Icons of Muscle: The Most Famous Bodybuilders in History
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Who Are the Most Famous Bodybuilders of All Time?
Bodybuilding has evolved significantly over the past century, showcasing many legendary figures. Eugen Sandow, often called the father of modern bodybuilding, was a pioneer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 1950s and 60s saw icons like Steve Reeves and Reg Park, with Sergio Oliva dominating the late 60s. The 1970s, known as the golden era, featured stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Frank Zane. The 1980s were dominated by Lee Haney's record eight Mr. Olympia wins. The 1990s and 2000s, considered the true golden era by many, featured legends like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, who collectively won 14 Mr. Olympia titles. Jay Cutler followed, winning four titles. The modern era from 2010 onwards saw Phil Heath, known for his 3D muscle effect, win seven consecutive titles. Despite controversies, modern bodybuilding boasts talents like Dexter Jackson, Shawn Rhoden, and Big Ramy, keeping the sport exciting and evolving.
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Early Days
Since its origins a little over a hundred years ago, there have been many bodybuilding greats who have shown the world their unfathomable development. Here are some of the most prominent figures in the sport of bodybuilding, categorized chronologically.
Eugen Sandow was the most notable bodybuilder in the late 19th century and early 20th century. He showcased incredible strength and impressive muscular development that the world had never seen. Dubbed the father of modern bodybuilding, Sandow is a symbol and totem in bodybuilding. The "Sandow" trophy, modelled after Eugen, is awarded to the winner of the most prestigious bodybuilding competition, Mr.Olympia.
1950s-60s
In the 1950s and the 60s, Steeve Reeves and Reg Park were the most famous and successful bodybuilders. The former is often regarded as the most aesthetic bodybuilder of all time and went on to become a well-known actor. The latter was a forerunner in muscular size and the biggest inspiration to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In the late 1960s, Sergio Oliva won three Mr.Olympias in a row and displayed a physique that transcended his time. Referred to as "The Myth," Oliva is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, known for his V-taper, huge arms, and tiny waist. He is also often regarded as the man with the best genetics ever.
1970s
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an icon not only in bodybuilding but also in acting and politics. Widely regarded as the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Schwarzenegger won seven Mr.Olympias, only ever defeated by Sergio Oliva. With his unrivalled arm development and perhaps the best posing ever, Schwarzenegger popularized the sport of bodybuilding and inspired numerous others to pursue weight training and bodybuilding.
The 1970s, referred to as the golden era of bodybuilding, was filled with extraordinary talents such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Serge Nubret, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Tom Platz, and Mike Mentzer, who had a lasting legacy until today.
1980s
Lee Haney dominated the 1980s, winning a record of 8 Mr.Olympias. Haney had a broad back and was the last Mr.Olympia who could do a stomach vacuum.
1990s-2000s
In the 1990s, bodybuilding reached its absolute peak with muscular, conditioned, and aesthetic physiques. Many would refer to this era as the true golden era. Multiple icons defined the true art of bodybuilding, notably Kevin Levrone, Shawn Ray, and Flex Wheeler, who had distinct and incredibly developed physiques. However, two people denied the dreams of many other bodybuilders who wanted to obtain the elusive Mr.Olympia trophy. These two bodybuilders are Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, who collectively won 14 Mr.Olympia competitions and dominated bodybuilding for over a decade.
Yates and Coleman had the best back development in bodybuilding history, which is practically unanimously acknowledged in the community. Dubbed "The Shadow," Dorian Yates pioneered size and pushed bodybuilding into the mass monster era. His back seemed to block out the sun when he flared his lats out. He would train in the dark with little media exposure, swoop into the Mr.Olympia competition, and claim another victory, only to return to darkness again, training for his next victory.
Ronnie Coleman, on the other hand, was an enthusiastic and friendly guy. Starting out as a powerlifter, Coleman's potential was immense, and he was introduced to bodybuilding with nothing to expect but a free gym membership. However, after years of extreme training that no one could match, Coleman began his reign as Mr.Olympia, a title he held for eight straight years, tying Lee Haney's record. He had an insane arm, shoulder, chest, back, glutes, and leg development coupled with overwhelming size and conditioning that kept him unbeatable in his prime. For his development, people would nickname him "The King," the greatest bodybuilder of all time, along with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Jay Cutler dethroned Ronnie Coleman in 2006 and won four Mr.Olympia titles. He is very well-balanced with virtually no glaring weakness. His high volume and carb approach to bodybuilding were very effective as they made Cutler keep up with Ronnie Coleman until he finally defeated the latter. The quad stomp shown below is forever cemented as one of the greatest bodybuilding moments ever.
2010s-Now
After Phil Heath defeated Jay Cutler at the turn of the 2010s, bodybuilding entered the modern era, which lasted until today. Heath is known for his 3D effect on his muscles that just pop out at you. His arms, delts, back, and legs were a cut above the rest, which led him to claim 7 consecutive Mr.Olypia titles. Nicknamed "The Gift," Heath is truly a genetic phenom.
The modern bodybuilding era has had many controversies and criticisms regarding the quality of the competitors' physiques and the competition. Nevertheless, many notable talents and those who are still shining bright on stage left a mark in the sport. Bodybuilders like Dexter Jackson, Shawn Rhoden, Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopan, and Derek Lunsford are incredible bodybuilders who have all won the Mr.Olympia.
As new talents are emerging every so often, bodybuilding is just as exciting as ever. Let us admire the greats from the past and anticipate the future!
