There are fewer than six weeks to go before competitors gather on the 2025 Mr. Olympia stage. In a recent YouTube video aired on September 3, 2025, Samir Bannout gave his official top three picks and discussed the lineup with Bob Cicherillo.
In 2024, Samson Dauda emerged as the Mr. Olympia champion. His condition was sharp enough to contend with Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, but his size truly made the difference when judges put together their scorecards.
While he attempted to secure a second Arnold Classic title this year, Lunsford stopped him. The former two-division Olympia winner presented what many have called his most complete package to date. There are worries about Lunsford’s ability to peak again, especially after winning the Pittsburgh Pro. Deciding on a potential winner was a tall task, but Bannout did his best.
Samir Bannout’s Top 3 Picks for the 2025 Mr. Olympia
Find his picks from the video below:
- Samson Dauda
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
In the video, Cicherillo insisted that if Dauda brings his best conditioning, shorter athletes like Lunsford and Choopan could be overlooked.
“That’s also going to put the shorter and blockier guys outside looking in because they are not going to compare as well. Derek has a very small waist. Derek, Hadi, and Samson have all beaten each other, so this is really going to be great.”
Moreover, Cicherillo mentioned Dauda could open the door for other taller bodybuilders to find success as well.
“What Samson is going to bring, I say, he’s going to be in his best condition we’ve ever seen him. That’s going to elevate similar physiques up to his level to compete. That’s good for guys like Andrew Jacked, that’s good for guys like Quinton Beastwood, he’s got to qualify still but he’s a tremendous talent. Those types of physiques like company.”
Bannout urged Dauda to focus on detail and separation, but said even at 95%, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the rest of the lineup.
“Even at 95%, I mean for me, he just needed to have a tad bit more clarity. When I talk about clarity, let me explain that — the finer your skin, the more detail and separation. This is why sometimes I make the measurements: 18, 21, and 24K. When Samson is 24K, let me tell you something, man, it’s going to be hell for everybody.”
“I think he’s going to be very, very difficult to overcome,” explains Bannout.
Bannout hasn’t been the only bodybuilding veteran to take notice of Dauda’s new conditioning levels. Milos Sarcev and judge Terrick El Guindy were both blown away by his look during a recent guest posing event in Romania.
Time will tell if Dauda can secure a second consecutive Mr. Olympia title. The event’s return is set for Sin City, from October 10-13.
Watch the full video from the OlympiaTV YouTube channel below:
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