Bodybuilding

William Bonac will defend his Arnold Classic title when the 2019 edition of the famous event takes place at the Columbus Convention Center in Battelle Grand, Ohio.

Prejudging and the finals take place on Saturday, March 2. The former will begin at noon and run until 4 p.m. ET (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. GMT).

Meanwhile, the finals will take place from 7 p.m. ET to 10 p.m. ET (12 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, GMT), per the competition's official website.

Bonac is the clear favourite after winning in impressive fashion last year. He saw off five-time champion Dexter Jackson, who won't compete this weekend.

However, Cedric McMillan will be involved, and he'll hope to improve on his third-place finish 12 months ago. McMillan represents Bonac's main competition, having taken the title in 2017.

McMillan has a significant weight advantage over Bonac, yet the 280-pounder is considered more of a classic competitor. His boasts a more trim physique as opposed to the mass favoured by many participants in recent years.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who the event is named after, is a fan of McMillan's and posed for a selfie with the then-champion two years ago. Generation Iron's Jacob Ladon noted how 41-year-old McMillan can produce the "kind of elegant posing that can earn him extra points with the judges."

McMillan is one to watch, but there are other competitors worthy of Bonac's crown. They include Roelly Winklaar, Steve Kuclo and Frenchman Lionel Beyeke, who finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively last time out.

Of those, Winklaar may be the biggest threat to Bonac. The 270-pounder beat Bonac to the prize at the 2018 Arnold Australia. He also rated higher than Bonac at Mr. Olympia, per the Arnold Sports Festival official website.

While big names such as Jackson and Kai Greene aren't involved, there is still enough competition this year to believe Bonac won't retain his title. Instead, McMillan or Winklaar look primed to claim top spot.

Michal Krizanek of Slovakia took the top prize in the bodybuilding category at the 2018 Arnold Classic Europe on Satuday.

The 28-year-old was crowned alongside four other winners in Barcelona, including classic bodybuilding winner Sergey Serechshev and men's physique winner Dmytro Horobets:

The competition's founder Arnold Schwarzenegger personally congratulated Krizanek on Twitter:

Congratulations to our 2018 @arnoldsports Europe Champion, Michal Križo Križánek! Check out more at my insta and Snapchat stories! pic.twitter.com/TrGDuN3gdR

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 29, 2018

The competitors had put on quite the show for the film star and former politician:

Here's what they were competing for:

https://twitter.com/ArnoldSports/status/1046086646322647040

According to FitnessVolt, last year's bodybuilding winner Mamdouh Elssbiay won $40,000 for taking top spot in that competition, so Krizanek may have taken home a similar amount.

Meanwhile, Strongman winner Martin Licis won $10,000 for his efforts.

The 2018 Arnold Classic Europe will begin on Friday, with Barcelona hosting the annual fitness showcase for the third year in succession.

Europe is one of the five locations on this year's Arnold Classic International tour, which celebrates sports and fitness at both amateur and professional levels.

The festival is named after legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Arnold Classic Europe will welcome a number of big names from the bodybuilding circuit.

However, after the dedicated season leading up to the Mr. Olympia competition earlier in September, the European leg of the tour can struggle to deliver the same pedigree of stars.

Fans will nevertheless be prepared for a bodybuilding blockbuster in Barcelona this weekend.

        

Schedule

Friday, September 28

Men's, Women's and Juniors

Master Men's Bodybuilding

Men's Classic Physique

       

Saturday, September 29

Junior Men's Physique

Women's Bodyfitness

          

Sunday, September 30

Men's Bodybuilding, Men's Fitness

Women's Bikini Fitness, Women's Physique

Click here to see the schedule in full.

        

Mr. Olympia competitor Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay walked away with $40,000 in prize money for winning the bodybuilding portion of last year's Arnold Classic Europe, per Fitness Volt, but he won't be back to defend his crown in 2018.

The Egyptian topped a field comprising stars such as Roelly Winklaar and this year's Mr. Olympia, Shawn Rhoden, but the turnout isn't expected to be quite as impressive in Catalonia this time around.

Many of this year's confirmed performers in the professional bodybuilding category are aged 40 or over, and 45-year-old home favourite Toni Gutierrez is sure to get some of the biggest cheers of the weekend.

There are a selection of younger stars closer to their primes who will be worth keeping an eye on, though. In particular, Spaniards Carlos Blanco, 31, and Gregory Bellot, 29, will bring some impressive frames to the stage.

Alexander Westermeier, 26, is the youngest among the confirmed attendees by a number of years, and he posted a recent update on Instagram after suffering a foot injury.

It's unclear what caused the injury, but the German's "#5daysout" hashtag suggests he was happy to get through the final few days of his training.

Czech veteran Tomas Kaspar, 39, weighs in as the heaviest competitor at 120 kilograms, but not far behind him is 113-kilogram Michal Krizanek, whose conditioning appeared to be coming along with a week to go.

Vika Pogribnyak will compete in the women's bikini event and gave her own update in the days leading up to Barcelona.

The final few days of preparation are what will decide who emerges triumphant in Barcelona.

Shawn Rhoden caused one of the biggest upsets in bodybuilding history, defeating Phil Heath and a strong field to the 2018 Mr. Olympia title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The Jamaican veteran appeared on stage in the best shape of his life, and he narrowly captured the Eugen Sandow Trophy, as Heath placed second.

Rhoden's win denied "The Gift" an eighth consecutive title at the event and the opportunity of tying for the most Mr Olympia victories with Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney.

Heath was clearly shocked when Rhoden was announced the victor, as the 43-year-old made history, tying with 1982 champion Chris Dickerson as the oldest winner of the Mr Olympia crown, per Bodybuilding Universe.

Roelly Winklaar placed third. The Curacao native delivered a strong performance that was expected by bodybuilding fans.

According to Generation Iron, Rhoden operates at a competition weight of 240 to 260 pounds and at a height of 5'10"—Flexatron is an impressive competitor in front of the judges. The new bodybuilding king's abs are some of the best in the business, and the definition of his legs continue to improve each year.

However, Rhoden has had to battle adversity in recent times, fighting against illness to rediscover his form and climb the mountain after finishing fifth last year.

Speaking via the Mr. Olympia webcast, the champion commented on his emotions after finally landing the biggest title in the sport.

Rhoden said:

"This means so much to me. I have been working so hard to get to this point, and my team has been with me every step of the way. They have really worked me over to get me to where I am tonight and I am so grateful. I have been chasing Phil for such a long time. He has been champion, and it means a lot to win."

Flexatron's victory was a huge shock, but Heath displayed grace and class as he embraced his opponent at the end of proceedings.

No one has been able to come near The Gift's standards in the past seven years, but Rhoden's incredible work has truly paid off.

Heath will likely return next year to chase history as he attempts to win an eighth crown, and this defeat will provide him with the motivation to improve over the next 12 months.

Rhoden can, for now, savour victory. He is living proof that dreams can come true against all odds.

Shawn Rhoden unseated Phil Heath to be crowned Mr. Olympia 2018 on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The Jamaican earned the Eugen Sandow Trophy to become the first winner from outside the U.S. since Dorian Yates won his final title in 1997, breaking Heath's seven-year winning streak in the process.

The American had to settle for second place this time around:

FLEXATRON DETHRONES THE KING!

Shawn Rhoden WINS the 2018 Mr. Olympia title, STUNNING 7 x Mr. Olympia Phil Heath.

Mr. Olympia Top-5

1. Shawn Rhoden
2. Phil Heath
3. Roelly Winklaar
4. William Bonac
5. Brandon Curry pic.twitter.com/b97xJQ7ATQ

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) September 16, 2018

Rhoden improved from fifth place last year to claim the title. His victory denied Heath a record-equalling eighth consecutive Sandow, which is boasted by Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman.

Haney dominated the competition between 1984 and 1991, while Coleman did the same from 1998 to 2005.

Here's the moment Rhoden was announced as the winner, per Generation Iron:

That moment... pic.twitter.com/bTbIc7ler5

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 16, 2018

The 43-year-old was competing in his eighth Mr. Olympia competition and had finished in the top five every year since 2012, having come 11th the year before on his debut.

His previous best finish came in 2016, when he was second behind Heath.

Rhoden seemed to have a feeling this would be his year; he had boldly predicted his victory at the start of the weekend:

Craig B with 2018 MR.O??? 🤷‍♂️ @FlexatronRhoden 💪 pic.twitter.com/DCs52jcS9X

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 14, 2018

Sports photographer Ryan Loco singled him out during the judging:

https://twitter.com/RyanLoco/status/1041162581484888065

Alongside 1982 winner Chris Dickerson, Rhoden is the joint-oldest winner of the Sandow. If he can maintain his incredible conditioning in the meantime, he has a strong chance of coming out on top next year, but his age could make a repeat win difficult to pull off.

Heath will be desperate to return to the top too. He may have missed out on equalling the record for consecutive titles, but an eighth Sandow would still be the joint-highest tally overall with Haney and Coleman, as well as taking him past Arnold Schwarzenegger's seven.

Given the American is five years Rhoden's junior, expect him to come back strong next year and reclaim his title.

There's a new Mr. Olympia, and his name is Shawn Rhoden.

Rhoden registered a huge upset in the top bodybuilding competition in the sport, taking the title away from seven-time winner Phil Heath.

Heath was hoping to become the third eight-time Mr. Olympia, but he finished second.

Shawn Rhoden is crowned 2018 Mr. Olympia Champion. Flexatron pulls off a huge upset to dethrone Phil Heath. For full coverage of tonight's action, visit https://t.co/BmQBt3L5wQ pic.twitter.com/FLhEAV9zIX

— muscle_fitness (@muscle_fitness) September 16, 2018

Rhoden consequently became the 14th recipient of the Sandow Trophy.

The dramatic announcement came at the end of a long night of competition. The judges had Rhoden and Heath stand next to each other on the stage of the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas throughout the majority of the poses, and they were able to see both men's strengths.

Rhoden appeared to have the better abs and legs, while Heath had the edge in the shoulders and back. Heath earned $400,000 for winning the title in addition to the trophy. Heath earned $150,000 for finishing in second place.

When the announcement was made, Heath was stunned. He bent over and buried his head in his hands as Rhoden raised his hands in exultation.

And the NEW Mr.Olympia is: Shawn Rhoden! pic.twitter.com/4ZER3FnarD

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 16, 2018

"This means so much to me," Rhoden said on the webcast. "I have been working so hard to get to this point, and my team has been with me every step of the way. They have really worked me over to get me to where I am tonight and I am so grateful.

"I have been chasing Phil for such a long time. He has been champion, and it means a lot to win."

Rhoden had been critical of Heath prior to the event, and there was some gamesmanship during the competition when Rhoden appeared to stare down Heath. Officials told Rhoden to "cut it out" and get back to posing.

Roelly Winklaar finished in third place, while William Bonac finished in fourth.

Many were expecting Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay to make a strong run at the title, but he did not earn a spot in the final five. Elssbiay was much more competitive in the 2017 event than he was this time around, as he was carrying more weight on his huge frame than he did a year ago.

Winklaar earned the People's Choice Award, which was given for the first time during this year's competition. James "Flex" Lewis won the 212-pound Mr. Olympia title, and he said he would be moving up to the heavyweight competition in the future.

For the first time since 2010, a bodybuilder not named Phil Heath has been crowned Mr. Olympia. 

Shawn Rhoden stunned the seven-time defending champion to capture the 2018 title on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

And the NEW Mr.Olympia is: Shawn Rhoden! pic.twitter.com/4ZER3FnarD

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 16, 2018

In addition to breaking Heath's run of dominance, Rhoden earned a $675,000 payout, the largest in the 53-year history of the Mr. Olympia competition. 

Heath was chasing his record-tying eighth consecutive win in the competition. Lee Haney (1984-91) and Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005) remain the only bodybuilders to reach that mark. The 38-year-old did tie Arnold Schwarzenegger's career mark of seven straight titles, so he is still keeping good company. 

Appearing in his eighth Mr. Olympia competition, Rhoden earned his first victory. The Jamaican did have one runner-up finish in 2016, but he was finally able to capture the Eugen Sandow Trophy in one of the most memorable bodybuilding competitions in recent history. 

The $400k winning pose. Shawn Rhoden you 2018 Mr. #Olympia #bodybuilding champion pic.twitter.com/Laa4Y3opgB

— Muscle Phone™ (@MusclePhone) September 16, 2018

This is also a redemptive win for Rhoden, who was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Classic in March after announcing on Instagram he had been admitted to intensive care:

"Not only did I have the horrible flu going around but my hemoglobin level was at 4 (should be around 14). I lost A LOT of blood due to two ulcers bleeding into my intestine over a period of time. I was given 6 blood transfusions that brought my body back to levels where my body could reproduce enough blood on its own to normal levels. Since it is so close to the Arnold, I am disappointed that I must announce that I will not be competing in this years Arnold Classic 2018."

Given the physical state Rhoden was in at that point seven months ago, being able to get back into prime shape and dethrone the most dominant Mr. Olympia competitor of the past decade speaks to his impressive condition. 

Ms. Olympia contestant Sheila Bleck highlighted Rhoden's conditioning as one of the reasons why he was victorious:

Shawn Rhoden not only his conditioning on point but his symmetry is beautiful blows Phil’s lines away. As a matter of fact. Moment they line up your eyes quickly fall onto Shawn. Didn’t matter what they do your eyes go back to Shawn

— IFBB Sheila Bleck (@bleckrocks) September 15, 2018

At the age of 43, Rhoden tied the record for the oldest Mr. Olympia winner. Chris Dickerson was the same age when he came out on top in 1982. 

Based on Rhoden's conditioning and impeccable symmetry with his perfect lines, there's no reason to think he can't repeat as champion when next year's competition rolls around. He's been steadily building to this moment for the past eight years, and that hard work paid off.     

The 2018 Mr. Olympia finals take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday night. Last year's champion, Phil Heath, will be vying for another Sandow, while Dexter Jackson is bidding for a first title since 2008.

Overcoming Heath won't be easy. The 38-year-old has won the event the past seven years running, while 2017 runner-up Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay is also set to be in the mix.

Judging for the finals will begin at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET (3 a.m. BST), per the tournament's official website.

                 

Heath Looking for Record-Tying Win

Another win for Heath would give him eight overall, enough to tie the achievements of Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. It would also mean Heath overtakes Arnold Schwarzenegger on the all-time winners list.

On Friday, Heath wasn't the most impressive in the minds of some:

#MrOlympia #judging 1st call
Shawn Rhodan
Phil Heath
Roelly Winklaar
Brandon Curry
William Banac
Big Ramy#2018MrOlympia @Tadthedietcoach

— NPC News Online (@NPCNewsOnline) September 15, 2018

Jackson's name not appearing on the list should worry "The Blade." The 48-year-old hasn't won the Sandow in a decade, but he has still competed well in recent years.

Jackson was second in 2015 and third a year later. Things didn't go as well 12 months ago, though, when he only finished fourth behind William Bonac and Big Ramy.

The fourth-placed finish could be an ominous sign for Jackson, with others already catching the eye.

Bonac spent Friday alongside Heath on the stage:

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/JAmd2sO1ky

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 15, 2018

The 36-year-old proved his credentials by taking the title at this year's Arnold Classic in March. While he has the mass to impress, Bonac's greatest asset is his conditioning.

It's the opposite for Ramy, who has gotten bigger every year. However, not everybody is impressed by the Egyptian's condition:

My prediction:
1st. Heath
2nd. Shawn Rhoden
3rd. William Bonac
4th. Winklaar
5th. Curry

Big Ramy looks terrible!!!! Quads just way to big and no condition. Shawn Rhoden looks to have made a big improvement in... https://t.co/CiG2S1h25g

— Peter Gaiser (@petergaiser) September 15, 2018

Big Ramy and Bonac were fancied as the main contenders to Heath's crown, but iRhoden is generating buzz as the man capable of producing an upset:

Shawn Rhoden not only his conditioning on point but his symmetry is beautiful blows Phil’s lines away. As a matter of fact. Moment they line up your eyes quickly fall onto Shawn. Didn’t matter what they do your eyes go back to Shawn

— IFBB Sheila Bleck (@bleckrocks) September 15, 2018

Rhoden is capable, but both Heath and Jackson know what it takes to win at the Orleans Arena. Expect Heath to save his best for when it matters most and to make history. 

After winning his seventh straight Mr Olympia title in 2017, Phil Heath will be attempting to surpass Arnold Schwarzenegger with an eighth victory in the 2018 edition on Saturday.

The bodybuilding competition takes place in Las Vegas, with Egyptian superstar Mamdouh Elssbiay set to challenge Heath for the top honour at the 54th running of the prestigious event. Big Ramy placed second to The Gift last year and remains the Seattle-born champion's most realistic competitor.

2008 winner Dexter Jackson will also provide competition for the Eugen Sandow Trophy, but Heath remains the outstanding athlete in the field.

Here are the vital details for the final:

                 

Date: Saturday, Sept. 15

Time: 7 p.m. (PT), 10 p.m. (E)T, 3 a.m. Sunday (BST)

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center

The full schedule is available at the competition's official website.

                         

Preview

Heath's supremacy in bodybuilding remains undoubted, but the American could make history if he flexes his way to an eighth title. The 38-year-old is aiming to tie with Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney at the top of Mr Olympia's all-time leaderboard.

Haney was the undoubted king in the 1980's, with Coleman dominant at the end of the 1990's in a similar fashion to Heath's current run.

The Gift could become the standalone greatest bodybuilder in history if he takes a ninth title in 2019, but first, Heath must win number eight on Saturday to cement his growing legacy.

Big Ramy has developed into one of the most popular names on the circuit, but he's come up short to Heath before.

Generation Iron shared the moment on Twitter when Heath defeated Elssbiay in 2017:

The MOMENT: Phil Heath WINS 7th Mr.Olympia Title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fduGKzDm3z

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 17, 2017

Jackson also continues to confound pundits and critics alike, and he remains a real threat to Heath just two years from his 50th birthday.

The trio is likely to occupy the top three spots at Mr Olympia, with William Bonac threatening the primary places after last year's third-place finish.

Roelly Winklaar could be the shock placing from the field, with the Curacao native rapidly improving his reputation after a handful of impressive victories in the past 12 months. The current Arnold Classic Australia holder is ripped and ready to go, and a top-three finish is not beyond his capabilities.

However, the story remains Heath's ability to snatch an eighth title, and he has improved his definition since winning last year. That may have seemed impossible, but the champion is one of the most motivated competitors in the history of the sport.

Elssbiay is the man who could spoil Heath's expected victory parade. Big Ramy has consistently climbed the ranks at annual Mr Olympia editions, but the final step will be the hardest—with Heath everyone's favourite.

Phil Heath will be looking to extend his run of seven successive Mr Olympia titles on Saturday, although he is expected to face stiff competition at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Heath has been the dominant force in men's bodybuilding for the last seven editions of this prestigious competition, and with his win 12 months ago, he tied Arnold Schwarzenegger's haul of titles.

Victory in 2018 would see him draw level with Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman, who are the all-time record holders with eight Sandows.

Still, Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay, William Bonac and Dexter "The Blade" Jackson are anticipated to run the defending champion close in Las Vegas this year. 

Read on for a preview of the event and a closer look at some of the contenders most likely to end Heath's Mr Olympia stranglehold.

        

Heath Favourite to Make History

For Heath, to be at the summit of men's bodybuilding for so long represents an incredible achievement. On the cusp of the defence of yet another Mr Olympia title, he appears unlikely to relinquish his crown again in 2018.

In the buildup to the competition, he posted on Instagram about how good he is feeling as he seeks to replicate the accomplishments of legends like Haney and Coleman.

"All of the reps, sets, meals, cardio, sweat all leading to Friday and Saturday night here in Las Vegas," he said. "I am extremely excited as I have an enormous opportunity ahead and look at achieving something of pure excellence becoming an 8-time Mr Olympia Champion."

However, the mere fact that only two men have ever won eight of these events in a row will give confidence to the rest of the field that Heath's crown may slip.

Elssbiay is definitely one to watch. Not only did he finish in second spot to Heath 12 months ago, the Egyptian has competed in My Olympia five times, improving on his result from the previous year on each occasion. If that trend continues, Big Ramy will be this year's champion.

When asked whether he could get the better of Heath in 2018, the 2017 runner-up said was in defiant mood. "This year will be something different," he said at the pre-event press conference, per Generation Iron. "That's it."

Personal trainer Brendan Harberts hasn't been encouraged by what he's heard from Elssbiay in the buildup to the event, though:

https://twitter.com/BrendanHarberts/status/1040358313031020544

Bonac was also on the podium in 2016 and will be confident of improving on his finish a year ago. Jackson is a veteran of the bodybuilding world at 48 years old, and although he can't be written off, he will likely be content with a spot in the top three; it's been 10 years since he last won this iconic event.

Also, ahead of the 2018 tournament, Shawn Roden has been full of fighting talk, criticising some of Heath's poses. Per Generation Iron, having called Heath's front double bicep and lateral spread stances "crap," he said at the press conference, "I'm just speaking facts."