Who Was The Greatest Bodybuilder?

The rest—Larry Scott, Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, and Big Ramy—have won numerous times. Both Haney and Coleman hold the record with eight each. With so many guys owning multiple wins, it's tough to say who was the greatest bodybuilder?

The Evolution of Mr. Olympia Champions

The first Mr. Olympia contest was held on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. In an effort to enable Mr. Universe winners to continue competing and also earn money, Joe Weider founded the Mr. Olympia as bodybuilding’s first professional (paid) event.

The first Mr. Olympia champion was Larry Scott, who would go on to repeat the following year. Larry was the first bodybuilding superstar. He brought size and condition that had not been seen before. But, more importantly, his unique aura, personality, and charisma helped launch a new professional sport.

For the next three years, the title was owned by Sergio Oliva. Maybe the only bodybuilder who was more naturally adept at being Mr. Olympia than any other because it is well-documented that he didn’t have to diet and work at the same level as mere mortals.

Sergio and Lee Haney were perhaps the two most genetically gifted bodybuilders of all time. But who was the greatest bodybuilder? Some would argue Sergio Oliva set the gold standard.

Then came Arnold Schwarzenegger. He changed the sport even more dramatically than Larry had. He had perfect symmetry and an incredible shape that flowed in both directions from his tiny waist. He was intense and charismatic in his own unique way, and he would go on to win seven titles between 1970 and 1980. Many still argue today: Who was the greatest bodybuilder? Was it Arnold?

The Dominance of Modern Bodybuilding Legends

Franco Columbu won two titles in 1976 and 1981, Frank Zane ruled from 1977–1979, then we entered the 80s—a time many believe was the most competitive era in professional bodybuilding. Lee Haney set new standards of size and shape, combined with spectacular condition, making him nearly unbeatable for eight straight years.

I came up against Haney in 1985, 86, 87, and 88. I pushed him as hard as I could and was his bridesmaid three years in a row. I thought maybe I had him in 1988. I had support on that from a number of experts, including Lee himself. But, in the end, the Sandow stayed at his house. His combination of ripped muscle and size was incredible. To beat the champion, you have to knock him out—and that wasn’t happening. He was just too good.

I didn’t think anyone could approach Haney's record. But then came Dorian Yates, who won six straight before retiring, followed by the next great champion, Ronnie Coleman, who matched Lee’s eight straight victories. Jay Cutler then won four, followed by Phil Heath, who nearly matched Lee and Ronnie with seven straight wins. Big Ramy, the current Mr. O, is preparing to defend his title for the third time.

With so many dominant champions, who was the greatest bodybuilder? Was it the mass monsters like Ronnie Coleman, or was it the aesthetic legends like Arnold? The debate continues.

The Never-Ending Debate: Who Was the Greatest Bodybuilder?

As technology, supplementation, and overall knowledge grew, so did the champions. Each decade saw dramatic jumps in both size and definition. Ronnie Coleman competed at 270 pounds with the kind of definition you would never have seen on a bodybuilder with that much size twenty years earlier. Then Jay Cutler entered the scene, winning four titles at 290 pounds. Now, Big Ramy competes at over 300 pounds!

So many great competitors, so many undeniable champions. But who was best? Who was the greatest bodybuilder? As any sports fan knows, it’s tough to compare players from different eras. Babe Ruth or Barry Bonds? Johnny Unitas or Peyton Manning? Jessie Owens or Carl Lewis? Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant? The debates could go on forever.

Boyer Coe once said that Sergio Oliva had the most impressive performance ever in 1971—and he didn’t even win. But I’d have to say the top three are Arnold, Lee, and Ronnie. If I had to pick, I’d say Lee Haney was the greatest bodybuilder because I think his eight straight wins were accomplished against the most intense competition. Shawn Ray agrees with me.

 Lou Ferrigno, who might have won a couple of titles if he hadn’t gone into acting, says you could flip a coin between Arnold and Ronnie.

Then there’s Big Ramy, who some believe could be Mr. Olympia for as long as he wants to be. So I know not everyone agrees with me, and there are so many variables and hypotheticals that any discussion of who was the greatest bodybuilder? could go on forever.

The Legacy of the Greatest Bodybuilders

Such debates, while clearly never definitive, can be extremely motivating. Even for me, I think back to 1988 when things could have gone my way instead of Lee's, and I'd have at least one Sandow on my mantle. The thirst to be the best never ebbs.

Even though the best of all bodybuilders is an incredibly tight group, they stand as a testament to what true greatness looks like. They send a powerful message to every guy throwing down in the gym every day—Who was the greatest bodybuilder? That answer might be debated forever, but what’s undeniable is that striving to be the best is what truly matters.

The top is way up there. And any ascent anywhere near the top is going to be quite a climb. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Because the greats are so high up there, anyone along the way is going to be pretty damn impressive—including you!