Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda, representing the United Kingdom, has clinched the title of Mr. Olympia 2024 in the Men’s Open Division. The landmark victory marks him as the 19th champion in the competition’s six-decade history and the first of Nigerian origin to claim the prestigious honor.
Dauda’s win comes with an unprecedented $600,000 prize, a significant increase from the previous year’s $400,000. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Mr. Olympia, Dauda also received a special 24-karat gold-plated Sandow trophy, adding extra luster to his remarkable achievement.
The 32-year-old bodybuilder’s journey to the top spot has been nothing short of impressive. After placing sixth in 2022 and climbing to third in 2023, Dauda’s determination and hard work finally paid off with the top spot in 2024. He attributes his success not only as a result of his dedication but also to the unwavering support of his wife and coach, Marlenka, a fitness athlete herself. Fans of Dauda’s popular YouTube channel often credit Marlenka as a key factor in his continued improvement.
Samson Dauda: Nigerian-Born Bodybuilder Wins Mr. Olympia for the UK – All Photo Credit goes to Christian Haines, BattleUpMedia for the @mrolympiallc @npcnewsonlineofficialpage @ifbb_pro_league
African Excellence on Display
Dauda’s victory also highlights the growing impact of African-born athletes in professional bodybuilding with a few of them in the competition. Fellow competitor William Bonac, born in Ghana and representing the Netherlands, secured seventh place and was among the first to congratulate Dauda, sharing an embrace on stage during the award ceremony.
Another standout performer was Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, professionally known as Andrew Jacked. The Nigerian-born athlete, representing the United Arab Emirates, matched his 2023 performance with a fifth-place finish, further underscoring the strength of African talent in the sport.
Top 5 Results
- Samson Dauda (UK/Nigeria) – $600,000
- Hadi Choopan (Iran) – $250,000 (2022 winner)
- Derek Lunsford (USA) (2023 winner)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- Chinedu Andrew Jacked Obiekea (UAE/Nigeria)
Who is Samson Dauda: Mr. Olympia 2024
Born on March 11, 1992, Dauda embarked on his bodybuilding journey in 2014. His meteoric rise in the sport includes a previous victory at the Arnold Classic. This Mr. Olympia win not only marks a personal milestone but also represents a significant moment for African athletes on the global bodybuilding stage.
Founded in 1965 by Joe Weider, Mr. Olympia has long been considered the most prestigious event in professional bodybuilding. The 60th edition, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased the world’s most muscular men and women competing across various categories.
To mark this special anniversary, the organizers increased the prize money and presented the winner with a unique 24-karat gold-plated trophy, adding to the significance of Dauda’s victory.
Dauda’s triumph no doubt will inspire a new generation of bodybuilders, particularly from on the continent and around the world. As he continues his career, the bodybuilding community eagerly anticipates his future contributions to the sport and his potential to defend his title in the coming years.
