Since 1965, the “Olympia” name has stood for excellence in bodybuilding, setting the stage for legendary runs like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s seven-consecutive titles and the expansion of bodybuilding’s global reach. But who was the first person to claim the Mr. Olympia title? And when was the Sandow Trophy Introduced? Who has won the most finals? And which bodybuilder has made the most bank at bodybuilding’s most prestigious show? M&F looks at these facts, and more, so that you can flex your knowledge before the 2026 final.
Courtesy of Weider Health and Fitness
Who was the first Mr. Olympia?
Strictly speaking, the title of “Mr. Olympia” and “Ms. Olympia” only refers to the man or woman who wins their respective Open division final, and the first bodybuilder to make that distinction was Idaho’s “The Golden Boy” Larry Scott, who won the first ever Mr. Olympia final, held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City, in 1965. Interestingly, Scott was presented with a crown rather than a trophy during the inaugural event, as well as $1,000 in prize money.
Scott followed up with a second Mr. Olympia title in 1966, earning another $1,000 prize, but this time he was also presented with a commemorative silver plate rather than a crown. The famous Sandow Trophy would not make its debut until 1977.
The Sandow Trophy is named after Eugen Sandow, a German strongman who is also known as “The Father of Modern Bodybuilding,” because he organized the world’s first bodybuilding competition at The Royal Albert Hall in London, in 1901. Sandow’s physique had first been crafted as a figurine by artist Frederick W. Pomeroy, and was later reimagined and presented in gold, silver, and bronze variations for the three finalists for that first show in London.
While the Sandow Trophy made further, sporadic, appearances at high level bodybuilding shows such as the 1950 Mr. Universe competition, it would go on to become a consistent mark of Olympia immortality, starting with the 1977 titlist, Frank Zane, and continuing as a popular aspect of every Olympia final.
“We award the iconic Sandow Trophy to the #1 bodybuilder in the world,” says Olympia President Dan Solomon. “The winner of this trophy is known for the rest of his life as Mr. Olympia.”
Ronnie Coleman
Who has Won the Most Mr. Olympia Titles?
Speaking of the Sandow, two men hold the record for lifting it the most times:
Lee Haney — Spartanburg, South Carolina’s Lee Haney entered his first Teen Mr. America in 1979 and went on to win Mr. Olympia eight-consecutive times from 1984 to 1991. He was finally beaten by Dorian Yates in 1992.
Ronnie Coleman — This famous former cop became known as “The King” by also winning eight-consecutive Mr. Olympia titles, from 1998 to 2005, taking over from Dorian Yates’ six-year reign and finally losing to Jay Cutler in 2006.
“What I was able to accomplish on that Olympia stage came from within, with humility, respect, and unshakable belief” wrote Kyle in a historic social media post. “To the community that shaped me: I see you. I respect you. But when I walked that stage…I walked it as me, with the outside left on the outside—exactly where it belongs.”
Who has Competed in the Most Olympia Finals?
Dexter Jackson, who was the 2008 Mr. Olympia, competed in a record 21 finals from 1999 to 2020. The closest bodybuilders to “The Blade’s” accomplishment are the aforementioned Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman, who each made 14 appearances at the ‘O’
Jackson’s perseverance certainly paid off. He entered the event eight times before winning and made 16 top six finishes by the time he called it a day.
Wings of Strength/Instagram
Who has Won the Most Money from the Olympia?
The 2025 Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford, took home the biggest payday in Olympia history by taking advantage of the record $600,000 prize, but he is not the biggest earner of all time. Even when you consider the $400,000 he won in 2023, or the $50k won in the 212-Division back in 2021, there’s another bodybuilder that has almost doubled Lunsford’s Olympia earnings to date.
Phil Heath is estimated to have earned $2,2025 as a combined total, winning the Olympia event seven-times from 2011 to 2017, and picking up some major prize purses along the way, most notably $400k three-times from 2015 to 2017. It’s no wonder they call him “The Gift.”
Of course, records were meant to be broken, and athletes from multiple divisions will do battle at the 2026 Olympia final in Las Vegas between September 24 and 27.
For more information on bodybuilding’s most prestigious show, and the entire fitness and performance weekend, click here.
