Sasan Heirati wins FIBO 2026: “We’re going back to the Olympia”
Sasan Heirati secured early Mr Olympia qualification with victory at FIBO 2026, declaring ‘it feels unreal’ after his first-place finish in Germany
By Gary Chappell
SASAN HEIRATI has qualified for the Mr Olympia after winning the 2026 FIBO Pro in Germany – securing his place on bodybuilding’s biggest stage far earlier than last season.
Heirati, who qualified for the Olympia in 2025 following a string of strong performances, returned to FIBO this weekend and went one better than last year’s runner-up finish. This time, he took the title.
Footage emerging from the event described the performance as an “absolutely lights-out showing”, as the Briton delivered what many are already calling his best package to date.
A step forward from 2025
Twelve months ago, Heirati pushed hard but fell just short at FIBO, finishing second. That result formed part of a run that ultimately saw him qualify for the Mr Olympia later in the season.
Now, there is no waiting. No chasing. No near misses. Just qualification, secured in April.
Writing on social media, Heirati said: "We’re going BACK to the OLYMPIA!! First place at FIBO Germany last night and it feels unreal."
Heirati’s rise has been built on steady improvements in condition and presentation, but this showing felt different.
Where previous contests saw him edged out, this time the overall package, size, condition and shape, appeared to land decisively in his favour.
And with qualification already secured, the focus now shifts entirely to refinement.
Olympia focus begins now
At 39, Heirati has previously suggested his competitive window may be limited. That makes moments like this count even more.
Instead of chasing qualification deep into the season, he now has time – time to improve, time to dial in and time to bring his best possible version to the Olympia stage.
For UK bodybuilding, Heirati’s win adds further strength to an already growing presence at the top level.
With Samson Dauda already established among the elite, Heirati’s continued progression ensures Britain remains firmly in the conversation.
Samson Dauda: From UK beginner to Mr Olympia champion
Long-time friend Chris Jones pays tribute as 2024 Mr Olympia marks a milestone birthday
By Gary Chappell
Samson Dauda is one of the biggest names in modern bodybuilding – and his rise to Mr Olympia champion has been years in the making.
He turned 40 on March 11 2026 in a milestone that feels almost surreal for those who remember the early days of his bodybuilding journey.
Because long before the Olympia title in 2024, the Arnold Classic victory and guest appearances around the world, Dauda was simply a young man walking into a UK gym with a modest ambition.
Early beginnings
As long-time friend and former NABBA Mr Universe Chris Jones recalls, when they first met back in 2009, Dauda’s goal was not world domination. It was something far simpler.
“I just want to get a bit bigger and put on a bit of muscle,” Dauda had said humbly back then.
Few sentences in bodybuilding history have aged quite like that one.
Samson Dauda at 40
Jones, who helped Dauda begin his journey during those early years and who has stayed close ever since, paid tribute to the champion in a heartfelt message marking his friend’s birthday.
“Happy 40th Birthday to my good friend Samson Dauda – the most humble and greatest champion I have ever had the privilege to know,” wrote Jones on his instagram account.
“It seems crazy to see just how far you have come ever since we first met back in 2009 at my old gym and you said those famous words – 'I just want to get a bit bigger and put on a bit of muscle'. Well you have certainly done that and then some.
“We have shared so many special moments through the years, through all the training sessions, the competitions on the amateur circuit, the contest preps, the triumphs and also the disappointments, which have all cemented our friendship.
“I cannot tell you just how proud I am of you and all that you have achieved and how you continue to be such a great ambassador for this sport.”
The long road to the top
Dauda’s rise did not happen overnight. Like many of Britain’s best bodybuilders, his career was built through years of amateur competition, incremental progress and relentless training long before the global spotlight arrived.
He eventually earned his IFBB Pro League status in 2017, winning the overall title at the Diamond Cup in Rome. After that, he steadily climbed the ranks of professional bodybuilding, winning the Arnold Classic in 2023 and becoming known for his immense structure, flowing muscle bellies and stage presence.
But the biggest chapter of the story came in recent years.
After pushing competitors close on the international stage, Dauda ultimately reached bodybuilding’s summit when he won the Mr Olympia title in 2024, becoming only the second British bodybuilder to win that crown.
For Dauda himself, the moment carried a deeply personal significance. In an article on Frontdouble following the victory, he described the achievement in simple terms: “This is a dream come true.”
For those who have known Dauda longest, however, the most remarkable thing about his journey is not the trophies.
It is that, by most accounts, the man himself has changed very little.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, he continues to be widely regarded as one of the most approachable and grounded figures in the sport.
Jones’ birthday tribute reflects that sentiment, describing not just a champion, but a friend.
“Here is to you my friend, your legacy and your future and your happiness. I wish you a very happy birthday indeed.”
At 40 years old, Dauda now hopes to bring his best package yet to this year's Mr Olympia, with recent social media posts and guest spots showing that the mass absent from last year's competition is well and truly back.
And if his career so far has shown anything, it is that the journey which began with a simple desire to “put on a bit of muscle” has become something far bigger than anyone in that gym back in 2009 could have imagined.
Samson Dauda: ‘I paid the price for not being bigger’ after Mr Olympia loss
Former Mr Olympia Samson Dauda admits chasing condition cost him size as he finished fourth in 2025 behind Derek Lunsford
By Gary Chappell
SAMSON DAUDA says losing his Mr Olympia title "hurts" as he admitted chasing condition saw him sacrifice too much size.
Dauda, winner in 2024, was awarded fourth place at the Olympia contest in Las Vegas, USA. Derek Lunsford was announced the winner, reclaiming the title he first won in 2023.
Standing alongside Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, who finished second, and third-placed Andrew Jacked, Dauda appeared somehow slimmer than last year – if that is possible at a weight of about 280lbs plus.
But writing on social media afterwards, the Briton said: "Sometimes doing everything right still doesn’t give you the result you hoped for.
"We came in fourth this year at the Olympia. I won’t lie, it hurts. I listened, adjusted and brought the best version of myself to the stage… leaner, sharper and in the best condition of my life.
"But in chasing perfection, I paid the price for not being the bigger version."
Dauda's setback, however, has made the "fire burn even brighter" – which means it is definitely game on in 2026.
He said: "Still, I hold my head high. Because what we [coach and wife Marlenka] achieved was something special. The journey, the growth, the resilience… that’s what defines a true athlete.
"Massive congratulations to Derek on winning his second title and to all the incredible competitors who brought their absolute best this weekend. Sharing the stage with you all is an honour every single time.
"This isn’t the end, it’s a chapter. The fire burns even brighter now.
"Thank you all for the love, support and belief. We’ll be back. And we’ll make sure I'll be better and stronger."
Sasan Heirati, also from the UK, finished joint 16th, effectively out of the placings, on his Olympia debut, while Britain's Ryan Terry successfully defended his Men's Physique Olympia title, winning for a third consecutive time.
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”)
Sasan Heirati Vows to qualify for Mr Olympia after second at FIBO
Briton Sasan Heirati promises to reach the Mr Olympia after pushing Andrew Jacked close at FIBO with his best physique to date
By Gary Chappell
SASAN HEIRATI has vowed that he "will qualify for the Mr Olympia this year" after finishing second at FIBO in Germany.
With what many perceive was his best look to date, Heirati pushed eventual winner Andrew Jacked to the limit. It was Heirati's second successive runner-up placing, after he also finished second at the Detroit Pro, missing out to William Bonac.
Writing on social media, Heirati said: "I WILL keep going, I WILL keep improving,and I WILL get to the Mr Olympia THIS year.
"I may not have won FIBO, but I won in many other ways. And I’ve never been more driven to keep climbing. Thank you EVERYONE for the endless support, comments and messages, I’m extremely grateful, I’m going to do my best to get back to you all. But for now it’s time to fly home to my amazing family."
The support for Heirati was not in short supply. Reigning Mr Olympia and fellow Brit Samson Dauda said: "Great job brother. Had no doubt you were going to kill it."
Renowned coach and former IFBB Pro Milos Sarcev added: "You earned LOVE and RESPECT from all of us. Keep going. Keep climbing."
While Jacked was clearly the bigger man, Heirati's condition was second to none, particularly his quads. Heirati's shape and aesthetics were also superior to the winner.
In a recent podcast, Heirati hinted that this run could be his last and that he could retire within two years.
He told the Think Big Bodybuilding podcast: "I'm 39 now. And I have seen some aging in certain body parts and some aches and pains. But as a whole, after speaking to Chris [coach, Chris Aceto], I'm at my best, definitely. So for the foreseeable I'm going to try and keep going. Not for too long, because I want to be around for my kids. So I reckon I'll give it the next year or two."
SAMSON DAUDA WINS MR OLYMPIA: "This is a dream come true
From rugby player to best bodybuilder on the planet – the rise of Britain's finest
SAMSON DAUDA says being crowned Mr Olympia is a "dream come true" and has revealed competing in France two weeks ago gave him the perfect information to dial in his condition.
Dauda became only the second Briton since Dorian Yates to win the coveted Mr Olympia title, when dethroning Derek Lunsford in Las Vegas on Saturday night. He also beat 2022 champion Hadi Choopan and 2019 winner Brandon Curry.
Dauda said: "This is a dream come true. This is unreal. This has just been amazing. We knew we were trying to bring something special this year and we knew we could do it. And to have it come to play and happen like this, I couldn't ask for better.
"It feels crazy, it feels [like I'm] over the moon. It feels like all that work all year, putting through everything, to stand on that stage and say 'we did it, against all [the odds], we did it'. There is nothing better."
Dauda received criticism in some corners for his decision to compete at the France Pro just two weeks out from the Olympia. But his surprise move paid dividends because he was given feedback from judges which made him knuckle down even more.
He said: "We really pushed things down because we got the feedback from the judges in France. We knew we had to dig deeper because I knew exactly what they wanted to see. The last two weeks I was doing an hour and a half cardio every day.
"Are you trying to starve me to death?"
"My wife [Marlena Gustowska his coach] was cutting my food so fast I was like 'are you trying to starve me to death'? She really pushed me down and she really wanted to me to shock the world. I don't even know how that happened but she said, 'trust me, you don't lose muscle. You're going to suffer. Even though you're going to hate me for it, trust me, you're going to thank me for it at the end'. Now we know we can achieve this look, I know how far I have to push things."
Speaking to the many fans gathered in Las Vegas, Dauda added: "For all the support you guys [fans] have given me, all your messages, all your love, I want to say thank you so much for everything. It has meant the world to me. We have been through a lot this year and you all stuck by me and I'm truly thankful."
Samson Dauda: From Rugby Player to Mr Olympia
Dauda has taken the bodybuilding world by storm, rising from relative obscurity to become Mr Olympia. However, his path to success was not always rooted in bodybuilding. His journey began on the rugby field, playing first on the wing before moving to outside centre. This is where he built the foundation of his remarkable physique and developed the discipline that would later propel him to greatness on the bodybuilding stage.
During a previous interview, Dauda said: “I was playing rugby for the town I was living in at the time and the guys I was in the changing room with would say, ‘wow, you have a great physique. Have you ever thought about competing'? “I was like, ‘what are you talking about'?"
Dauda spoke to local gym owner Chris Jones – a former NABBA Pro and now NABBA judge. Then he saw the 2013 Mr Olympia contest, which was won by Phil Heath.
“I was just blown away by it. I was like oh my God,” said Dauda at the time. “It just kind of caught me at that point and I was like ‘OK, you know what? I want to do this'."
Jones continues to be a close friend to this day and wrote a glowing tribute on social media: "Well, how do I even begin to put into words just how proud I am right now about Samson Dauda becoming the very best bodybuilder on the planet and becoming the 19th man in history to win the Mr Olympia?
There was something very special about Samson
"Right from the very beginning, it was obvious there was something very special about Samson. He used to work with my wife in 2009 at Basildon Hospital. A simple conversation about going to the gym and Samson wanting to get “a bit bigger”, led to my wife giving Samson my phone number. A few days later, he called me and arranged to come and see me at the gym.
"He walked in weighing about 150 pounds and I gave him a training plan and a diet plan and off he went happy with what we'd discussed.
"Around six months later, he came back to see me – and had gained around 15 pounds of pure muscle. It was blatantly apparent that Samson had a great ability to grow muscle even back then.
ON THE RIGHT PATH: Samson Dauda and close friend and early mentor Chris Jones (left)
"Fast forward a few years and we had so many adventures and experiences together. And with the persuasion of his wife Marlena, he agreed to do his first bodybuilding show. All the years of competing, going to regional qualifiers, British championships together and trying to make a mark. It was clear that Samson was destined for greatness.
"Through all the success, Samson is still the same humble, down-to-earth guy that he has always been and has always remained true and loyal to his friends.
"I will close this by saying that I am truly humbled and privileged to say that my mate Samson Dauda is now THE best bodybuilder on the planet. A nd he still comes down our gym [Evolve Fitness in Essex] to chat with us lads and eat and train. Well done Samson and Marlena."
Despite several accounts profiling his competition history, Dauda actually competed with at the IBFA Hampshire in 2013, winning his class and the overall.
“It just felt so natural to be on there, you know,” said Dauda. “One of the promoters came to me and said, ‘I think you can win this class [the overall]’. I was like ‘are you out of your mind’?”
Fast forward 11 years and Dauda is the best bodybuilder on the planet. Mr Olympia.
Early Struggles and Breakthroughs
Dauda’s entry into the competitive bodybuilding scene was not easy. He faced many of the challenges that come with starting a new sport – learning how to pose, understanding nutrition and perfecting his stage presence. His initial competitions were met with mixed results. But Dauda persisted, knowing that he had the potential to rise to the top.
It was not until he started learning the intricacies of professional bodybuilding that Dauda’s career began to take off. His physique, known for its symmetry, size and definition, started to catch the attention of judges and fans alike.
In 2021, Dauda had his breakthrough year, placing highly in several major competitions, including the Arnold Classic and IFBB Pro League shows. His combination of mass, aesthetics and an impressive posing routine set him apart from the competition.
The Road to Mr Olympia
By 2022, Dauda had solidified himself as a legitimate contender for the Mr. Olympia title. His transformation from a rugby player to a world-class bodybuilder is a testament to his work ethic and determination. His Nigerian heritage, combined with his British upbringing, gave him a unique identity and perspective in the sport.
Dauda’s rise to prominence is an inspirational story of resilience, discipline and ambition. And now he and wife Marlena know what he needs to do to dial in that Mr Olympia condition. So the question now is: Just how many can he win?
Dauda might well be known as the Nigerian Lion but right now there is no doubt he is Britain's best.
Leave a Reply