Highlights from the Mr. Olympia 2024 press conference!

Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda more confident than ever

Contestants from the IFBB Professional League gathered on October 10 for the highly anticipated press conference for the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition. In Las Vegas, Nevada, where the sport's biggest titles were contested on October 11 and 12, fans had special access to witness their favorite athletes comparing themselves to one another. Andrew Jacked, Samson Dauda and Chris Bumstead stole the show.

At the start of the annual Mr. Olympia press conference, reigning champion Derek Lunsford explained how he approaches competing against higher level competitors like Dauda and Jacked.

"Bodybuilding is you versus you. I think you know that as well as anyone, right? We're all blessed with our own gifts and genetics and I believe that's the way we're meant to be. As for me, I've been able to, like I said, play to my strengths and also improve everything. I don't think I have to be the toughest Derek on the mic with my words. I think I have to be the hardest worker in the gym, and I've been doing that since 2023,"

Lunsford said. Andrew Jacked received a huge round of applause from the crowd of more than 1,500, highlighting that he will undoubtedly break a few hearts on stage.

"There will be a few heartbreaks this weekend. I know that for a fact," said Andrew Jacked. "Everything has changed since Texas. Texas was the warm-up round. Now we're coming up with the real version. That's why I said I'm going to break so many hearts this weekend. So we'll see."

"Nigerian Lion" Samson Dauda assured the audience that he has something special in store for Friday night.

"You know how you saw me two weeks ago in France, tomorrow night you will also see something special," Samson Dauda said.

"First of all, you see my face, right? Does it look like the face of someone who hasn't suffered from past training?" asks Dauda. "You know what, I'll tell you, we'll find out tomorrow night."

Dauda challenged all the contestants to confront him on stage at the press conference and rip off his shirt, though no one took him up on his offer.

"I've never been a man of talk, that doesn't apply to me, I'm always a man of action. If anybody thinks they can knock me out, they should stand up to me right now," Dauda said as he ripped off his shirt. "That's why I deserve to be Mr. Olympia."

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Chris Bumstead said to be under no threat from Ramon Queiroz or Wesley Vissers

Bumstead stressed that the main contenders are fighting for the second spot.

"I think you know the answer to that question," Bumstead said. "Every year it's been somebody different, it's been Breon, it's been Terrence, it's been Urs, it's been Wesley, and I think they're all still fighting for the second spot. I would never be disrespectful and say it's not a challenge."

Asked if he would be threatened on the podium on Saturday, Bumstead was quick to respond:

"Absolutely not.

"Is [your opponent] a threat? Absolutely not. But it's always a challenge when I come here to be the best version of myself and it's an honor to share the stage with all these people. I met Wesley I think in 2018 at one of the Olympics and I remember his kindness and humility back then. He has risen a lot in this sport and it hasn't changed since."

According to Bumstead, his opponents may say they can win, but when he looks them in the eye, he says he doesn't really believe those words.

"I've heard them all say they think they can win. When I look them all in the eye, I don't believe they believe themselves when they say that," Cbum said.

"You don't have to believe me," Queiroz said. "Believe in your job. I did [my] job every day."

Finally, reigning 212 Olympia champion Keone Pearson explained that he's not overlooking Shaun Clarida ahead of the rematch.

"Last year I was 100 percent because it was my best fight so far, but this year it's going to be 100 percent again. Last year I was 199, this year, today, I was 205 with much better conditioning and just cooler. Like I said, we had a perfect post-season and you'll see it Friday morning."

Check out the gallery from the event:

It's definitely not a two-man show, though, as Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked are looking to compete as the top competitors on the Open roster. In addition, former Olympia winner Brandon Curry and other notable fighters such as Rafael Brandao and Martin Fitzwater return to action.

With the top event almost here, bodybuilding veterans are speaking openly about their top picks and predictions. Dennis James and Milos Sarcev are backing Hadi Choopan to reclaim his Mr Olympia title against Lunsford. Also, bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler recently presented his top seven picks for the Men's Open division.

Joe Weider's sixtieth anniversary Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend promises fireworks. Based on what transpired at this year's press conference, fans can expect unpredictable fights in all 11 IFBB Pro League divisions on Friday and Saturday.

Source: fitnessvolt.com