Keone Pearson Shatters Shaun Clarida’s 3rd Mr. Olympia Dream, Takes Home Whooping $50,000

The Mr. Olympia 2023 has a new winner in the 212 Category. The Finals of the 212 division just wrapped up, and the reigning Mr. Olympia Shaun Clarida’s dream to win the third Mr. Olympia title couldn’t be realized this year, as he was placed second in the competition. But who claimed this year’s title?

The Texas Pro, Keone Pearson, clinched the Mr. Olympia title in the 212 category, defeating the 2x Mr. Olympia champion Shaun Clarida, taking a whopping $50,000 check to home.

Keone Pearson wins 212, Mr. Olympia

The Prodigy sustained the bodybuilding journey for years to finally realize the ultimate dream of every bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Olympia title. He was placed in 14th place in the 2021 Mr. Olympia and 6th place in the 2022 Mr. Olympia but significantly improved his physique and competed at Mr. Olympia 2023, hoping to dethrone Shaun Clarida.

Pearson stunned the bodybuilding world by claiming this year’s title in the 212 division. In the final callout of the pre-judging, Pearson gave a tough fight for Clarida, and the top ten athletes competed in the finals. The dark horse and a fan favorite, Pearson took everyone by surprise by placing first this year and Flex Wheeler’s prophecy came true.

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Repeating history, Clarida couldn’t defend his title for the second time. Earlier, he won the 2020 Mr. Olympia but failed to secure the top position next year before claiming his title back in 2022. However, Pearson was completely focused on improving from last year’s sixth placing at Mr. Olympia, and the result is evident. 

The Prodigy’s focus on making improvements

Bodybuilding requires consistency to claim prestigious titles like Mr. Olympia, and Pearson know the winning mantra. His focus on improving conditioning for each passing show finally earned him a well-deserved Mr. Olympia title. 

“It was a really great feeling to bring that conditioning. I really feel like I’m being consistent now. The goal is to be 5% better for this show and just keep that going, ” he said in an interview before the show. While the focus is on the self, there is no room for distractions. “It’s me versus me that’s all I’m worried about, running my own race,” the new Mr. Olympia champion affirmed. 

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While the excitement for the 212 Mr. Olympia comes to an end this year, bodybuilding fans will have to wait for a few more hours for Classic Physique and Men’s Open events to unfold. Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts on Keone Pearson winning the title this year in the comments below.