Iran’s Choopan stands runner-up at Mr. Olympia 2025
Iranian bodybuilding sensation Hadi Choopan had to settle for his third consecutive runner-up finish in the Men’s Open competition at the Mr. Olympia event in Las Vegas, as American Derek Lunsford walked away with his second Sandow Trophy in three years on Saturday.
Lunsford’s stunning victory earned him $600,000 of prize money, completing his remarkable 2025 campaign that included wins at the Arnold Classic and Pittsburg Pro.
Choopan received $200,000, while there was a bit of consolation for the ‘Persian Wolf’ as the 2022 winner was voted the People’s Champion at the 61st edition of the event.
Andrew Jacked stood third, with his fellow Nigerian Samson Dauda – last year’s winner – and Martin Fitzwater in the fourth and fifth spots respectively.
Nick Walker, Brandon Curry, Tonio Burton completed the top eight in the Men’s Open competition.
Behrouz Tabani was the other Iranian at the Mr. Olympia 2025 Open contest but missed out on place in Saturday’s final four judging on his debut at the most prestigious bodybuilding event.