Is bodybuilder Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay headed towards retirement? On April 17, 2026, he expressed doubt about a potential return and plans to focus on his business endeavors.
In 2020 and 2021, Big Ramy laid claim to Mr. Olympia crowns. For a moment, fans expected him to achieve a long-standing dynasty, similar to former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. His massive legs and muscularity were incredibly hard to deal with, especially when he showcased dry, shredded conditioning.
His time on top came to a crashing halt after he came in off at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Hadi Choopan, a consistent frontrunner, finally caught him slipping and secured his lone Sandow trophy. Meanwhile, Big Ramy settled for fifth place.
He improved drastically at the 2023 Arnold Classic, but it still wasn’t enough to secure the victory. Ramy exited Columbus, Ohio, in fourth place, leaving many to wonder what the future held for the Egyptian star.
Hints of a potential comeback brewed afterward. However, some industry experts had questions about his suspected muscle atrophy in his lower back, lats, and triceps. Despite those issues, it looked like a return was in the cards, until now.
Bodybuilder Big Ramy Highly Doubtful About Bodybuilding Comeback
In the Instagram reel, Ramy was asked about his return and said, “No, I don’t think I’ll be back.”
“No, I don’t think I’ll be back. I think it’s enough and I’m looking to my business. I love to support my sport, it’s what I love in this life. I believe this is the life, and somebody comes after that, and somebody comes after that on the stage.”
He added that other bodybuilding champions have had to come to terms with no longer competing, like Coleman.
“Others in the industry, like Ronnie Coleman, the one and only, he’s not doing that again. This is the life. We have to accept that,” said Big Ramy.
Fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts on Ramy’s latest update:
“Kai Green 2.0 regarding the comeback talk.”
“If hes not gonna compete anymore i hope he downsizes for health purposes 🙏🏼”
“When u won Olympia he was not in his best self his 2013 to 2015 physique was unbelievably good for me on the level of Phil heath maybe not as round or 3d but he was giving prime Phil run for his money”
“He’s not coming back people, he can’t. He had a great run, but his body gave up. His back, calves and triceps disappeared. Also those holes in his quads were problematic”
“Excellent big ramy being honest with saying No straight off 👏 got his 2 MrOs 🙌”
While the bodybuilding community would love to see Big Ramy shake up the 2026 Mr. Olympia, that looks like a long shot. Nevertheless, as a former two-time champ, he remains eligible to compete at the prestigious event for life.
