Mamdouh Elssbiay, better known to the bodybuilding world as Big Ramy has had an incredible journey. Since making his pro debut in 2013, it took only seven years for Ramy to clinch bodybuilding’s biggest title. Ramy has already won the Mr. Olympia title twice and is looking for a three-peat in 2022. While the Egyptian is a favorite, the competition is heating up as Dec 15 approaches. From newcomers to veterans, there are many challengers to the champion’s throne.
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Recently Ramy appeared on Denis James’ podcast. While answering questions, Mamdouh revealed the three biggest threats to his Olympia crown this year.
Defending champion Big Ramy names three bodybuilders
On 13th Sep 2022, Big Ramy appeared on Denis James’ ‘The Menace Podcast’. Retired bodybuilders, Milos Sarcev and Chris Cormier also joined the pair. Around 30 minutes into the podcast, James asked, “Let me ask you something Ramy… Let’s say Ramy is not doing the Olympia this year. Give me your top three.”; While the question drew a laugh from Sarcev, Ramy wasted no time in answering the question. “Willaim (Bonac), Brandon (Curry) and Hadi (Choopan)”, said Elssbiay.
William Bonac was the 2019 Mr. Olympia runner-up. While he dropped to 5th in 2020, William has been training hard for 2022. Hadi Choopan has also been a consistent threat to Ramy’s crown for the past two years. Hadi has placed 3rd twice, once in 2019 and again in 2021.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/rKDcfBcl9G
— Big Ramy (@bigramyofficial) September 24, 2017
However, the #1 contender at least on paper, is Brandon Curry. Elssbiay dethroned Curry in 2020 and since then the American has been nipping at his heels. Curry also won the Arnold Classic 2022. It’s no wonder Ramy Considers him a big threat to his title.
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It looks like Ramy is not taking any chances and has been training hard in the gym. A few weeks ago, Ramy posted on Instagram. The Egyptian looked massive in his final off-season update and wrote that he had bulked up to 337 lbs.
Ronnie Coleman thinks nothing will change
Bodybuilding legend and eight-time Mr. Olympia winner, Ronnie Coleman, recently predicted the 2022 Mr. Olympia winner. The King said that he thinks Ramy should win this year. However, he also said that not just this year, but Ramy could be Mr. Olympia for at least four to five more years. A bold prediction.
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Watch this story – “I Don’t See Nobody Beating Them”: Ronnie Coleman Discusses His Predictions for 2022 Mr. Olympia Contest
As December 15, 2022 approaches, all the contenders are nearing the end of their prep. While the competition is fierce, for the last two years Ramy has consistently beaten everyone with his size combined with superb conditioning. Only time will tell if Ramy gets the three-peat or if an upset is in the works.