2023 Mr. Olympia Prejudging Analysis: Top 6 Predictions

Breaking Down the 2023 Mr. Olympia Men's Open Prejudging

If you're analyzing the 2023 Mr. Olympia prejudging results, you're likely asking: Who truly stood out in the Men's Open division? After dissecting every callout and physique comparison, I can confirm this was one of the most competitive lineups in recent history. Every athlete arrived in peak conditioning—even unexpected contenders like Hassan Mustafa exceeded expectations. The judges' decisions hinged on millimeter-thin margins, particularly in the explosive top three battle between Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and reigning champ Samson Dauda. Let's unpack why Derek's quad development might be the game-changer this year.

First Callout Analysis: Strengths and Surprises

The initial callout featured Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, Brandon Curry, Hunter Labrada, Hadi Choopan, and Andrew Jacked. What made this grouping remarkable was the universal improvement across the board.

Hunter Labrada delivered his Tampa Pro-level conditioning, achieving his goal of re-entering the first callout. His balanced package lacked nothing, but in this elite lineup, standout traits were essential. Andrew Jacked dominated visually with his imposing structure, though I observed he still needs more mass on his frame to challenge the top three. His conditioning was flawless—a clear evolution from previous shows.

Brandon Curry's performance was arguably his best since 2019. Considering his hospitalization just days before, his quad separation and upper-body fullness were astonishing. Medical setbacks often derail peak conditioning, but Brandon proved his experience in crisis management. This wasn't just a comeback; it was a masterclass in resilience.

Second Callout Standouts and Rising Threats

Michael Krizo, Hassan Mustafa, Regan Grimes, Tonio Burton, and Charles Griffin comprised the fiercely contested second callout. Universal conditioning meant rankings hinged on finer details like muscle maturity and posing precision.

Michael Krizo's mass advantage positioned him as a top-six contender. His back thickness showed clear improvement, though further refinement could elevate him next season. Hassan Mustafa silenced doubters with unexpected conditioning—proof that underdogs can disrupt predictions. Regan Grimes and Tonio Burton both displayed superior shape but need added size for top-tier contention. Their battle highlights how Olympia qualification alone isn't enough; structural density separates contenders from champions.

Charles Griffin's conditioning met expectations but was overshadowed by the lineup's depth. His 10th-place projection illustrates a harsh truth: when everyone brings their A-game, even exceptional physiques get squeezed.

Top 3 Breakdown: Why Derek Lunsford Might Lead

Samson, Derek, and Hadi faced exhaustive comparisons in the final callout. Each had moments center-stage, revealing critical advantages:

• Samson Dauda: Mass and flow remained his trademarks. His improved back thickness and controlled posing reinforced his champion status. Yet, side-by-side with Derek, glute-hamstring separation became a visible gap.

• Hadi Choopan: The chest striations Phil Heath praised during commentary were unreal. Hadi flexed pec-detail even in side shots—a tactic that amplifies muscularity. Crucially, his midsection showed no bloating despite added size, defying concerns about his frame maxing out.

• Derek Lunsford: When Derek hit his first quad sweep in the individual routine, the crowd's eruption was justified. His leg development wasn't just improved; it was category-redefining. Combined with striated glutes, a thicker back, and deliberate posing that showcased every angle, Derek presented the most complete package. His back double bicep? Unmatched.

After reviewing all comparisons, I believe Derek leads after prejudging due to three factors: superior lower-body separation, balanced density across all muscle groups, and strategic posing that highlighted improvements. Hadi follows closely in second, with Samson third due to slight deficits in posterior chain detail.

Your Olympia Analysis Toolkit

Immediate Action Checklist

1. Re-watch Derek’s individual routine focusing on his quad sweep and hamstring tie-ins
2. Compare Hadi’s side chest shots from 2022 to 2023
3. Analyze Samson’s back poses for lat width versus thickness

Trusted Resources

• Book: Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Guide (explains conditioning nuances judges prioritize)
• Tool: Bodybuilding.com’s Olympia Coverage (HD comparisons for frame-by-frame analysis)
• Community: r/bodybuilding on Reddit (real-time discussions with seasoned competitors)

I recommend these because they offer layered insights—from technical judging criteria to crowd-sourced observations that reveal subtle details you might miss.

Final Predictions and Your Turn

Based on prejudging, my projected top six are:

1. Derek Lunsford
2. Hadi Choopan
3. Samson Dauda
4. Brandon Curry
5. Andrew Jacked
6. Hunter Labrada

The real question is: Which athlete’s improvement surprised you most? Share your analysis in the comments—I’ll respond to the most insightful observations. Remember, finals can reshuffle everything, but today, Derek’s structural enhancements set a new benchmark.