Amidst a swirl of controversy, the biggest story of Olympia Weekend was still the one that mattered most to fans: Phil Heath winning his fifth straight Sandow. It wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination, but Heath pulled together the size, condition, and "wow" factor to remain the last man standing. His back double biceps is the greatest weapon at his disposal, with density and detail from top to bottom that puts Heath in a class by himself. He is now behind only Dorian Yates (6), Arnold Schwarzenegger (7), and Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman (8) for most Mr. Olympia titles won.
The runner-up spot went to veteran warrior Dexter Jackson, who, at 45-years old, continues to defy time. The Blade had perhaps the sharpest upper body onstage, along with size reminiscent of his superb 2008 form, when he won the Mr. Olympia. His back double biceps, side chest, and front double biceps poses are sculptures come to life. The Blade now holds the record for most Olympias entered with 16.
Third went to Shawn Rhoden, whose previous best here was third in 2014 and 2012. Rhoden sported greater upper body size with comparable conditioning to his best. Rhoden pushed the Gift hard, challenging him from every angle.
Fourth went to Dennis Wolf, who made remarkable improvements to his lower and mid-back thickness. He had his usual super-wide shoulders and flaring quads, though he could have used a tad more separation in the latter body part.
Fifth went to the Mountain, Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay. Big Ramy was off the mark in Friday night's judging, but stayed in the fight with his inhuman size. Saturday, he tightened up enough to slip into his highest Olympia placing to date.
Sixth went to Branch Warren, who continues to do it his way, banging out most musculars to whip the crowd into a frenzy. His sick, striated mass is not exactly aesthetic and that's just fine with Mr. Warren and his fans. His legs are still as crazy as ever and you can rest assured that he'll keep bringing it.
Seventh went to Roelly Winklaar, who came out hard and dry in the beginning of prejudging but seemed to fade as the night wore on. The Beast dialed it back in for the Saturday night finals to land ahead of William Bonac (8th), Victor Martinez (9), and Essa Obaid (10).
The top five are qualified for the 2016 Mr. Olympia.
Watch the entire Olympia competition on a double-DVD set available through www.IFBBTV.com.
