exceptional physical condition to the table.

Urs Kalecinski stole the show in his Open division debut. The German star moved up from Classic Physique and proved he belonged among the elite. Commentators were thrilled with what they saw, saying, “This is the division for him,” as he held his own against the most seasoned professionals.

Andrew Jacked secured a third-place finish, ahead of former champion Dauda. This victory meant everything to Jacked. He finally turned his incredible genetics into a real threat at Olympia after struggling in previous competitions.

These results proved once again that modern bodybuilding at the highest level is within everyone’s reach. Not even champions can take anything for granted in the sport’s greatest spectacle.

Trends and comparisons of cash prizes

The prize money for bodybuilding competitions reached new heights in 2025. The commercial success and overall appeal of the sport have grown significantly. This year saw several financial milestones achieved, demonstrating how bodybuilding has evolved from a niche sport into a lucrative sports showcase.

Comparison with the 2024 prize pool

The 2025 Olympia weekend shattered records with a total prize purse of $2 million,   spread across eleven professional divisions. Last year’s record $1.8 million now seems modest in comparison. Derek Lunsford’s victory in the men’s open division earned him $600,000, a huge jump from the $400,000 Samson Dauda won in 2024. This 50% increase for the champion demonstrates the organization’s commitment to rewarding top athletes at record levels.

The winners of second through fifth place received similar amounts to last year. The organization kept the prizes for runners-up stable and increased the rewards for champions. The Wheelchair Olympics category also saw its prizes increase, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to the financial growth of all divisions.

How does the pay for Mr. Olympia compare to that of the Arnold Classic?

The $600,000 check for the Mr. Olympia winner came in response to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s announcement of a $500,000 prize for the 2025 Arnold Classic champion. The Arnold Classic prize money has seen a significant increase recently.

• 2021: Nick Walker, $130,000
• 2022: Brandon Curry, $200,000
• 2023: Samson Dauda, ​​$300,000
• 2024: Hadi Choopan, $300,000

The Olympia organization wanted to maintain its position as the premier bodybuilding event, offering $100,000 more than the Arnold Classic. This competition, with its substantial prize money, has worked well for the athletes and has attracted more media attention to both events.

Growth in prize money in Classic Physique

The prize money for the Classic Physique division reached a high point in 2025. The Olympia price doubled to $100,000. This significant increase came after Chris Bumstead’s retirement and demonstrates the division’s continued popularity. Ramón Rocha “Dino” Queiroz earned twice as much as previous champions, further highlighting the category’s value to the Olympia brand.

The IFBB Pro League didn’t stop at the Olympia stage. It increased the minimum first-place prize money from $10,000 to $15,000 at 21 events throughout the season. Professional bodybuilders at all levels now have better career opportunities thanks to these higher prize structures.

Social media and fan reactions

Social media was flooded with passionate reactions from fans around the world after Mr. Olympia 2025. The competition sparked heated debates about the judging criteria, the merit of the champions, and controversial moments.

Twitter reactions to the winners

Derek Lunsford’s second Olympic victory was the talk of social media. Fans celebrated his remarkable achievement of the bodybuilding “triple crown” by winning the Pittsburgh Pro, the Arnold Classic, and Mr. Olympia in 2025. However, many viewers felt Hadi Choopan deserved the win, with one popular tweet calling it a “blatant robbery.”

Fan favorites and controversies

Lunsford faced an unexpected backlash online despite his dominant performance. Religious references in his victory speech drew criticism, with one Reddit user posting, “Hope you’re ready for a month of Bible verses on Instagram.” Supporters of the champion argued that people’s perceptions, not his physique, fueled the negativity.

The most talked about moments.

Samson Dauda’s fall from the championship to fourth place undoubtedly became a hot topic. Fans debated the judging criteria, with one commentator remarking, “Samson definitely lost too much muscle mass. His strategy didn’t work.” Many fans turned their attention to Classic Physique and asserted that “there’s no politics involved” in that division.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mr. Olympia competition made history with its largest prize purse to date and stunning athletic displays across all divisions. Derek Lunsford secured his second consecutive title, achieving bodybuilding’s rare “Triple Crown.” His record-breaking $600,000 prize demonstrates the remarkable financial advancement of professional bodybuilding, reaching levels that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

The competition offered captivating stories beyond the headlines of the Men’s Open division. Ramón “Dino” Queiroz finally captured the Classic Physique title he had pursued for years. Champions Andrea Shaw, Ryan Terry, and Keone Pearson once again demonstrated their dominance with successful title defenses. Samson Dauda’s fall from the title to fourth place is considered one of the biggest upsets in recent Olympia history.

Trends in prize money reflect the growing commercial success of bodybuilding. The purse for Classic Physique winners has doubled to $100,000, demonstrating the division’s explosive popularity. The financial rivalry between the Olympia and Arnold Classic organizations benefits competitors at all levels and attracts more media attention.

Fans on social media celebrated and debated the results. Some questioned the officiating, especially Lunsford’s victory over Hadi Choopan. These heated debates demonstrate the enduring passion for bodybuilding among fans.

The premier bodybuilding event has established itself as a sporting spectacle and a lucrative career path for elite athletes. Record-breaking prize money, fierce competition across all divisions, and a growing global audience promise an even brighter future. Of course, as the prize money continues to increase, we could soon see bodybuilding’s first millionaire champion, demonstrating its remarkable rise from a niche sport to a mass-market event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What was the prize money for the winner of Mr. Olympia 2025?   The winner of the men’s open category of Mr. Olympia 2025 received the unprecedented sum of $600,000, the largest single prize in the history of professional bodybuilding.

Q2. How does the Mr. Olympia 2025 prize money compare to previous years?   Mr. Olympia 2025 featured a record total prize money of $2 million, compared to $1.8 million in 2024. The prize for the winner of the Men’s Open increased by 50%, from $400,000 in 2024 to $600,000 in 2025.

Q3. Who were the new champions crowned at Mr. Olympia 2025?   Among the new 2025 champions are Ramon Rocha Queiroz in Classic Physique, Rhea Gayle in Figure, Michelle Fredua-Mensah in Fitness, Eduarda Bezerra in Wellness, and Maureen Blanquisco, who regained her title in Bikini.

Q4. What was the biggest surprise at Mr. Olympia 2025?   The most significant surprise was Samson Dauda’s fall from the title to fourth place in the Men’s Open category, one of the most dramatic falls for a reigning Mr. Olympia champion in recent history.

Q5. How did the prize money for the Classic Physique division change in 2025?   The Olympia Classic Physique prize doubled in 2025, with the winner receiving $100,000, compared to $50,000 in previous years. This increase reflected the division’s growing popularity and importance to the Olympia brand.