Top 10 Body Builders in the World in 2025
Have you ever looked at a physique that seemed to defy the limits of human possibility and wondered, “What does it truly take to be one of the best body builders in the world?”
It’s a question that cuts to the core of human commitment. The sport of professional bodybuilding, culminating in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition, is not just about lifting weights; it is a profound, years-long psychological war fought daily in the gym, the kitchen, and the mirror. It demands a level of discipline most people cannot fathom.
The athletes on this list are not just big; they are sculptors, chemists, and relentless warriors who have pushed their bodies past genetic boundaries. They represent the pinnacle of muscular development, symmetry, and conditioning for 2025. This year, the Open division saw a shake-up, reminding us that the throne of bodybuilding is fiercely contested and never truly secured.
The Mental Grind: The Human Cost of Greatness
Before we dive into the champions, let’s talk about the emotional journey. For a bodybuilder, the path to the stage is one of intense isolation. You trade weekend parties for 4 AM cardio sessions. You replace comfort food with meticulous, measured meals. The most painful part of the journey isn’t the heavy lift; it’s the mental fortitude required to stay consistent when you are tired, hungry, and drained.
This dedication resonates with anyone trying to achieve a difficult goal. Whether you are aiming for a massive promotion or striving to improve your personal fitness, the foundation is the same: unwavering discipline.
As the legendary seven-time Mr. Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger once stated, “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion.”
Top 10 Body Builders in the World in 2025
The Open division represents the ultimate expression of mass, size, and density. These athletes walk onto the bodybuilding competition stage carrying over 250 pounds of dense, conditioned muscle, fighting for the coveted Sandow trophy.
1. Derek Lunsford: The Reigning King
Derek Lunsford stands as the definitive best body builder in the world after his spectacular victory at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, reclaiming the title he briefly held previously. Lunsford is famous for his dense, rounded muscle bellies and incredibly conditioned back. His transition from the 212 division (the weight-capped category) to the Open division is one of the most successful moves in modern bodybuilding history, showcasing his exceptional genetics and adaptability. His victory underlines a new era where symmetry and density triumph over sheer, unmanageable mass.
2. Hadi Choopan: The Persian Wolf
The Iranian powerhouse, Hadi Choopan, is known globally for his freakish conditioning and grainy muscle quality. Choopan, the 2022 Mr. Olympia champion, finished a close second in 2025. What sets him apart is his ability to bring razor-sharp definition and dry muscle to the stage, making him a perpetual threat in every bodybuilding competition he enters. His relentless drive has cemented him as one of the hardest-working professionals today.
3. Andrew Jacked: The Aesthetic Giant
Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Obiekea) has rapidly ascended the ranks, securing third place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Standing tall, he possesses one of the most admired silhouettes in the sport—the classic X-frame physique. His broad shoulders and small, tapered waist give him an aesthetic advantage rarely seen in the heavyweight Open class, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate classic lines merged with modern size.
4. Samson Dauda: The Symmetry Standard
The 2024 Mr. Olympia champion, Samson Dauda, saw a slight slip to fourth place in 2025, but his dominance in flow and symmetry remains undisputed. Known as “The Nigerian Lion,” Dauda possesses arguably the best shape in the Open division. His physique is often described as flowing effortlessly from head to toe, a beautiful blend of size and artistic proportion.
5. Martin Fitzwater: The Rising American Force
Martin Fitzwater stunned the world by breaking into the top five, securing fifth place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Fitzwater represents the new wave of American muscle, bringing significant size and impressive lower body development to the stage. His continued climb highlights his commitment to perfection and improvement year after year, establishing him as a long-term contender for the top spot.
The Next Generation of Elite Contenders
The competition is so fierce that the line between the top five and the next set of elite athletes is incredibly thin. These athletes are poised to challenge the status quo.
6. Nick Walker: The Mutant
Nick Walker is a fan favorite known as “The Mutant” for his extreme muscle mass and density, particularly in his legs and torso. Placing sixth at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Walker is relentlessly focused on bringing an even more conditioned package next time. His commitment to heavy, intense training embodies the spirit of old-school bodybuilding grind.
7. Brandon Curry: The Veteran’s Consistency
As the 2019 Mr. Olympia winner, Brandon Curry is a veteran whose career is defined by consistency and a beautiful, balanced physique. Finishing seventh, Curry continues to prove that dedication over decades is possible, maintaining a physique built on classic lines and maturity, even against the younger generation of mass monsters.
To truly list the best body builders in the world, we must include the divisional champions whose dominance is unparalleled and whose popularity rivals the Open division.
8. Chris Bumstead (C-Bum): The Classic Icon
While not competing in the Open division, Chris Bumstead is arguably the most famous bodybuilder today. The six-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia champion defines the division, which emphasizes the “Golden Era” look of Arnold Schwarzenegger: V-taper, flow, and symmetry. His global influence makes him one of the most impactful figures in modern bodybuilding, inspiring millions to pursue aesthetic, healthy muscles.
9. Ramon Rocha Queiroz (Ramon Dino): The Classic Challenger
The Brazilian sensation, Ramon Dino, claimed the 2025 Classic Physique title, dethroning Bumstead in a closely contested battle that shocked the world. His immense quads and striking poses make him an instant legend. Ramon Dino’s victory demonstrates the power of consistent, high-level performance and the emergence of South American talent on the global bodybuilding competition stage.
10. Keone Pearson: The 212 Champion
Winning the 212 Olympia title (for athletes weighing 212 pounds or less) for the third consecutive year in 2025, Keone Pearson represents peak conditioning and muscularity in a smaller frame. His level of detail and dryness on stage is often unmatched, showing that world-class excellence comes in all sizes.
Building Your Own Foundation for Healthy Muscles
The dedication displayed by these elite athletes may seem out of reach, but the principles of building healthy muscles are universal. Whether you are aiming for the Olympia stage or just to look and feel your best, two things are non-negotiable: nutrition and recovery.
Did you know that protein intake is the single biggest dietary variable influencing muscle gain? A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that consuming dietary protein supplementation significantly enhanced gains in muscle mass and strength during resistance training, but noted that intakes greater than 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day showed no further benefit for muscle growth. This stat gives you a tangible target.
You need to train with intensity, but you must also fuel and repair intelligently. This is where quality resources and products become invaluable.
If you’re ready to stop chasing quick fixes and start building a sustainable, powerful physique, then you need a partner who understands the journey. At Sarmscentral.ca, we are committed to providing resources, supplements, and guidance focused on fitness and growing healthy muscles. We believe in the power of dedication, much like the champions above, and we aim to support your journey to maximum vitality.
Visit Sarmscentral.ca to find premium products designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall well-being. Start treating your fitness journey with the same focus and precision as the best body builders in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the current Mr. Olympia champion in the Open division?
The current Mr. Olympia champion (as of the 2025 competition) in the Open division is Derek Lunsford. He won the coveted Sandow trophy by demonstrating exceptional density, conditioning, and balance, making him a standout in the bodybuilding competition.
Q2: What is Classic Physique, and why is it so popular?
Classic Physique is a division that emphasizes symmetry and aesthetics over sheer mass, promoting the V-taper look reminiscent of bodybuilders from the 1970s and 80s. It’s popular because it balances significant muscularity with an emphasis on proportion and beauty, attracting millions of fans worldwide.
Q3: What are the main criteria judges look for in a bodybuilding competition?
Judges look for four main criteria: Mass (muscle size), Conditioning (low body fat and muscle definition/striations), Symmetry (balance between left and right sides), and Proportion (balance between upper and lower body and muscle groups). These criteria determine the best body builders in the world.
Q4: How important is nutrition for a professional bodybuilder’s success?
Nutrition is critically important; most experts agree it accounts for 70-80% of contest success. Bodybuilders must precisely manipulate their macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) and micronutrients to build muscle in the off-season and achieve extreme leanness for the bodybuilding competition.
Q5: Which athlete has the most Mr. Olympia titles in history?
The record for the most Mr. Olympia titles is shared by Lee Haney (1984–1991) and Ronnie Coleman (1998–2005), both of whom achieved eight victories in the competition, setting an enduring benchmark for greatness among the best body builders in the world.