Bodybuilding · Athletes · No. 1
Samson Dauda
“The Nigerian Lion”: the Kaduna-born bodybuilder who became Mr. Olympia in 2024.
- 2024Mr. Olympia
- 2023Arnold Classic
- $600kOlympia prize
- 2ndOlympia 2026
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From Kaduna to the UK
Samson Dauda was born in Kaduna on 11 March 1986 and moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager. He played rugby until team-mates and a gym owner, Chris Jones, encouraged him to try bodybuilding. Watching Phil Heath at the 2013 Mr. Olympia convinced him to compete seriously.
The rise
He earned his IFBB pro card in Rome in 2017 and won his first professional show, the EVLS Prague Pro, in 2021. His huge, balanced physique carried him to 6th at the 2022 Olympia, victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic and 3rd at the 2023 Olympia.
Mr. Olympia 2024
In October 2024 in Las Vegas he beat Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford to become Mr. Olympia, winning US$600,000. He was the first champion born in Nigeria in the contest’s history.
Since the title
After dropping to 4th in 2025, he skipped the 2026 Arnold Classic, won the Europa Pro and returned to Las Vegas at about 310 pounds. On 26 September 2026 he won the Saturday finals round but finished 2nd overall, two points behind Nick Walker.
Major results
| Year | Contest | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mr. Olympia, Las Vegas | 2nd (US$250,000) |
| 2026 | Europa Pro | 1st |
| 2025 | Mr. Olympia | 4th |
| 2025 | Arnold Classic | 2nd |
| 2024 | Mr. Olympia | 1st (US$600,000) |
| 2023 | Mr. Olympia | 3rd |
| 2023 | Arnold Classic | 1st |
| 2022 | Mr. Olympia | 6th |
| 2021 | EVLS Prague Pro | 1st (first pro win) |
More Nigerian bodybuilding
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History of bodybuilding in Nigeria
How Nigerians came to love the sport, with a timeline.Read more
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Mr Flex Nigeria, IFBB Mr. Universe Nigeria and the 2026 plans.Read more
Nigerian bodybuilders
The Hall of Fame and the Nigerians winning on the world stage.Read more
Quick answers
Samson Dauda: facts and results
Where was Samson Dauda born?
In Kaduna, Nigeria, on 11 March 1986. He moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, where he first played rugby before taking up bodybuilding.
When did Samson Dauda win Mr. Olympia?
In October 2024 in Las Vegas, beating Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford and winning US$600,000. He was the first Mr. Olympia born in Nigeria.
How did Samson Dauda do at the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
He finished 2nd, two points behind Nick Walker, after winning the Saturday finals round. He had finished 4th in 2025.