The latest edition of Joe Weider’s Fitness and Performance Weekend was hosted in its longtime home of Las Vegas, Nevada last December. In a recent post made on Instagram, the organizers announced 2023 Mr. Olympia will return to Orlando, Florida Nov. 2-5 and will take place in the Orange County Convention Center.
Since its inception in 1965, the Olympia weekend has served as the premier platform for the most elite bodybuilders in the world. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious show in bodybuilding.
With the rapid growth of bodybuilding across the globe, the contest found a home in Vegas, where the event was held from 1999 to 2019. In 2020, the show was forced to relocate to Orlando, Florida due to local restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay took home the top prize at the 2020 edition and went on to win another in 2021.
The latest Olympia weekend was hosted in Vegas last December. Over 400 athletes from 11 divisions made their way to the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ two months ago to participate in the competition.
Men’s Open standout Hadi Choopan dethroned Ramy to win his maiden Sandow trophy. Former 212 Olympia victor Derek Lunsford placed runner-up ahead of Nick Walker, who finished third and won the Olympia People’s Champ Award. Rising sensations Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and Michal Krizo impressed in their Olympia debuts as well. As for Ramy, he missed the mark and dropped down to fifth.
Chris Bumstead extended his dominant reign in the Classic Physique division by defeating Brazilian contender Ramon Rocha Queiroz and German competitor Urs Kalecinski. He added a fourth Mr. Olympia title under his belt. Meanwhile, two-time 212 champion Shaun Clarida reclaimed the title after Lunsford opted to compete in the Open.
2023 Mr. Olympia set to return to Orlando in November
In a recent Instagram post, the organizers of the 2023 Mr. Olympia announced its return to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida taking place Nov. 2-5.
“After awarding nearly 1.7 million dollars in prize money in December, eclipsing records for ticket sales, sponsorships and worldwide pay-per-view audience,” they announced. “Organizers of the fitness industry’s most prestigious event have entered the planning stages for this year’s Olympia Weekend.
“Scheduled for the weekend of November 2-5, the 59th edition of Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend is confirmed for Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center, rated as one of the top convention center venues in the world.”
Olympia president Dan Solomon issued a statement explaining the decision to move the event back to Orlando.
“Our recent rotation between Orlando and Las Vegas has resulted in tremendous growth, allowing us to connect with fans, sponsors and exhibitors on both sides of the Unites States. The convention center in Orlando is unique because it clears the way for us to have two adjacent host hotels. If you enjoy convenience, you’re gonna love this year’s Olympia, a fully connected experience!”
The details regarding host hotels, VIP packages, and general tickets will follow soon. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler voiced his disapproval of the 2022 Olympia backstage productions. He stressed the need to prioritize the Men’s Open division, which serves as the main attraction. Men’s Open competitor James Hollingshead criticized the poor conditions for the participants backstage as well. In addition, Samson Dauda expressed a similar sentiment when he revealed his experience competing at the show.
Now that the official dates and location for the 2023 Mr. Olympia have been announced, athletes will get to work laying out their preparations. Fans will be excited to see another intense battle between the best bodybuilders in the world on stage later this year.
Published: 14 February, 2023 | 4:57 PM EDT
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