Hey guys I'm really happy with the way this one turned out! Took a lot of time to research and select rare(ish) pics - and the script alone probably took 8-10 hours - but I consider it one of my best videos to date so lemme know what you think! ✌️
Excelente video! Mi favorito es Martinez, además creo que ha sido el que tuvo menos suerte de todos, su físico en el Arnold Clásic me encanto. Saludos excelente canal!
Great job! Agree w/everything in this vid. Think abt it this way tho, with all the amazing out of this world competition from these "uncrowned Mr. O's", it speaks volumes to how out of this world both Dorian n Ronnie were to take it 14 yrs straight denying all these stellar athletes an official Sandow!
you make the best videos on bodybuilding. i love hearing your PERSONAL opinions and not only a list of facts or anecdotes about some bodybuilders’ life
Not my favorite but...Shawn Ray takes that one hands down, at least in my opinion. Really wish he wouldn't have said all that shit about Chad Nicholls. I try so hard to like him because I respect his career.
"This isn't a top 20, it's a top 10" Man, you could've done a top50 and I'd still be pleased to watch it, hell, it would've been even better! 😁 And while I don't really agree with some of the placings, I can't really come up with arguments other than different personal preferences. I also thought that anyone you've included last time are automatically off of this list, but true, Nasser and Victor both deserve a place among the top 10 to never win the O. My #1 pick would have been Shawn, but what you've said at Cormier is an interesting notion, namely that he may have been overlooked for not having any stand-out body parts. And it seems that having no flaws is LESS important in professional bodybuilding than having a few freaky parts alongside a few flaws. Shawn's constant 4th and 5th placings could be the result of such approach. Because face it: had he been top3 or even winner in any of those years and still no one would claim a robbery! He was constantly flawless for 12 years. In a sport this demanding, this is unheard of. Flex is great as well, I just can't unsee his rear deltoids...
I definitely agree that Cormier was overlooked simply for not having any real freaky, stand out body parts. His arms were really big and he even had great peaks on his biceps but they were very balanced compared to the rest of his physique. It must be difficult for a guy like Chris to figure out which direction to go in in regards to his physique and even his training. It’s probably not that easy to become unbalanced in hopes of having one or two body parts stand out
@@jordandangelo1808 very good points, I'd love to listen to the opinion of Chris or Shawn or any other guy that had a similar balanced physique about this topic.
Ray wasn't flawless, he had a bad structure and no V taper. It is not simply because he is short, Kai Greene is also short and he is wide as a house. He simply did not have impressive mandatory poses. He looked pathetic in side chest even next to Dorian and Dorian wasn't good at side chest. He just lacked that extra layer of thickness. His lat spreads were also quite weak and his FDB was nothing impressive
Your videos are some of the most illuminating available on the history of bodybuilding and the Mr. Olympia's over the years, and this is for sure one of the best yet! Awesome job and thanks for your effort and dedication. :-)
Amazing video, thanks youtube algorithm. It's nice that you outline your methodology, keeping things as unbiased as possible (even though it's hard when it comes to physique preferences).
I feel if Shawn ray would of done more shows ( other than the Olympia) he would of won more shows and therefore would of pasted flex and Levrone. His physique was more complete too
Great video Tom, like always. You should review the 2004 mr olympia challenge round. I think it would be interesting to see your take on those comperisons. Do you agree with the judges that Ronnie beat Dexter in the ab and thigh :D It would be very long video, but it doesnt matter.
Love your channel and your view in bodybuilding. Keep up the great work ! We love the content no one does this type of shit . Or if they do. Not as well
I was re-watching the '93 Olympia, and up to a point, I was thinking the same thing. However, Flex at that moment was already catching up to size with Dorian. His legs were bigger, even though not as conditioned. My point is, had he won, he would have continued playing the size game regardless.
I think Tom Platz was definitely deserving to make this list, after all he was the Quadfather that took leg development at least 10 years into the future. Many including myself believe he should have won Mr O in 1981.
Win or not they all champions to me not easy been up that level. Respect! These are the guys that motivated me and looked up to when i was young in the gym. But compare those stomach to these day's these guys win, hands down!
Kai with traps and forearms would have been un-fucking-stoppable. I'm not personally a fan of the peaky but thin biceps and short triceps, but I can see why other people are, so I wouldn't consider them a missing piece. He even did a decent job hiding his big waist, especially in the twisting fdb he did
Good choices! but I definately would have put Rich Gaspari over Lee Labrada, I also say that the bodybuilder who was more of a bridge between Zane and Ray was Bob Paris.
Was wondering if you would consider making a video about bodybuilders who wasted or failed to capitalise on great genetics. I know this video is sort of like that but I mean bodybuilders such as Lionel Beyeke or Cedric McMillan who have outstanding genetics but for some reason never get the right balance of being lean/full, or Paul Dillet who was just horrible at presenting his body on stage. Hell I’ve done half of it for you...
It will always be crazy to me that Flex doesn't have an Olympia. I was completely in awe at the 1993 Arnold. His body was EVERYTHING! That's why Shawn Rhoden winning was so shocking to me. Shawn and Flex deserve retroactive Sandows.
Exactly. All these young cats thinking Rhoden is some aesthetic saviour is laughable. It was more like the IFBB hitting the reset button as opposed to moving forward.
@@Tomn8er I agree. No disrespect for Shawn. But his victory reminds me a lot of Dexter Jackson in 2008 Olympia. The defending champion was way off, so they had to award the title to a somewhat not impressive contender who came in an outstanding shape. Shawns physique was the most aesthetic, pleasing to the eyes whit greath flow and top notch conditioning, but his back and arms are not worthy of a Mr Olympia.
If kai green had a tighter midsection he would've tough to beat...loved his posing...so different and rlly made some of his strengths shine in my opinion
nice video. i'd honestly love to know how many people would put Kai above Flex, Kevin and/or Shawn... depends on the point of view, it's really hard to compare them 😆
I'd like to see a video on the worst Mr. Olympia winners for a certain year competing against each other (Arnold in '80, Franco in '81, Dickerson in '82, Yates in '97) and see which one would you think would come out on top.
90s were dark ages of BB when poor aesthetics was not heavily penalized until finally Arnold spoke out against unsightly bubble gut. Tom Platz and Gunter each should have won one Mr. O.
I still say out of Shawn/Kevin/Flex - Shawn had the closest call at the Olympia (in my opinion) Dhawn clearly clear cut so obviously should have won 1994 Olympia. Flex and Kevin had some great showings but I don’t think either were ever robbed of an Olympia. Shawn should have won in 1994 100%
If Darwin was alive today, he would officially state the 90's as the pinneacle of the evolution of bodybuilding in the "Origin of species." Great picture of shawn ray @ 5.45, now that's a great lat spread, what do you think about that Daaaaaale, GRTZ, BIG LENNY.
Flex Wheeler had an incredible physique no questions asked. However, the thought of his potential usage of site enhancement oil always lingers in my mind, and because of this I slightly rank Kevin Levrone the edge over Flex Wheeler. Also, arbitrarily I give Kevin Levrone the edge because he always lifted heavy and with enthusiasm, while Flex Wheeler seemed lackadaisical with lighter weight workouts.
Shawn Ray was a class act on stage in that he masterfully presented his physique. I always was left with the "wow" feeling after watching his individual presentation. The only critique of Shawn Ray, which is no fault of his own, is that next to bigger guys the attention is taken away and drawn to.the bigger physique.
On my list, Kevin Levrone is a top 10 of all time bodybuilder. His physique was just something to behold. Guys these days simply can't match the size AND condition.
Agree with that. Olympia seem like "sleeping judges" era of Arnold shadow. These guys deserve title more than Yates. He deserve 1 or 2 titles max, but not that much. Arnold classic winners corespond more reality shape than Olympia.
Levrone, Wheeler, Winklaar in that order hence their prime, but I do like a wide frame. Though a numerous Olympian winner, who I never been crazy about on physique, and would lose to all of the above in a head to head in their prime' is Dorian Yates.
Posting this before I watch the video to see how close it lines up. My top five in no particular order; Kay Greene, Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, Shawn Ray, Danny Padilla. Honorable mentions; Serge Nubret, You Ferrigno, Bill Pearl.
@@odessafile75 no, he did not. It's the top five to never win the Olympia, not the top five to lose at the Olympia. However, Bill Pearle did kind of win an Olympia by proxy, as he coached Chris Dickerson.
@@odessafile75 this is just getting way of track. my primary point was that Bill Pearl is one of the best bodybuilders to never win an Olympia. I'm fairly convinced that had he competed in the Olympia he would of won it at least once.
MMAfan I can't believe you didn't include Mike Mentzer and Serget Nubret. IMO thetop 10 Olympia competitors who never took home a sandow are: 1) Mike Mentzer 2) Flex Wheeler 3) Shawn Ray 4) Serge Nubret 5) Dan Cormier 6) Kevin Levrone 7) Lou Ferrigno 8) Lee Labrada 9) Gaspari 10) Nasser El Sonbaty
For some guys, that thick, blocky look has been a problem. A dude so thick you could almost draw an imaginary square around him. Even at pro level it seems a more 'rectangular' V tapered body will always beat a thicker square one. And that's even with no weak points on the square guy. BB is aesthetics, some people just look better all else being fairly equal.
Hey guys I'm really happy with the way this one turned out! Took a lot of time to research and select rare(ish) pics - and the script alone probably took 8-10 hours - but I consider it one of my best videos to date so lemme know what you think! ✌️
You know im a 10 YR OLD bodybuilding fan?
You are awesome!
Great list. Pretty much agree with all choices. Serge Nubret could have been on for a 70’s choice.
Your vids are always awesome
Tomn8er great list
This Tomn8r *knows* wtf he's talking about.
10:31 holy shit, Gaspari almost did a standing vertical leap over Bannout even while being carb and water-depleted.
I know right??? He isn’t small either
He can probably squat twice his bw
Amazing explosive power
Definitely your best video, well done!
So many champions worth mentioning.
Great video Tom 💪💪
Very well thought out list. Hard choices. Ray over Levrone for me but I understand.
goldburnm likewise, Shawn was unbelievable
Shawn had no weaknesses (apart from his height)
Excelente video! Mi favorito es Martinez, además creo que ha sido el que tuvo menos suerte de todos, su físico en el Arnold Clásic me encanto. Saludos excelente canal!
Great job! Agree w/everything in this vid.
Think abt it this way tho, with all the amazing out of this world competition from these "uncrowned Mr. O's", it speaks volumes to how out of this world both Dorian n Ronnie were to take it 14 yrs straight denying all these stellar athletes an official Sandow!
Nice to see Vince Taylor getting some love.
Why?
you make the best videos on bodybuilding. i love hearing your PERSONAL opinions and not only a list of facts or anecdotes about some bodybuilders’ life
Props for spending so much time on the vid
I was waiting for this video, ty so much dude
10 most complete physiques of all time?
Not my favorite but...Shawn Ray takes that one hands down, at least in my opinion. Really wish he wouldn't have said all that shit about Chad Nicholls. I try so hard to like him because I respect his career.
@@travelreview5962 Chris Cormier
Bob Paris
Phil Heath is the most complete of all time.
Phil health, Shawn ray, Chris Cormier, Cedric Mcmillian, Samir Bannout, and Maybe Flex Lewis
Come back please don't give up!
"This isn't a top 20, it's a top 10"
Man, you could've done a top50 and I'd still be pleased to watch it, hell, it would've been even better! 😁
And while I don't really agree with some of the placings, I can't really come up with arguments other than different personal preferences. I also thought that anyone you've included last time are automatically off of this list, but true, Nasser and Victor both deserve a place among the top 10 to never win the O.
My #1 pick would have been Shawn, but what you've said at Cormier is an interesting notion, namely that he may have been overlooked for not having any stand-out body parts. And it seems that having no flaws is LESS important in professional bodybuilding than having a few freaky parts alongside a few flaws. Shawn's constant 4th and 5th placings could be the result of such approach. Because face it: had he been top3 or even winner in any of those years and still no one would claim a robbery! He was constantly flawless for 12 years. In a sport this demanding, this is unheard of.
Flex is great as well, I just can't unsee his rear deltoids...
I definitely agree that Cormier was overlooked simply for not having any real freaky, stand out body parts. His arms were really big and he even had great peaks on his biceps but they were very balanced compared to the rest of his physique. It must be difficult for a guy like Chris to figure out which direction to go in in regards to his physique and even his training. It’s probably not that easy to become unbalanced in hopes of having one or two body parts stand out
@@jordandangelo1808 very good points, I'd love to listen to the opinion of Chris or Shawn or any other guy that had a similar balanced physique about this topic.
Ray wasn't flawless, he had a bad structure and no V taper. It is not simply because he is short, Kai Greene is also short and he is wide as a house. He simply did not have impressive mandatory poses. He looked pathetic in side chest even next to Dorian and Dorian wasn't good at side chest. He just lacked that extra layer of thickness. His lat spreads were also quite weak and his FDB was nothing impressive
Great video, a true work of art. At least my man Robby got mentioned.
Thanks dude appreciate it
Your videos are some of the most illuminating available on the history of bodybuilding and the Mr. Olympia's over the years, and this is for sure one of the best yet! Awesome job and thanks for your effort and dedication. :-)
thank you friend
Thanks Tom. Great channel and awesome content.
Man, I love these historically body building vids, so juicy, so delish, thanks.
Amazing video, thanks youtube algorithm. It's nice that you outline your methodology, keeping things as unbiased as possible (even though it's hard when it comes to physique preferences).
Well done, man. Nice work (pretty elaborated). Keep it up!
I feel if Shawn ray would of done more shows ( other than the Olympia) he would of won more shows and therefore would of pasted flex and Levrone. His physique was more complete too
good point
it tell me that 90`s bodybuilding was the best
Im 1998 2008 and 2018 were all years where new mr olympias were crowd
Great video Tom, like always. You should review the 2004 mr olympia challenge round. I think it would be interesting to see your take on those comperisons. Do you agree with the judges that Ronnie beat Dexter in the ab and thigh :D It would be very long video, but it doesnt matter.
Hmm interesting idea...
Great pics and fluid commentary! Nice job.
Love your channel and your view in bodybuilding. Keep up the great work ! We love the content no one does this type of shit . Or if they do. Not as well
Chris Cormier - Uncrownned Arnold Classic, he has 5 different 2nd places
Awsome Video Tom 👍
Definitely agree with Levrone and Wheeler, amazing bodybuilders.
Bob Paris had better classic posing than Lee
Awesome video bro! How about top 5 most stacked olympia line ups?
Yeah I might do a video on THE most stacked lineup. A top 5 for that would be hella hard
Great vid Tom
Flex wheeler should have won the 1993 Olympia. That would have saved bodybuilding.
I was re-watching the '93 Olympia, and up to a point, I was thinking the same thing. However, Flex at that moment was already catching up to size with Dorian. His legs were bigger, even though not as conditioned. My point is, had he won, he would have continued playing the size game regardless.
"even Dexter hasn't reached that mark yet."
He's about to!!
Dexter won mr olympia brothr.. already
Those did not
If I did the list I would have had.
1st Flex Wheeler
2nd Kai Greene
3rd Kevin Levrone
4th Shawn Ray
5th Lee Labrada
Most of those would be in my top 10 as well- with the top 6 in the same exact order, and for the same reasons you stated.
Think it’s about time for a ‘96 Arnold analysis (lack of available photos aside) ;)
I think Tom Platz was definitely deserving to make this list, after all he was the Quadfather that took leg development at least 10 years into the future.
Many including myself believe he should have won Mr O in 1981.
Win or not they all champions to me not easy been up that level. Respect! These are the guys that motivated me and looked up to when i was young in the gym. But compare those stomach to these day's these guys win, hands down!
Kai with traps and forearms would have been un-fucking-stoppable.
I'm not personally a fan of the peaky but thin biceps and short triceps, but I can see why other people are, so I wouldn't consider them a missing piece. He even did a decent job hiding his big waist, especially in the twisting fdb he did
Good choices! but I definately would have put Rich Gaspari over Lee Labrada, I also say that the bodybuilder who was more of a bridge between Zane and Ray was Bob Paris.
Hard to disagree with that! Good comment
1993 Flex... Best body builder Ever !! 😊💪
Good videos dude
Thanks buddy
Kai Greene’s body kinda reminds me of a buff Michelin Man.
AL.BECKLES
Shawn ray is a legend imo he was perfect one of 3 guys that deserve perfect score.
Fr he should’ve got perfect scores in 1994 they robbed my goat😭
Great quality to this video!
Nicely done indeedies.
Well done and good job 👍
A great video topic.
Was wondering if you would consider making a video about bodybuilders who wasted or failed to capitalise on great genetics. I know this video is sort of like that but I mean bodybuilders such as Lionel Beyeke or Cedric McMillan who have outstanding genetics but for some reason never get the right balance of being lean/full, or Paul Dillet who was just horrible at presenting his body on stage. Hell I’ve done half of it for you...
Yeah it's on the list 👍🏻
It will always be crazy to me that Flex doesn't have an Olympia. I was completely in awe at the 1993 Arnold. His body was EVERYTHING! That's why Shawn Rhoden winning was so shocking to me. Shawn and Flex deserve retroactive Sandows.
Exactly. All these young cats thinking Rhoden is some aesthetic saviour is laughable. It was more like the IFBB hitting the reset button as opposed to moving forward.
@@Tomn8er I agree. No disrespect for Shawn. But his victory reminds me a lot of Dexter Jackson in 2008 Olympia. The defending champion was way off, so they had to award the title to a somewhat not impressive contender who came in an outstanding shape. Shawns physique was the most aesthetic, pleasing to the eyes whit greath flow and top notch conditioning, but his back and arms are not worthy of a Mr Olympia.
@@bestcryptoearningsites7149 Were Dorian's arms worthy of the Sandow in any year either though? No way. Same goes for his shoulders.
@@laurikotivuori1585 I have seen both in person, and you cab be sure than Dorians delts were far bigger than Flex ones.
If kai green had a tighter midsection he would've tough to beat...loved his posing...so different and rlly made some of his strengths shine in my opinion
Another excellent video. Based on title first ? I immediately had was can you bring yourself to add Your fav Branch on here
another great vid.
nice video. i'd honestly love to know how many people would put Kai above Flex, Kevin and/or Shawn... depends on the point of view, it's really hard to compare them 😆
I'd like to see a video on the worst Mr. Olympia winners for a certain year competing against each other (Arnold in '80, Franco in '81, Dickerson in '82, Yates in '97) and see which one would you think would come out on top.
Whew it would be a battle between Yates and Franco I think. (Arnold and Dickerson were still pretty respectable those years).
Thank God you added Nasir al Sonbaty
Two names always come to mind: Serge Nubret and Tom Platz
Real Deal baby!
I’ll be back as well ... great video our kid
90s were dark ages of BB when poor aesthetics was not heavily penalized until finally Arnold spoke out against unsightly bubble gut. Tom Platz and Gunter each should have won one Mr. O.
I still say out of Shawn/Kevin/Flex - Shawn had the closest call at the Olympia (in my opinion) Dhawn clearly clear cut so obviously should have won 1994 Olympia. Flex and Kevin had some great showings but I don’t think either were ever robbed of an Olympia. Shawn should have won in 1994 100%
I'd agree man pretty good judgement
Nice vid
if you were to make this a top 20 list, guys like Robbie Robinson, Serge Nubret and Lou Ferrigno would be on it.
This question was thrown into the bodybuilding worls years ago and the result was: Shawn Ray.
16:45 look at arnold, walking in the park..
If Darwin was alive today, he would officially state the 90's as the pinneacle of the evolution of bodybuilding in the "Origin of species." Great picture of shawn ray @ 5.45, now that's a great lat spread, what do you think about that Daaaaaale, GRTZ, BIG LENNY.
Out of this list I would have put Lee Labrada as #1 but it is subjective and only my opinion. You did a great job on this one.
Flex Wheeler had an incredible physique no questions asked. However, the thought of his potential usage of site enhancement oil always lingers in my mind, and because of this I slightly rank Kevin Levrone the edge over Flex Wheeler. Also, arbitrarily I give Kevin Levrone the edge because he always lifted heavy and with enthusiasm, while Flex Wheeler seemed lackadaisical with lighter weight workouts.
Not potential, he admited it himself
And Shawn ray was better than both flex and kevin. No oil, no weak points and the most consistent.
Shawn Ray was a class act on stage in that he masterfully presented his physique. I always was left with the "wow" feeling after watching his individual presentation. The only critique of Shawn Ray, which is no fault of his own, is that next to bigger guys the attention is taken away and drawn to.the bigger physique.
Kai has demon back
For me the best was Kai Green, overall he was so good
How could you miss out Bob Paris of this line up?
Well done boy
When i saw the title of the video i said to myself : if the first three are not Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler, this has no interest.
On my list, Kevin Levrone is a top 10 of all time bodybuilder. His physique was just something to behold. Guys these days simply can't match the size AND condition.
Agree with that. Olympia seem like "sleeping judges" era of Arnold shadow. These guys deserve title more than Yates. He deserve 1 or 2 titles max, but not that much. Arnold classic winners corespond more reality shape than Olympia.
I'm pretty sure Shawn ray competed in the 1989 Mr Olympia aswell...
When you mention Paul Dillet i get a stroke...
Levrone, Wheeler, Winklaar in that order hence their prime, but I do like a wide frame.
Though a numerous Olympian winner, who I never been crazy about on physique, and would lose to all of the above in a head to head in their prime' is Dorian Yates.
Posting this before I watch the video to see how close it lines up. My top five in no particular order; Kay Greene, Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, Shawn Ray, Danny Padilla. Honorable mentions; Serge Nubret, You Ferrigno, Bill Pearl.
@@odessafile75 no, he did not. It's the top five to never win the Olympia, not the top five to lose at the Olympia. However, Bill Pearle did kind of win an Olympia by proxy, as he coached Chris Dickerson.
@@odessafile75 this is just getting way of track. my primary point was that Bill Pearl is one of the best bodybuilders to never win an Olympia. I'm fairly convinced that had he competed in the Olympia he would of won it at least once.
I agree with the top three. Shawn Ray was known as a giant killer. Btw, what is the meaning conditioning in bodybuilding term?
Kevin has been runner up the most times so i must say Kevin is the best.
hey to kevin also beat flex at 2000 olimpya and 2002 olimpya as well
so its 9 to 8 for kevin
MMAfan
I can't believe you didn't include Mike Mentzer and Serget Nubret. IMO thetop 10 Olympia competitors who never took home a sandow are:
1) Mike Mentzer
2) Flex Wheeler
3) Shawn Ray
4) Serge Nubret
5) Dan Cormier
6) Kevin Levrone
7) Lou Ferrigno
8) Lee Labrada
9) Gaspari
10) Nasser El Sonbaty
For some guys, that thick, blocky look has been a problem. A dude so thick you could almost draw an imaginary square around him.
Even at pro level it seems a more 'rectangular' V tapered body will always beat a thicker square one. And that's even with no weak points on the square guy.
BB is aesthetics, some people just look better all else being fairly equal.
Serge Nubret, Mike Mentzer
Let me gess, shawn ray
Levrone wheeler and kai are true uncrowned. Others are debateable
Objectively, kai is number 1
If what Ronnie said on Joe Rogan’s podcast is true I bet Flex regrets teaching him how to use steroids, lol
i think Levrone is a bit arm and shoulder dominant so i think Ray 2nd and Levrone 3rd.
Kai greene is the best uncrowned mr olympia hands down he smokes any of them in a bodybuilding show
i think paul dilliet and markus ruhl sud also be there
Now big ramy mr. Olympia
What about Bertil Fox or Mike mentzger
Not a wheeler type physique fan. For me its Kevin Cormier Aaron Baker & Clairemonte.
Albert beckles
The thumbnail says it all flex and Kevin r my favorite and both didn’t win an Olympia