On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Samson Dauda made history by becoming the 19th individual to win the prestigious Mr. Olympia title, a monumental achievement in the world of bodybuilding.
Dauda showcased his incredible physique alongside 15 other competitors in the Men’s Open category during the main event of the 2024 Joe Weider Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend, held at the Resorts World Theater in Las Vegas.
Hadi Choopan secured second place for the second year in a row, while Derek Lunsford, the 2023 Olympia champion, finished in third.
Dauda’s victory marks a significant milestone, as he is not only the 19th champion in the event’s 60-year history but also the first ever from Nigeria. He joins an elite group as only the third non-American to claim the title since 2019, following Choopan and two-time champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Additionally, Dauda received the second Golden Sandow trophy, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Mr. Olympia, with the first being awarded to Phil Heath for winning the 50th edition.
ALSO READ: Health Minister Confirms Two Mpox Cases in Zimbabwe
In an unprecedented moment for the sport, Dauda also took home the largest prize purse in bodybuilding history. Prior to the announcement, Olympia owner Jake Wood revealed that Dauda would receive $600,000 for his victory—an amount exceeding the previous highest single-contest prize of $400,000. This announcement surpassed the upcoming 2025 Arnold Classic, which had been set to offer $500,000.
The top five competitors included Martin Fitzwater in fourth place, making his Olympia debut, and Andrew Jacked in fifth.
With this win, Dauda has secured a lifetime qualification for the Olympia. Overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing his name announced as the champion, he embraced his fellow competitors, who offered their congratulations. Before this event, Dauda had never placed higher than third in previous competitions.
