The 2025 Mr. Olympia is in the history books, and one legendary bodybuilder was left perplexed by the outcome. On October 12, 2025, Lee Haney said the results were confusing and called for two classes in the Men’s Open for shorter and taller bodybuilders.
At the 61st Olympia Weekend, Derek Lunsford reigned supreme, having won back his Olympia title after a drop to third place last year. Not only did he outpoint Hadi Choopan and Andrew Jacked, but he completed his quest to achieve the coveted ‘Triple Crown.’ That meant winning the Arnold Classic, Pittsburgh Pro, and Mr. Olympia in the same year.
The top four physiques at the 2025 Mr. Olympia looked completely different from each other. Shorter bodybuilders Lunsford and Choopan took spots one and two whereas taller athletes, like former champ Samson Dauda and Jacked, secured spots in third and fourth. For Haney, he chalked this up to a case of comparing apples and oranges.
Bodybuilding Legend Lee Haney Calls For 2 Classes in Men’s Open for Taller & Shorter Competitors After 2025 Mr. Olympia
According to Haney’s Instagram post, he believes it’s time for two classes in the Men’s Open, that way judges don’t have to compare completely different body types.
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He adds that competitors at the 2025 Mr. Olympia like Dauda, Jacked, and Behrouz Tabani all showcase more balance, while Lunsford, Choopan, and Nick Walker carry more mass per pound of body weight.
“In my personal opinion, there need to be two classes in the Mr. Olympia Open Class. Reason: physiques like Samson, Andrew, and Tabani, exhibits more balance due to their height. Where as Derek, Hadi, and Nick appears to carry more mass per lb.”
“The results are confusing to say the least along with unparalleled appearances of the results. There’s always room for the emergence of new standards👌🏽 ” Lee Haney said.
Haney’s concept isn’t a novel idea. The IFBB Pro League actually had two size classes in the Men’s Open from 1974-1979. They divided it into two groups: lightweights who weighed under 200 pounds, and heavyweights who weighed over 200 pounds. The winner of each would face off for the Sandow trophy. However, that format was discontinued in 1980.
This wasn’t the first time Lee Haney has called for evolutionary changes atop the Mr. Olympia stage. He recently urged the sport to undergo a ‘reset,’ harkening back to the golden era where aesthetics, shape, and proportions ruled over sheer mass and grainy conditioning. Due to these concerns, Haney labeled the sport ‘the most dangerous in the world.’
Additionally, bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won seven Mr. Olympia titles in his heyday, has aired grievances about the safety of bodybuilding. He labeled the sport dangerous too, pointing out that more bodybuilders have passed away compared to athletes competing in mixed martial arts.
This has sparked even more debate about whether Classic Physique should take over as the number one division in the IFBB Pro League. While some believe the rise of Classic Physique could make the sport more mainstream, there is a faction of hardcore fans that relish the freak factor on display in the Open class.
Haney argues that physiques in the Open are different enough that this change would have a positive impact on the sport. Do you agree with Lee Haney’s assessment of the Men’s Open division?
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Hello. I agree with the opinion of the veteran Mr. Olympia Mr. Lee Haney. The right of tall participants in the Mr. Olympia competition is ignored. Considering the aesthetics of male anatomy, Mr. Olympia should be at least 180 cm tall.
My proposal includes two groupings:
The first group of participants over 180 cm tall and weighing over 120 kg
The second group of participants under 180 cm tall and weighing under 120 kg
I totally agree, as. Lee Haney says “Like comparing Apples and Oranges” 🤷🏾 Completely unfair
Mr Olympia doesn’t need a minimum height requirement. He only needs to be proportionate. A dwarf with too short legs and super massive midsection (Walker) and another dwarf obviously trying to pinch a loaf in any front pose (Derek) shouldn’t even be in the running. When I say dwarf i am really referring to a human with the proportions of a gorilla. How is a gorilla awarded Mr Olympia? These guys make Franco look like Bob Paris in comparison.
I think they should test for steroids and make Mr olympia a natural competition.
No one would watch that
Anthropology 101. Just like Lee Haney said : aesthetics, shape, proportions. A “short stature” athlete is at a disadvantage in the NBA. Tall athletes will always be at a symmetrical disadvantage in bodybuilding. That is why there is a Classic Physique category. Tall bodybuilders should re-examine competing in Classic Physique instead of the Open, as short bodybuilders compete in 212 and open categories. When Lee Hainey, Arnold, and Ronnie were ruling the sport, we never saw Lee Priest, Lee Labrada, and other shorter bodybuilders complain or criticize the competition.
I completely agree, make classic the main comp and relegate open down. The mass monsters are making it a freakshow and totally unhealthy and certainly nothing to be aspired to, classic is so much more appealing both to the average Joe and aesthetically on the eye
Disagree. I always prefer seeing the freaks!?