The “People’s Champ” At the Olympia: Is This Good or Bad?
When the Mr. Olympia contest first announced it would crown a “People’s Champ” in 2018, the bodybuilding world was buzzing. For the first time, fans would have a direct voice in the outcome of the industry’s Super Bowl.
As a certified strength coach and sports nutritionist who has written for over 100 magazines, I’ve seen firsthand how bridging the gap between the judges’ scorecards and the audience’s passion is crucial for the sport’s growth. The introduction of this award was a major step in that direction.
This guide explores the evolution of the People’s Champ award, examining its impact with real-world examples from past Olympia competitions. We will look at both the good and the bad to help you decide if it’s a win for bodybuilding.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The People’s Champ award was introduced in 2018 to increase fan engagement and give the audience a voice in the Mr. Olympia competition.
- The award celebrates fan-favorite physiques, which may differ from the official judges’ placings, leading to both excitement and controversy.
- Winners of the award have included popular competitors like Roelly Winklaar, Hadi Choopan, and Derek Lunsford, who sometimes also win the main Mr. Olympia title.
- The primary benefit is increased spectator interaction, while the main drawback is the potential to create confusion or disrespect for the official Mr. Olympia winner.
Is It Good or Bad Having a “People’s Champ” at the Olympia?
Let’s break down the arguments for and against the People’s Champ award, using what we’ve learned since its inception.
The Good
Fan interaction is the lifeblood of any sport. Giving spectators a real stake in the event transforms them from passive observers into active participants. Who wouldn’t want to vote for their favorite bodybuilder?
The system gives fans a tangible way to show support. During the Olympia weekend, attendees are often given a way to vote via mobile device, making the process immediate and exciting. This level of engagement is something my clients and I have discussed for years, and it’s great to see it implemented on the biggest stage.
This award also provides recognition and often a significant cash prize for a competitor who resonates with the crowd. The first-ever People’s Champ in 2018 was Roelly Winklaar, a mass monster known for his incredible size who placed third in the main competition. More recently, Samson Dauda won the People’s Champ award at the 2024 Olympia. These wins celebrate physiques that capture the audience’s imagination, even if they don’t meet the precise criteria of the judges on that day.
From a competitor’s perspective, it’s another prestigious title and another paycheck. With prize money for the main Mr. Olympia title reaching $600,000, supplemental awards are a welcome addition. No athlete on that stage is going to turn down extra money and a title voted on by the fans who follow their careers.
The Bad
Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin. The central conflict of the People’s Champ award is simple: what happens when the fans and the judges disagree? This isn’t a hypothetical, it happens frequently.
There can only be one Mr. Olympia. Creating a second “champion” on the same night can dilute the prestige of the main title. Imagine the confusion when two different athletes are celebrated as winners. This exact scenario has played out multiple times, sparking debates across social media and forums for weeks after the show.
For the official winner, it can feel like a slight. You’ve just won the most coveted title in bodybuilding, yet the fan vote suggests you weren’t the crowd favorite. Is bodybuilding about achieving the perfect physique according to judging criteria, or is it a popularity contest? This award blurs that line. It raises questions about whether a competitor’s social media following has more influence than their on-stage conditioning.
This can also create tension. For example, Hadi Choopan, a consistent fan favorite and the 2022 Mr. Olympia winner, has been at the center of judging controversies. When the fans choose one person and the judges another, it can lead to accusations of unfairness and disrespect toward the official champion.
The core issue remains: does a fan vote undermine the expertise of the judging panel? Or does it provide a necessary reality check that keeps the sport connected to its audience?
I see people voting for their favorite bodybuilder, not necessarily the best physique on that specific day. Fans often want to see a new champion, whether it’s a veteran like Ramy or a returning legend like Kai Greene was rumored to be. This emotional investment is fantastic for engagement but can conflict with the objective scoring of the sport.
Ultimately, the People’s Champ award is a double-edged sword. It has successfully boosted fan engagement but also introduced a recurring source of debate. It forces us to ask what we value more: the precise, technical judgment of the experts or the passionate voice of the crowd. As the sport evolves, finding the right balance will be key.
People’s Champ FAQs
Who won the first-ever People’s Champ award at the Olympia?
Roelly Winklaar won the inaugural People’s Champ award in 2018. He was a massive crowd favorite and placed third overall in the Mr. Olympia competition that year.
Can the same person win both Mr. Olympia and the People’s Champ?
Yes, it is possible and has happened. In 2023, Derek Lunsford won both the official Mr. Olympia title and the People’s Champ award, cementing his victory in the eyes of both the judges and the fans.
How much prize money does the People’s Champ win?
The prize money for the People’s Champ can vary. While specific figures for the award are not always disclosed separately, the overall prize money at the Olympia is substantial. For instance, the Men’s Physique winner takes home $50,000, while the overall Mr. Olympia winner can earn as much as $600,000.
How do fans vote for the People’s Champ?
Typically, fans attending the Mr. Olympia event are given access to a voting system via a mobile device or a specific code. This allows for real-time voting during the prejudging and finals, making the audience a direct part of the action.
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