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14: Franco Columbu (1941)

Far more than just Arnold Schwarzenegger's training partner, Franco Columbu combined complete strength with top-tier bodybuilding. He proved that height isn't destiny in bodybuilding. His grit, power, and competitive mindset made him one of the toughest champions bodybuilding has ever seen.

13: Hadi Choopan (1987)

Hadi Choopan represents the current day standard for conditioning and, dare I say, is even the greatest bodybuilder since Phil Heath. Despite standing shorter than most competitors, his hardness, density, and detail allow him to beat much taller competitors.

He has also been at the center of some of the most controversial decisions in recent years, with many claiming that he should already be a multiple time winner. Before he retires, he may even make his way up to the Top 10.

12: Kai Greene (1975)

Kai Greene was one of the most unique and influential bodybuilders in history, not just for his physique, but for his artistry, intensity, and presence. He competed during the underrated Phil Heath era, and while he never won the Olympia, his muscle maturity and emotional connection with the audience made him one of the most popular bodybuilders it has ever seen. His impact extends way beyond trophies, earning him a spot very high up on this list.

11: Frank Zane (1942)

The godfather of aesthetics, Frank Zane represents the absolute peak of symmetry, balance, and aesthetics. He proved bodybuilding wasn't just about mass, it was about shape, proportion, and presentation. Frank Zane carved out his own lane and mastered it completely. To this day, his physique is used as a reference point for what perfect proportions look like.

Honourable Mentions

Now it's time for the final group of Honourable Mentions that didn't make the cut. Eugen Sandow (1867) is often regarded as the father of modern bodybuilding, but while his influence is undeniable, he couldn't make the cut because bodybuilding wasn't a competitive sport in his era. Similar could be said of Steve Reeves (1926), Reg Park (1928), and Bill Pearl (1930), their impacts all undeniable, but their impact came before bodybuilding took the form we know today.

10: Kevin Levrone (1964)

We're starting off the Top 10 with one of the greatest uncrowned Olympia legends, Kevin Levrone competed during the brutal eras of Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, but never really looked outmatched.

Known for taking long breaks from training and still returning at an elite level, he remains one of the greatest "what if's" in bodybuilding history. Today, he remains one of the most popular bodybuilders on Social Media, all because of how incredible he looked in his prime.

9: Flex Wheeler (1965)

Flex Wheeler is still widely considered to be the ultimate uncrowned Mr. Olympia. While Flex Wheeler never won an Olympia, he is still regarded as the most aesthetically perfect physique of all time, even legends like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman have said so. His 1993 is still considered by many to be the greatest look ever displayed on stage. Perfect symmetry, and perfect proportions.

8: Sergio Oliva (born 1941)

Sergio Oliva was the only man to ever defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Olympia stage. He's widely considered to have the greatest genetics in bodybuilding history, massive arms, and the smallest waist of any Olympia winner. Conflicts with the IFBB cut his career short, so who knows what the future could have hold?

7: Dexter Jackson (born 1969)

Reigning 29 professional victories, his career spans four decades, with wins over the likes of Phil Heath and even Ronnie Coleman. Dexter Jackson was known for elite conditioning and one of the most complete physiques ever assembled. And if he has anything, then it would be unheard of longevity.

6: Jay Cutler (born 1973)

Fittingly just barely missing out on the Top 5, Jay Cutler is perhaps the most underrated and underappreciated g.o.a.t. Jay Cutler brought serious competition, winning four Olympia titles, even dethroning the likes of Ronnie Coleman in 2006. But beyond competition, Jay Cutler might be the best ambassador bodybuilding has ever had, always respectful.

And I also had a massive crush on him, so there, I admitted it.

5: Phil Heath (born 1979)

If we're talking pure physical perfection, even without taking legacy into account, then Phil Heath would be the greatest. Phil Heath dominated most of the 2010s, an often underrated era filled with elite competitors.

No weak points. Respect.

4: Dorian Yates (born 1962)

I always thought of Dorian Yates as the bridge between "the before times" and the era I grew up in. The difference in size is massive. He was the first true mass monster to bring Olympia level conditioning. He won six Olympia titles during the 90s, which was one of the toughest eras bodybuilding has ever seen.

But the reason he makes it so high, at least for me, is because I want to hang him up on my wall. He's got that level of aura, someone who is truly aspirational. How could you not want to be as big as he is?

3: Lee Haney (born 1959)

The Top 3 all come very close, but you could argue that Lee Haney is greater than both Number 1 and Number 2. He was the first man to break Arnold Schwarzenegger's seven title record, reigning eight consecutive Olympia wins. He was dominant, respected, and clean in both physique and character. Where it becomes debatable is his legacy outside the bodybuilding world, but inside there's a very strong case to be made that he is the greatest of all time.

2: Ronnie Coleman (born 1964)

This is most likely the greatest bodybuilder of all time if you were to ask my generation. That is, if you ignore the extreme weights he used that eventually took a toll on his body. He's got the raw numbers in terms of wins, but Ronnie Coleman has something very few ever achieve, true legacy. I'm always surprised by how many non-bodybuilding fans know who Ronnie Coleman is, and it is for that reason why he deserves a spot all the way up here.

1: Arnold Schwarzenegger (born 1947)

So, when making this list, the first thing I prioritized was putting Arnold Schwarzenegger at Number 1. Because it's easy. But Arnold is the reason bodybuilding exists the way it does today. His physique was timeless, his charisma unmatched, the only real knock against him was that he left bodybuilding to pursue Hollywood. And in an era where bodybuilders were still perceived as freaks, Arnold Schwarzenegger made the bodybuilder aspirational.

Not a surprise, but the obvious choice is the obvious choice for a reason.