Nigerian bodybuilder Samson Dauda has etched his name in bodybuilding history by winning the prestigious 2024 Mr. Olympia contest, overcoming stiff competition from two former champions, Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford.
Dauda’s remarkable physique and performance earned him his first-ever Mr. Olympia title, marking a historic moment for Nigerian bodybuilding on the global stage.
In addition to the title, Dauda will receive a record-breaking $600,000 cash prize, the highest payout ever awarded to a Mr. Olympia winner, reflecting the growing prestige of the competition.
The Top-5 finishers in the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest are:
- Samson Dauda (Nigeria)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Derek Lunsford (USA)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- Andrew Jacked (Nigeria)
Dauda’s victory is particularly significant as he managed to outshine both Choopan, the reigning 2022 champion from Iran, and Lunsford, the 2023 titleholder from the USA. His triumph solidifies Nigeria’s rising presence in international bodybuilding, with fellow countryman Andrew Jacked also making the top five.
This win is expected to inspire a new generation of African athletes as Dauda’s success demonstrates the global reach and competitiveness of Nigerian bodybuilders.