Only true bodybuilding fans will score 17 or higher... and no cheating!
Think you know Mr Olympia history? This bodybuilding quiz will test your knowledge of champions, records and iconic moments from the sport’s biggest stage. Get 17 or more right and you’ve earned your place among the legends.
Mr Olympia Quiz Questions
Who was the first non-American to win the Mr Olympia title?
In what year did the “Challenge Round” first appear – and then spark huge controversy?
Which year marked Lee Priest’s final Olympia appearance?
Who remains the oldest man ever to win the Open Mr Olympia title?
Which Olympia legend trained out of Metroflex Gym, Arlington, Texas?
What supplement giant sponsored the Olympia for more than a decade until 2017?
At which Olympia did Phil Heath first fall outside the top three placings?
Who reclaimed the title in 2009, ending Dexter Jackson’s one-year reign?
Who was the first man to win both a NABBA Universe and Mr Olympia title?
When was the 212 division introduced at the Olympia, and what category did it replace?
Who won the inaugural Classic Physique Olympia in 2016?
In what year did Big Ramy make his Olympia debut?
Name the two men who have regained the Olympia title after losing or leaving the sport.
Which Olympia was nicknamed “The Massacre” for its shock placings and eliminations?
How many total Olympia appearances did Dexter “The Blade” Jackson make before retiring?
Who was the first British athlete to win the 212 Olympia?
What was the first year the Olympia prize money exceeded $100,000 for the winner?
What was the prize money for the 2023 Mr Olympia champion?
Who served as the head judge for most Olympias between 2004 and 2021?
Which city hosted the first Olympia held outside the US?
SCOREBOARD
17 – 20: 🏆 MR OLYMPIA! — You probably know Bob Cicherillo’s mic lines by heart.
10 – 16: 💪 IFBB PRO — A walking encyclopedia of muscle history.
5 – 9: 🏋️ GYM RAT — You watch the livestream every year, but study up.
0 – 4: 🚪 WORKS OUT IN GARAGE — Great enthusiasm; missed leg day and Olympia trivia day.
Mr Olympia Quiz Answers (flip your phone if you dare)
Sergio Oliva (Cuba) – 1967
2004 – introduced in Las Vegas, scrapped by 2006
2006
Shawn Rhoden – age 43 in 2018
Ronnie Coleman
BSN (Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition)
2018 (2nd to Shawn Rhoden)
Jay Cutler
Arnold Schwarzenegger (NABBA Universe 1967 & Mr Olympia 1970)
2012 – replaced the 202 lb class (2008–2011)
Danny Hester
2013
Jay Cutler and Arnold Schwarzenegger
2020 Olympia – Big Ramy’s dominant upset (“The Massacre”)
How much longer can the NABBA Universe rely on its history alone?
The NABBA Universe is one of the most historic titles in bodybuilding but, in a rapidly evolving sport, history alone may no longer be enough. Once considered the pinnacle of physique competition, its place in modern bodybuilding is now open to debate.
COMMENT By the Editor
IT WAS once one of two iconic bodybuilding contests. Most of us saw it studded in white lettering behind the reception of Gold's Gym in the film Pumping Iron. On Sunday, November 3, the NABBA Universe will celebrate its 75th Anniversary.
But does it enjoy the same gravitas as it did in its heyday? Or is it dismissed, overlooked and shunned in favour of any one of the many other more modern, glitzy bodybuilding shows?
The NABBA Universe is still a respected competition, but some might argue that it does not hold the same level of influence as it did during its peak years. Those were particularly during the 1950s through the 1970s. Back then, it was one of the few premier global competitions and attracted some of the biggest names in bodybuilding such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno (below) and Frank Zane.
NABBA had been posting for some months about just how great the 75th edition of the Universe was going to be. But when frontdouble.com asked for details of exactly how it was going to be different from previous incarnations, that very detail was scant.
"People will be travelling from all over the world to compete," came the reply from the federation on social media.
Surely, however, people had been doing just that for years in order to compete at the Universe?
"There is going to be a buffet too, to ensure the party continues," the federation added.
So there you have it. People travelling from far and wide to compete and sandwiches and crisps to boot. This for a competition once spoken about in the same breath as the Olympia.
There is a feeling within those associated in some form or another to NABBA that the federation is, for want of a better explanation, stuck in the dark ages.
Have people run out of patience with the NABBA Universe?
Frontdouble.com interviewed Honorary Life President Jim Charles this month. We put it to him that some critics believe NABBA are trailing rival federations in terms of modernisation. That NABBA is not in the same ball park when it comes to promoting itself on social media. Nowhere can people find full results [frontdouble.com has frequently asked NABBA reps to provide these]. And only class winners are ever posted, if indeed any are.
But Charles insisted that NABBA does have a social media presence. He also appeared all too keen to dampen the enthusiasm shown by some of his reps. "Whoever you are dealing with, it's about trying to get their feet to stay on the ground. A lot of them [NABBA officials] are excited about putting their blazer on and being self important," said Charles in our interview this month. "We are going in the right direction. It's like I told the rest of them [NABBA officials], have a bit of patience."
Frontdouble.com understands it is that very patience that is being tested. To take one rival federation as an example; how many competitors will be at this Sunday's Universe versus how many competed at the recent PCA British Finals? Or perhaps any 2Bros regional qualifier?
How many of the class placings at each category on Sunday will be shown on social media throughout the day, keeping NABBA Universe fans – and bodybuilding fans in general – informed of what is going on at their flagship contest?
One change from previous editions of the Universe that might be regarded as a positive is the link with FitX. That federation will be hosting its British Finals at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday. And the Expo – with its carnival feel – will spill over to the Sunday. Anyone from FitX deemed good enough will be invited to compete at Sunday's Universe.
But delve deeper and inconsistencies linger. Historically, the top three competitors from the NABBA England have been "deemed good enough" for Universe qualification. This year, however, that rule appeared to have gone out of the window. Why? Well, no one really knows. And therein lies another problem: Communication.
Frontdouble.com is aware of at least one competitor who was interested in competing at the NABBA Worlds in June. But – again to borrow a rival federation's methodology – unlike at the PCA, where you are officially invited to the worlds if deemed good enough, you almost had to be a detective with the calibre of Sherlock Holmes to discover how to compete in the NABBA version.
The competitor in question told frontdouble.com they made several attempts at contacting a number of high-ranking NABBA officials to query how to compete at the worlds. They were met with silence. Eventually a reply was forthcoming. It simply said: "Speak to one of us after you compete at the Britain."
Hardly joined-up thinking of a federation "moving in the right direction". Maybe the competitor should have been patient...
Re-emergence of NABBA Pro division is a positive
One additional positive perhaps, alongside the Expo, is the re-emergence of the NABBA Pro division. However, it was curious to note how there will be no Masters competitors offered pro cards at the Universe, according to NABBA's own running order sheet. This, despite the fact that a Masters athlete was awarded pro status at the NABBA England.
It is undeniable that the NABBA Universe still holds a respected place within parts of the bodybuilding community. But again, this is simply for its history. It has faced difficulties in having to compete in a landscape dominated by federations with bigger platforms and wider appeal.
Cast your mind back to that reception area in Pumping Iron and that studded white lettering. Alongside the countdown to the Universe was also a countdown to another competition: The Mr Olympia. Look at the trajectory of both competitions. One remains the pinnacle of the sport. One is left open to a debate about whether it has lost its shine.
And without doing something more than offering flags and putting posters in gyms, one wonders how much longer the once-mighty NABBA Universe can last on history alone.
IFBB vs NPC: How Santonja and Manion shaped bodybuilding’s split
From the 2017 split to the fight over the IFBB name, the Santonja–Manion divide continues to shape modern bodybuilding
THIS week, KEVIN GRECH from the website Evolution of Bodybuilding, wrote an informative piece on the current situation regarding the IFBB and the NPC. With his permission, frontdouble.com is republishing his article below:
What Is the Difference Between IFBB and NPC?
The IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) is the global governing body for amateur bodybuilding, while the NPC (National Physique Committee) operates as a private organisation primarily in the United States.
Since the 2017 split, the NPC and IFBB Professional League have operated independently from the IFBB under Rafael Santonja, creating two distinct pathways for athletes pursuing professional status in bodybuilding.
By Kevin Grech
THE International Federation of Bodybuilding, better known as the IFBB, was founded in 1946 – 78 years ago – by two brothers, Joe and Ben Weider.
Joe and Ben dreamed of becoming the top magazine publishers focusing on health and fitness. And became the world’s greatest bodybuilding promoters.
Joe Weider focused on promoting the world’s best bodybuilding events, including the Mr Olympia and focused on the publishing company.
Joe’s brother Ben went on to focus on growing the amateur side of the sport. He travelled all over the world, building relationships and creating national federations. Today there are more than 200 national federations affiliated with the IFBB.
The IFBB has a solid structure, with a president, executive committee and members who vote democratically for every rule or new event.
SPORT'S FINEST: From left, Ben Weider, Ronnie Coleman and Joe Weider
Ben Weider was the president of the IFBB until 2006, when he retired and recommended Dr Rafael Santonja to replace him. At IFBB’s congress in 2006, a vote was taken and Dr Santonja became the new IFBB President, a position he still holds today.
Ben Weider also suggested that Jim Manion remain in charge of the IFBB Professional League – under the banner of the IFBB and Dr Santonja. It is a position he has held since the inception of the IFBB Professional League in 2005.
In 2017 there were significant changes in the sport. First, Manion resolved the NPC from a tax-free amateur organisation to a private company. It is owned by himself and his family. There are questions about whether he allegedly did this in a legal manner, which he denies.
At the 2017 Olympia weekend, Manion announced to Dr Santonja that the NPC and the Pro League were leaving the IFBB and starting their own organisation.
In response, Dr Santonja (below) created a new pro division for the IFBB called the IFBB Elite Pro. This was recently rebranded to the IFBB Pro.
The IFBB also continued to promote the biggest amateur events on the bodybuilding calendar, which include the IFBB European and World Amateur Championships. For the pro athletes, they can compete in numerous pro events that all lead to the IFBB Pro World Championships.
Manion went on to expand the NPC his amateur division and continued to run the IFBB Professional League. This includs the Mr Olympia and other pro events. Manion also has attempted to expand in Europe and other parts of the world, under the name NPC Worldwide. But he has a lot more work to do before he reaches the height of the IFBB.
The NPC and IFBB Professional League are not a federation, but a privately owned business owned by the Manion family. Allegedly, no votes are needed to change any rules.
BODYBUILDING LEGENDS: From left, Joe Weider, Lee Haney and Ben Weider
The fight for power
Before the split in 2017, the NPC and Manion were USA’s affiliates to the IFBB. This allowed amateur athletes to compete at amateur events such as the IFBB World Amateur Championships. Bodybuilding legends such as Lee Haney, Lee Labrada, Bob Paris, Mike Christian and others, represented the USA at these events.
Manion stopped attending the IFBB Congress at the IFBB World Championships. He also stopped sending athletes to represent the USA after 1998. But he continued to be affiliated with the IFBB and Santonja until 2017.
From 1946 till today, IFBB’s international events are a team sport, with athletes representing their country.
According to sources, Manion allegedly never liked to work under the IFBB and Dr Santonja. Allegedly, Manion expected Ben Weider to give him total control of the IFBB amateur and pro division. But Ben Weider had other plans.
Even though Manion was given the power to run the IFBB Professional League, he still had to work under the IFBB and Dr Santonja. As mentioned earlier, this would all come to an end in 2017.
Many experienced people within the NPC could have been the perfect candidate to be vice-president of the NPC and Professional League. But Manion (below) handpicked his grandson, Tyler, to run the show, keeping everything within the family.
The original and real IFBB under Dr Santonja
There are many trademarks and copyrights created with the IFBB name, but there is only one IFBB. That is the one created by Ben Weider. That is the one still growing under the watchful eye of current IFBB President Dr Santonja.
The NPC, NPC Worldwide and IFBB Professional League might still use the name IFBB, but they are not the real IFBB. They are not affiliated with the worldwide federation created by Joe and Ben Weider in 1946.
The IFBB is the only bodybuilding federation in the world recognised by the top sports establishments worldwide. No other federation or private entity comes close.
Manion knows the power of the IFBB name and he and his family will keep using it to promote his events until he eventually switches over to the new names they trademarked. It is only a matter of time before Manion changes his pro organisation from IFBB Professional League to NPC Pro. This would work perfectly with his NPC amateur division.
To make things worse for Manion and his bodybuilding company, Dr Santonja has decided to rebrand their pro division, IFBB Elite Pro, to IFBB Pro. This will be seen by the Manion family that Santonja is starting to tighten his hold on the IFBB name.
History cannot be denied. It is easy to understand where and when the IFBB started and where it is today. While many have important ties to the IFBB, such as Manion, the fact is that Santonja is the only true successor after Ben Weider.
FRONTDOUBLE COMMENT: This month, some UK competitions will be offering athletes the chance to win an IFBB Pro card. Recently, this card, rather than the NPC version, was described to frontdouble.com as a "Skoda v a Rolls Royce". Do you agree with this sentiment? Post your views below.
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