Taking place from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is approaching fast. In recent posts published on Instagram, reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and Brandon Curry showed off their latest physique updates.
The Men’s Open division has undergone a turbulent ride since last year concluded. In December 2022, the former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay was unceremoniously ousted from his throne. In his void was Hadi Choopan, who had been biting at the heels of Olympia greatness for years, having never dropped below fourth at the prestigious show.
Meanwhile, former champion Brandon Curry finished fourth at last year’s Mr. Olympia, proving that he still had the shape, size, and fullness to stand up against second and third-place recipients Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker.
With new additions to the category such as Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea and Michal “Krizo” Krizanek making their presences known, fans and bodybuilders alike are unsure how the event in 2023 will unfold.
Hadi Choopan Calls Out Bodybuilders Using Photoshop, Shares Comprehensive Posing Update
Choopan, who is currently amid preparations, took a detour from his hardcore training sessions to show off the fruits of his labor with a most muscular, back lat spread, and back double biceps pose.
“11 September
Sorry friends, I said the day wrong
Spread it so that I don’t see the photoshop game of others. It is God’s destiny and I am real and I don’t understand cheating. I don’t know what cheating is and I don’ t need to cheat. Hello.I didn’t want to leave anything from myself, so I posted this to let my homeland know that Hadi Sheppan is still alive and I breathe as long as I am alive. The stage under my feet is shaking. I will try as hard as I can. Whatever the creator is, God will become one. I hope that God will be with you.” Hadi Choopan wrote.
It’s unclear who Choopan was referring to in his message, but he made it clear he doesn’t edit his images or videos. Given the nature of the sport, these accusations surface from time to time. Other notable athletes in the Open such as Vitaliy “Good Vito” Ugolnikov and Michal Krizo have dealt with fans accusing them of doctoring online content.
Brandon Curry Silences Doubters with Freaky Physique Update Posted by Coach
While he’s remained low-profile for much of the season, his coach, Abdullah Alotaibi treated fans to one of Curry’s first updates in months.
“It’s 8 weeks out.. soon to bring the heat..
be ready..!” Altotaibi wrote.
In the comment section, Curry’s coach confirmed the picture was taken just days ago.
Curry and Choopan have largely been counted out by big personalities in the sport. Already, former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie “The King” Coleman has predicted Derek Lunsford to defeat Choopan for gold later this year. This sentiment was also shared by former 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout.
Despite dangerous threats like Nick Walker and Samson Dauda lurking in the background, Derek Lunsford has remained steadfast that 2023 Olympia gold will be decided after another battle between himself and Choopan.
On the other hand, should Brandon Curry claim the victory, he would follow in bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler‘s footsteps: becoming only the second man to ever win back a Mr. Olympia title that was surrendered.
RELATED: Hadi Choopan Smashes Heavy T-Bar Rows 10 Weeks from 2023 Mr. Olympia Title Defense
With so many stars, former champions, and ascending contenders eager to perform, Choopan has a tall task ahead as he aims to collect a second Sandow trophy.
Published: 12 September, 2023 | 4:54 PM EDT
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