Ramon Dino disappoints and falls outside the top-3 at Mr. Olympia 2024; Cbum still performs at Classic Physique

Brazilian bodybuilder Ramon Dino’s performance at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, held in Las Vegas, failed to meet the high expectations of fans and experts alike. Previously tipped to directly challenge the reigning five-time champion, Chris Bumstead (Cbum), Ramon surprisingly fell out of the much-anticipated top-3, leaving many in the bodybuilding community stunned.

Ramon, who had secured second place in the past two editions of the competition, entered the 2024 event with strong expectations following a string of impressive performances in recent years. However, his showing during the event’s pre-judging on Saturday didn’t live up to what was expected by both judges and fans. Experts quickly noted a combination of factors that negatively impacted his score, distancing him from a podium finish.

Performance in the pre-judging and criticism

During the Classic Physique pre-judging rounds, Ramon was placed in the second callout of athletes, signaling that he was already out of contention for the top positions. The judges selected Chris Bumstead, German competitors Urs Kalecinski, and Mike Sommerfeld in the first callout, leaving Ramon out of the top-tier competition. This result shocked many, as Ramon was one of the pre-competition favorites.

One of the most talked-about aspects was Ramon’s physical condition on stage. Although he is known for his exceptional muscle symmetry, his physique at the time of his presentation did not seem to reach the required level for this escol event. Observers noted that his muscle volume and definition were below expectations. In addition, Ramon appeared to sweat excessively during his performance, which caused the tanning oil used to accentuate muscle definition to drip, affecting his overall appearance on stage.

Factors contributing to the result

Classic Physique is a category where every detail matters, and the judges closely evaluate muscle definition, symmetry, proportions, and stage presence. For Ramon, the visible water retention indicated by his excessive sweating may have impaired his muscle definition—a critical factor in this category.

Additionally, the “carb up” strategy used by Ramon and his team before the competition may have played a part in the result. The “carb up” is a crucial process in which athletes increase carbohydrate intake before stepping on stage to enhance muscle fullness. Some experts noted that Ramon’s strategy may not have worked effectively, resulting in a physique that lacked the fullness expected in a top-tier presentation. This deficiency left him at a disadvantage compared to competitors who presented more striking physiques.

The dominance of Chris Bumstead in the category

Chris Bumstead, also known as “Cbum,” continues to dominate the Classic Physique category, and his presence in the top-3 at the 2024 Mr. Olympia was no surprise. The Canadian has been the dominant figure in the category for the past several years and was pursuing his sixth consecutive title. His combination of muscle volume, definition, and symmetry continues to set him apart as the top competitor in the event.

Urs Kalecinski and Mike Sommerfeld also delivered impressive physiques that convinced the judges to place them alongside Bumstead in the top-3. The inclusion of these two European athletes underscores the strong competition emerging from Europe in the Classic Physique category.

Future expectations

Despite the unexpected result, Ramon Dino’s future in bodybuilding remains bright. At just 28 years old, he continues to be one of the most promising names in the sport, both in Brazil and globally. His rapid progression since his first Mr. Olympia appearance in 2021 demonstrates that he still has the potential to compete for titles in the coming years.

The 2024 Mr. Olympia results provide a valuable learning experience for Ramon and his team, who will need to reevaluate their preparation strategies, particularly concerning water retention and carb up planning. Ramon’s impressive physique, which earned him second-place finishes in previous editions, still serves as a reference point, but adjustments will be necessary for him to compete more closely with competitors like Chris Bumstead and Urs Kalecinski.

Additionally, the Brazilian fanbase remains supportive of the athlete, who stands as one of the country’s leading figures in the international bodybuilding scene. Upcoming competitions, such as the Arnold Classic, will offer Ramon the opportunity to prove he can reclaim a spot among the escol of the Classic Physique division.

Timeline of Mr. Olympia 2024 events

• Friday, October 11: Initial pre-judging rounds of the Classic Physique category.
• Saturday, October 12: Pre-judging continued, with Chris Bumstead, Urs Kalecinski, and Mike Sommerfeld making the first callout for the top-3. Ramon Dino was placed in the second callout.
• Saturday night, October 12: Classic Physique finals. Chris Bumstead remained the frontrunner, with Urs and Sommerfeld competing for the remaining top spots.

Impact of the decision

• Underwhelming performance: Ramon Dino’s showing, marked by excessive sweating and visible water retention, compromised his performance on stage.
• Controversial judging: The decision to exclude Ramon from the top-3 raised questions about the criteria used by the judges.
• A promising future: Despite this setback, Ramon remains a strong competitor in bodybuilding and is expected to bounce back in future competitions.

As the 2024 Mr. Olympia draws to a close, the focus shifts to next year’s competitions, where Ramon Dino will have the chance to rectify the mistakes made and potentially return to the top. Brazilian bodybuilding continues to rise, and athletes like Ramon and Rafael Brandão play a crucial role in this growing movement within the sport.