List Of 30 Greatest Bodybuilders Of All Time

• Born: May 13, 1964 (Monroe, Louisiana)
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Career highlights: Eight-time Mr. Olympia champion (1998-2005), two-time Canada Pro Cup champion (1995, 1996), Grand Prix Russia champion (1997), Mr. Texas champion (1990)

Ronnie Coleman is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders in the history of the sport.

Coleman's dominance in bodybuilding is epitomized by his eight consecutive victories at the Mr. Olympia competition, a record he shares with Lee Haney. From 1998 to 2005, He showcased a level of muscularity and conditioning that set him apart from his peers.

He was known for his unprecedented size and mass, pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible in bodybuilding.

• Born: July 30, 1947 (Styria, Austria)
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Universe champion (1968-70), seven-time Mr. Olympia champion (1970-75, 1980)

Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, consecutively from 1970 to 1975 and then again in 1980. 

Moreover, his reign during the 1970s marked an era of unparalleled dominance in bodybuilding. His combination of size, symmetry and charisma made him a standout competitor and a fan favorite.

After a brief retirement from competitive bodybuilding, Arnold made a surprising comeback to the Mr. Olympia stage in 1980 and won the title for the seventh time.

• Born: November 11, 1959 (Fairburn, Georgia)
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Career highlights: 8 time Mr. Olympia champion (1984-91), Grand Prix Germany champion (1987), Mr. America champion (1979), Grand Prix Las Vegas champion (1983)

Lee Haney won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title eight times consecutively from 1984 to 1991. His eight Olympia victories tied the record set by Ronnie Coleman.

Haney made his Mr. Olympia debut in 1983 where he finished third. The following year in 1984, he claimed his first Mr. Olympia title, beginning a streak of consecutive victories that would establish him as one of the greatest bodybuilders in history.

• Born: April 19, 1962 (South West Midlands, England)
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Career highlights: Six-time Mr. Olympia champion (1992-97), four-time English Grand Prix champion (1991, 1992, 1994, 1996), two-time Night of Champions champion (1990, 1991), two-time Spanish Grand Prix champion (1994, 1996), two-time German Grand Prix champion (1994, 1996)

Dorian Yates won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title six times consecutively from 1992 to 1997. He was known for his revolutionary conditioning and muscularity which he referred to as the 'Shadow Line.'

Yates popularized the High-Intensity Training method, an approach to weight training that involves performing a relatively low number of sets and focusing on intensity and efficiency. 

• Born: December 18, 1979 (Seattle, Washington)
• Height: 5 feet  9 inches
• Career highlights: Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion (2011-17), two-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (2010, 2018), Arnold Classic Europe champion (2013), two-time Sheru Classic champion (2011, 2012), IFBB Iron Man champion (2008), New York Pro Championship champion (2006)

Phil Heath won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title seven times consecutively from 2011 to 2017. His victories showcased his impressive muscular development, conditioning and overall stage presence.

Before turning professional, Phil had a successful amateur career, including winning the overall title at the 2005 NPC USA Championships. 

He won the Arnold Classic, another prestigious bodybuilding competition, multiple times during his career. 

• Born: June 28, 1942 (Kingston, Pennsylvania)
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Olympia champion (1977-79), three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (1974, 1976, 1982), three-time Mr. America champion (1966, 1967, 1968), two-time Mr. Universe champion (1970, 1972)

Frank Zane won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title three times, consecutively from 1977 to 1979. 

In addition to his three Mr. Olympia victories, Frank Zane consistently placed in the top ranks of the Mr. Olympia competition throughout the 1970s.

Standing at around 175 cm and competing at a weight of approximately 84-86 kg, he demonstrated that a bodybuilder did not need extreme size to be successful on the Olympia stage.

• Born: July 4, 1941 (Guantanamo, Cuba)
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Olympia champion (1967-69), two-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (1970, 1972), three-time Mr. Olympus champion (1975, 1976, 1978), Mr. Universe champion (1967), two-time Mr. Galaxy champion (1972, 1973), two-time Pro World Championships champion (1977, 1980)

Sergio Oliva won the Mr. Olympia title three consecutive times, from 1967 to 1969. His victories came during a period when the Mr. Olympia competition was emerging as the premier event in professional bodybuilding.

One of the most famous moments in bodybuilding history was the rivalry between Sergio Oliva and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1969, Oliva lost the Mr. Olympia title to Schwarzenegger in a highly contested competition. 

• Born: August 7, 1941 (Sardinia, Italy)
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Career highlights: Two-time Mr. Olympia champion (1976, 1981), two-time Mr. World champion (1970, 1971), Mr. Universe champion (1970)

Franco Columbu won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title twice, first in 1976 and then again in 1981. 

In addition to bodybuilding, Columbu excelled in powerlifting. He set numerous powerlifting records in the 1970s, particularly in the 1977 World's Strongest Man competition where he performed feats of strength that showcased his incredible power.

• Born: November 25, 1969 (Jacksonville, Florida)
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches
• Career highlights: Mr. Olympia champion (2008), Mr. Olympia runner-up (2015), five-time Arnold Classic champion (2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015), Mr. Olympia Europe champion (2016), two-time Arnold Classic Europe champion (2015, 2016), Arnold Classic Australia champion (2015), Arnold Classic South Africa champion (2016)

Dexter Jackson holds the record for the most victories at the Arnold Classic, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions alongside the Mr. Olympia.

Moreover, Jackson won the Arnold Classic title five times (2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015), highlighting his consistent excellence on the competitive stage.

He secured his most prestigious title by winning the Mr. Olympia competition in 2008. His victory made him the oldest bodybuilder to ever win the Mr. Olympia title at the age of 39.

• Born: August 3, 1972 (Sterling, Massachusetts)
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Career highlights: Four-time Mr. Olympia champion (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010), three-time Arnold Classic champion (2002-04), Ironman Pro Invitational champion (2003)

Jay Cutler turned professional in 1996 after winning the NPC Nationals heavyweight class. This marked the beginning of his career at the IFBB professional level.

Not only that but his most notable achievement is his four Mr. Olympia titles, one of the highest honors in professional bodybuilding.

Cutler won his first Mr. Olympia title in 2006, followed by consecutive victories in 2007, 2009, and 2010. His ability to reclaim the title after briefly losing it in 2008 showcased his resilience and dominance.

• Born: August 23, 1965 (Fresno, California)
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (1993, 1998, 1999), four-time Arnold Classic champion (1993, 1997, 1998, 2000), five-time Ironman Pro Invitational champion (1993, 1995-98)

Flex Wheeler became a perennial contender at the Mr. Olympia, the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding. He finished in the top five of the prestigious competition multiple times, showcasing his consistent excellence on the Olympia stage.

Wheeler achieved notable success at the Arnold Classic, one of the premier bodybuilding competitions. He won the Arnold Classic title four times (1993, 1997, 1998, 2000), further establishing himself as one of the top bodybuilders in the world.

• Born: September 9, 1965 (Fullerton, California)
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Shawn Ray is a retired professional bodybuilder who made a significant impact on the sport during his career. 

Not only that but he made his professional bodybuilding debut in 1988 after earning his IFBB Pro Card. 

He competed in the Mr. Olympia competition for an impressive 13 consecutive years from 1988 to 2001. His consistency and longevity on the Olympia stage established him as one of the sport's enduring figures.

• Born: October 20, 1984 (Chicago, IL)
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Sergio Oliva Jr., the son of the legendary bodybuilder Sergio Oliva, has made a name for himself in the world of professional bodybuilding. 

Oliva Jr. made his professional bodybuilding debut in the early 2010s. His entry into the professional ranks marked the continuation of the Oliva name in the bodybuilding arena.

He has competed in various IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) professional competitions, showcasing his dedication to the sport at the highest level. 

• Born: May 15, 1963 (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Career highlights: 3 Mr. Olympia runner-up (1986-88), 2 time Grand Prix France winner (1987, 1988), World Pro Championships champion (1986), Los Angeles Pro Championships champion (1986), Arnold Classic champion (1989)

Rich Gaspari earned his pro card in 1984 and he went on to have a successful career as an IFBB professional bodybuilder. 

Notably, he finished as the runner-up in the Mr. Olympia competition three times (1986, 1987, 1988), showcasing his elite status in the sport during the competitive era.

His focus on achieving symmetrical proportions and meticulous attention to conditioning made him a standout competitor in an era that featured legendary bodybuilders.

• Born: June 7, 1928 (West Yorkshire, England)
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Universe champion (1951, 1958, 1965), Mr. Britain (1949)

Reg Park was a legendary bodybuilder and actor who played a significant role in popularizing bodybuilding in the mid-20th century.

Moreover, his journey into bodybuilding began in his teenage years when he started weight training to improve his rugby performance.

Park achieved widespread recognition by winning the Mr. Britain title in 1949. Subsequently, he went on to win the prestigious Mr. Universe title three times in 1951, 1958, and 1965. 

• Born: October 12, 1938 (Blackfoot, Idaho)
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches
• Career highlights: Two-time Mr. Olympia (1965, 1966),  two-time Mr. Universe (1963, 1964), Mr. Pacific Coast (1961), Mr. California (1960)

Larry Scott holds a unique place in bodybuilding history as the first winner of the Mr. Olympia competition. He won the inaugural Mr. Olympia title in 1965 and successfully defended it in 1966.

Not only that but he won the Mr. Idaho title and the Mr. California title as an amateur bodybuilder.

Scott was known for his aesthetic physique, characterized by well-developed biceps, a small waist and overall symmetry.

• Born: July 12, 1975 (New York, New York)
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches
• Career highlights: Three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (2012-14), three-time Arnold Classic champion (2009, 2010, 2016), two-time Australian Pro Grand Prix champion (2009, 2010)

Kai Greene became a prominent figure in professional bodybuilding, consistently competing in the Mr. Olympia competition.

Greene achieved multiple top placings in the Mr. Olympia, coming close to winning the title on several occasions.

He won the Arnold Classic, another prestigious bodybuilding competition, multiple times. His victories at the Arnold Classic solidified his status as one of the elite competitors in the sport.

• Born: June 26, 1955 (Fort Sill, OK)
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches

Tom Platz competed in the Mr. Olympia competition, the most prestigious event in professional bodybuilding, during the 1980s.

Furthermore, his performances on the Olympia stage often showcasing his incredible leg development, earned him a place among the top competitors of his era.

While he did not win the Mr. Olympia title, he achieved high placements in several major competitions.

• Born: November 7, 1955 (Beirut, Lebanon)
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches
• Career highlights: Mr. Olympia champion (1983), two-time WABBA World Championship champion (1985, 1986), Pittsburgh Pro Invitational champion (1990)

Samir Bannout began his bodybuilding journey in the 1970s, initially competing in local and regional competitions.

Moreover, his most significant achievement came in 1983 when he won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title.

Bannout's victory at the Mr. Olympia solidified his place in bodybuilding history and he became known as the 'Lion of Lebanon.'

• Born: December 14, 1959
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches

Bob Paris placed as high as third in the Mr. Olympia, showcasing his competitive prowess among the world's top bodybuilders.

Paris began his bodybuilding journey in the late 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his aesthetic physique and posing skills. He won the Mr. California title and the Mr. America title as an amateur bodybuilder.

• Born: August 25, 1939 (Montgomery, Alabama)
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches
• Career highlights: Mr. Olympia champion (1982), two-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (1980, 1981), two-time Grand Prix California champion (1980, 1981), two-time Grand Prix New York champion (1980, 1981)

Chris Dickerson is best known for winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title in 1982. At the time, he became the oldest competitor to win the Mr. Olympia, achieving this feat at the age of 43.

In addition to winning the Mr. Olympia in 1982, he earned several other notable titles throughout his career, including the IFBB Mr. America and the IFBB Mr. Universe.

• Born: July 16, 1964 (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Career highlights: Two-time Mr. Olympia runner-up (1992, 1995), two-time Arnold Classic champion (1994, 1996),  two-time San Jose Pro Invitational champion (1994, 1996)

Kevin Levrone is best known for his participation in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition, one of the most significant events in professional bodybuilding.

He competed in the Mr. Olympia numerous times and achieved high placements, often finishing in the top five.

Moreover, he also competed in the Arnold Classic, another prestigious bodybuilding competition. He won the Arnold Classic title in 1994 and 1996, showcasing his excellence on the bodybuilding stage.

• Born: January 21, 1926 (Glasgow, Montana)
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Career highlights: Mr. America champion (1947), Mr. World champion (1948), Mr. Universe champion (1950) 

Steve Reeves rose to fame as a bodybuilder in the 1940s and 1950s. He won the inaugural Mr. Pacific Coast title in 1946 and went on to win the Mr. America title in 1947.

Reeves achieved international recognition by winning the NABBA Mr. Universe title in 1950. He won the same title again in 1953, becoming the first athlete to win the Mr. Universe title post-World War II.

He did not compete in the Mr. Olympia competition, as it was established after his competitive bodybuilding years.

• Born: July 14, 1930 (Barbados) 
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches

Albert Beckles competed in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition. He made his first appearance in the Mr. Olympia in 1970 and continued to compete in multiple Olympia contests over the years.

In 1991, at the age of 61, Beckles made history by becoming the oldest competitor to step on the Mr. Olympia stage. 

He won several bodybuilding titles throughout his career, including the IFBB Mr. Universe in 1971 and the IFBB Pro Mr. World in 1976.

• Born: November 15, 1983 (Llanelli, United Kingdom)
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Flex Lewis competed in the Mr. Olympia competition, the most prestigious event in professional bodybuilding.

Lewis won the 212 Olympia title for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018. His appearances on the Olympia stage, both in the 212 and Open divisions, have showcased his versatility and competitiveness.

In his early career, he won the Mr. Wales title and earned his pro card in the IFBB.

• Born: August 17, 1977 (Maplewood, New Jersey)
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch

Cedric McMillan has competed in the Mr. Olympia competition and his appearances on the Olympia stage represent his status as one of the top competitors in the world.

One of his significant achievements was winning the Arnold Classic, a prestigious bodybuilding competition. He claimed the title at the Arnold Classic in 2017, showcasing his prowess in a field of elite competitors.

McMillan is known for his well-developed physique, including impressive muscle mass and proportion.

• Born: April 16, 1942 (Secaucus, New Jersey)
• Height: 6 feet 0 inch

Dave Draper participated in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition during the 1970s, competing against other legends of the era.

While he did not win the Mr. Olympia title, his contributions and competitive spirit added to the excitement of the golden era of bodybuilding.

Draper developed a unique and holistic approach to training that emphasized the mind-body connection. He often wrote about the psychological aspects of bodybuilding in addition to the physical training.

• Born: August 25, 1956 
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches

Vince Taylor competed in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition, the most significant event in professional bodybuilding. He consistently placed high in the competition during the 1990s.

In addition to his overall victory at the Arnold Classic, he excelled in the Arnold Classic Masters division. Taylor won the Masters title multiple times, showcasing his longevity and competitiveness in the sport.

• Born: November 9, 1951 (Brooklyn, New York)
• Height: 6 feet 5 inches
• Career highlights: Two-time Mr. Universe champion (1973, 1974), Mr. International champion (1974), Mr. America champion (1974), Mr. Olympia runner-up (1974)

Lou Ferrigno won his first major bodybuilding title, Mr. America in 1973 and he went on to win the IFBB Mr. Universe title in 1973 and 1974.

Ferrigno is perhaps best known for his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1970s. He finished second to Schwarzenegger in the 1974 and 1975 Mr. Olympia competitions.

The documentary film 'Pumping Iron' (1977) captured their competitive journey leading up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia.

• Born: April 2, 1975 (Kingston, Jamaica)
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Shawn Rhoden earned his IFBB Pro card and competed in numerous professional competitions before reaching the pinnacle of the sport at the Mr. Olympia.

Rhoden achieved the pinnacle of his bodybuilding career by winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title in 2018. His victory marked a significant achievement as he dethroned the reigning champion at the time, Phil Heath.