
Bodybuilding is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that demands dedication, discipline, and immense perseverance. This is why it’s often considered the costliest sport in terms of time, effort, and finance.
Bodybuilding is an umbrella term that encompasses various disciplines like weightlifting, powerlifting, and even aesthetics. The following list is a tribute to the men who have set benchmarks in the world of bodybuilding. Here are the top 10 bodybuilders globally, listed according to their contributions, accolades, and overall influence in the sport.
1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Not just a bodybuilder, but a multi-faceted individual, Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s impact on the sport of bodybuilding is immeasurable. Born in Austria in 1947, he began lifting weights at a tender age and rapidly ascended the competitive bodybuilding ranks.
He won the Mr. Olympia title seven times and is often regarded as one of the sport’s greatest icons. After his retirement from bodybuilding, he ventured into acting and politics, achieving significant success in each field. His “Arnold Classic” bodybuilding competition has also become a coveted title among aspiring bodybuilders.
2. Ronnie Coleman
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Ronnie Coleman is another legendary figure who won the Mr. Olympia title eight times. A former police officer, Ronnie was introduced to the world of bodybuilding by a friend and never looked back.
Over the years, he became famous for lifting enormous weights and his trademark phrases “Yeah Buddy” and “Light Weight Baby!” His life and career were chronicled in the 2018 Netflix documentary, “Ronnie Coleman: The King.”
3. Ernest Khalimov (GigaChad)
Ernest Khalimov, better known as “GigaChad,” became an internet sensation owing to his striking appearance and remarkable physique. His images captivated millions, making him an embodiment of male physical perfection for many.
The alias “GigaChad” itself speaks volumes about his almost-mythical presence in online communities.
4. Lee Haney
Lee Haney holds the record for the most Mr. Olympia wins, tied with Ronnie Coleman at eight titles. His reign in the 1980s established him as one of the most successful bodybuilders of his time.
Unlike many bodybuilders who focus solely on size, Haney was known for his balanced, symmetrical physique. His impact on the sport extends beyond competitions; he was also appointed to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
5. Dorian Yates
Known as the “Shadow” for his ability to suddenly appear, dominate competitions, and disappear, Dorian Yates left an indelible mark on bodybuilding.
His high-intensity training routines revolutionized the way bodybuilders approached their workouts. Yates won the Mr. Olympia title six consecutive times from 1992 to 1997, and he is considered the precursor to the era of “mass monsters” in bodybuilding.
6. Phil Heath
Nicknamed “The Gift,” Phil Heath is celebrated for his genetic potential, having won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. His muscularity, symmetry, and definition have been touted as near-perfect by many experts. Heath’s rivalry with other top bodybuilders has always been a focal point in recent Mr. Olympia competitions, making him one of the most talked-about athletes in the sport.
7. Frank Zane
Frank Zane is often described as the epitome of bodybuilding aesthetics. Known for his incredible symmetry and proportionality, Zane won the Mr. Olympia title three times.
His influence on the sport has been significant, as he inspired a whole new generation of bodybuilders to focus not just on size but also on the artistry and “lines” of the body.
8. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler’s journey in professional bodybuilding has been one of ups and downs. He has four Mr. Olympia titles to his name and a string of other titles that solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
Known for his large yet proportionate build, Cutler has also been a successful businessman, capitalizing on his fame to launch various fitness-related enterprises.
9. Franco Columbu
Franco Columbu, a close friend and training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger, won the Mr. Olympia title twice. His compact yet muscular physique earned him a spot among the best, despite standing only 5’5″ tall.
Columbu was also known for his incredible strength, competing in powerlifting and the World’s Strongest Man competition.
10. Dexter Jackson
Known as “The Blade” for his razor-sharp cuts and striations, Dexter Jackson has had one of the longest and most consistent careers in bodybuilding history. Winning the Mr. Olympia title in 2008, Jackson is a fixture in top-level competitions and has more professional bodybuilding titles than any other competitor.
The influence of these athletes transcends the sport of bodybuilding, each one contributing something. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it highlights the remarkable athletes who have left an indelible mark on the world of bodybuilding. Each one has not only sculpted their bodies to perfection but also shaped the sport in their own unique way.