After years of potential and fan hype, Egyptian pro bodybuilder Big Ramy has finally won the Mr. Olympia 2020. After a hard fought battle between a four-way of threatening pro bodybuilders, Ramy stood tall above the rest as champion. He is now the first Egyptian to win the title. Today on Dec. 19, 2020, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, Ramy was crowned the Mr. Olympia title, gold medal and a check for $400,000. Mamdouh Elssbiay, more commonly called Big Ramy, had been a fan favorite to win the Mr. Olympia for years now. True to his name, he brings a level of size that is hardly seen by even the top pro bodybuilders currently competing. This year’s Olympia certainly delivered on all of the excitement that was promised in the build-up to contest. Most attention was on champ Brandon Curry, and Phil Heath, with Phil’s return to capture an eighth title being one of the biggest storylines. Fans were pumped to see the two champions going head to head. However when the athletes took the stage, it was Big Ramy who turned the most heads. He delivered on the promise to come peeled this year, and was in the best shape of his career. He was able to match or beat every pose against the champs, and really impressed en route to his victory and People’s Champ award.
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Big Ramy’s first Mr. Olympia competition was in 2013. He placed eight just a few notches below the top 6 highlights. But even with the lower placing, he immediately turned heads. His mammoth size was hardly seen in current crop of competitors. It wasn’t long before the hype train build up steam. Fans were clamoring – with time, will he become a powerhouse reigning champion? Over the following years, Ramy improved in placing with each Olympia competition. This came to a head at the Mr. Olympia 2017 where Big Ramy placed 2nd. It was at this competition that his promise seemed to turn into a reality. For what seemed like the first time in forever, Phil Heath actually appeared threatened. With his massive size, Big Ramy looked like a real possibility to win standing next to Phil Heath. Big Ramy’s perseverance and dedication to his craft showcase how slow and steady can win the race. He shut out a comeback attempt by Phil Heath and defeated an improved returning champion Brandon Curry. A well earned victory and one for the history books.