On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Samson Dauda made bodybuilding history by winning the coveted title of Mr. Olympia, becoming the 19th man to achieve this feat.

The victory came during the main event of the 2024 Joe Weider Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend, held at Resorts World Theater in Las Vegas.

Dauda, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, rose to the top after competing against 15 Men’s Open bodybuilders. Born on March 11, 1992, Dauda moved to the UK as a teenager and initially pursued rugby.

His passion for bodybuilding began after encouragement from his rugby peers and a gym owner, leading him to his first competition in 2014. Witnessing Phil Heath at the 2013 Mr. Olympia further solidified his commitment to the sport.

Dauda’s win is historic for several reasons: he is the first Nigerian to win the title, the third non-American champion since 2019, and he claimed the second Golden Sandow trophy, marking the 60th edition of the competition.

He also took home a record-breaking prize of $600,000, the largest payout in bodybuilding history.

Rounding out the top five were Martin Fitzwater in fourth and Andrew Jacked in fifth. Overcome with emotion, Dauda received heartfelt congratulations from fellow competitors after achieving his lifelong dream, cementing his legacy in the world of bodybuilding.