It’s been almost a month since the bodybuilding’s most prestigious event, Mr. Olympia, concluded in Orlando, Florida. However, even though the athletes have returned to their regular lives, the debate on who should have won is still circulating on the internet. When Derek Lunsford was declared the new champion in the Men’s Open Division, it sparked a controversy that hasn’t ended to this day. Fans had a mixed reaction to Lunsford’s triumph; some were excited, while others were outraged by the announcement.

Most people expected Hadi Choopan would defend his title because he had the size and physique. To their shock, the host announced, ‘The new champion is Derek Lunsford’. Right after this, The Persian Wolf abruptly walked away from the stage while removing his medal. Although many individuals criticized his actions, a few supported him.

The controversy over Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford’s placing

Additionally, the conversation about the winner of Olympia 2023 has been taking place again on social media. Recently, IFBB Pro coach Milos Sarcev shared a snippet of his interview. However, a conversation was heated up between the Serbian bodybuilder and former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout.

The conversation was so passionate between the bodybuilding veterans. Bannout expressed his point by saying “It’s all about quality.” former Mr. O said that if he didn’t possess that quality, he wouldn’t have won in 1983. While explaining his point he mentioned the bronze Medalist Samson Dauda, claiming that he had the physique to win the Olympia but was lacking conditioning. He emphasized that it is essential for a bodybuilder to have the balance of a well-structured and conditioned body, “Conditioning is important.”

READ MORE: Serbian Coach Attributes Hadi Choopan’s “Hearing Problem” Behind His Storming Off Mr. Olympia Stage, but Others Don’t Buy It

Despite being the coach of the Nigerian Lion, he defended Choopan, questioning if Choopan was truly “sliced and diced.” He further stated, “If it’s a condition contest Hadi Choopan won in 2019, 2021, and this year, too,” in conditioning. Sarcev argued that judges might debate about back muscles, biceps, and glutes. But seriously, “it’s mainly about side and glutes.” Nonetheless, an argument over these athletes is not limited to the former bodybuilders; it has taken place on the internet where fans come forward and support their favorite.

The mixed reactions of netizens

The majority of people believed that Choopan got robbed, “If a guy has the size but not the condition he shouldn’t win the O but if one guy brings both packages then he should win this thing apart from the other guys. Hadi got robbed that’s it.” And“Every bodybuilder I asked even Samson supporter here in England say Hadi won me too.”The winner was Hadi. the absolute real champions.”

Others supported Bannount’s opinion, “Milos. Samir kinda had some great points. I saw the whole debate. No disrespect!,” “Bodybuilding it’s to bring the whole package, but to say that conditioning is not important? I think conditioning, size, and symmetry should be considered… but not size the number one.” “Hadi should have won. But Derek’s back double bicep is one of the best of all time.”

Who do you support Hadi Choopan or Derek Lunsford? Let us know in the comments below.

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