Bodybuilding history was made on Saturday, October 12, 2024 when Samson Dauda stood center stage as the 19th man to win bodybuilding’s biggest title—the Mr. Olympia. Dauda was one of 15 Men’s Open competitors posing down in Resorts World Theater in Las Vegas as the main event of the 2024 Joe Weider Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend, and his win capped a historic weekend in the sport of bodybuilding.
Dauda has etched his name into immortality in more ways than one. Aside from being the 19th champion in the contest’s 60-year history, he is also the first Nigerian champion ever. He is also the third non-American to hold the title since 2019. The other two are Choopan and two-time winner Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Dauda also holds the second Golden Sandow, in recognition of the 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia. The first was given to Phil Heath, who won the 50th edition of the competition.
The new champion also earned the single biggest purse in bodybuilding history. Prior to the announcement, Olympia owner Jake Wood came onto the stage and announced that he was awarding $600,000 to the winner. No competitor had ever received more than $400,000 for a single-contest win. The 2025 Arnold Classic was set to be the new benchmark with $500,000 before Wood’s announcement,
Rounding out the top five were fourth-place finisher Martin Fitzwater, who was making his Olympia debut, and Andrew Jacked in fifth place.
Dauda has now qualified for the Olympia for life. After his name was announced, he was overcome with emotion, receiving several hugs and congratulations from his fellow competitors. Prior to this weekend, he had never finished higher than third place.
To catch up on all the action from the 2024 Olympia, go to www,mrolympia.com, or check out the rest of our coverage here on Muscle & Fitness.
