Displaying large biceps is a coveted dream for many men as they represent power and masculinity. Though they don’t necessarily enhance your arm’s capability or strength, both men and women are often obsessed with bigger biceps. Therefore, in this article, we will showcase the world’s top 10 most impressive biceps.
Top 10 Largest Biceps in The World:
The allure of biceps significantly contributes to the time spent by individuals working on their arms at gyms. Icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman inspire many aspiring to have colossal biceps, yet some possess even larger arms than these luminaries.
Note:This piece highlights the bodybuilders with the best and largest biceps globally. Nonetheless, individuals who use site-enhancement substances like Synthol or PMMA, or those with naturally large but undefined biceps, will not be included to maintain fairness.
1. Greg Kovacs (25-27 Inches):
Greg Kovacs was a professional Canadian IFBB bodybuilder. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 330 pounds, making him the largest professional bodybuilder in the late 1990s. At the pinnacle of his career, his biceps were recorded at an impressive 27 inches.
However, his regular bicep size was around 25 inches, with a chest measurement of 70 inches and legs at 35 inches. Kovacs’ off-season weight reached a staggering 420 pounds. He retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2005 to concentrate on other pursuits and coaching.
Regrettably, the Canadian icon passed away on November 22, 2013, at the age of just 44.
2. Roelly Winklaar (24 Inches):
Roelly Winklaar, known as The Beast, is a Dutch IFBB professional bodybuilder boasting formidable 24-inch biceps. His arm conditioning with distinct separation and definition secures him the second spot on this list. He also possesses some of the finest triceps in the sport.
In an interview, Winklaar disclosed that his biceps did not develop as rapidly as his triceps. It required extensive effort to elevate his biceps’ peak and achieve a perfectly honed shape. Winner of the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival in Australia, he stands among the finest modern-day bodybuilders.
3. Phil Heath (23-24 Inches):
Phil Heath is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder and a current legend. Nicknamed “The Gift,” Heath clinched the Mr. Olympia title seven successive times from 2011 to 2017. At his career’s zenith, Phil Heath’s biceps were measured at 24 inches.
However, his arms were usually 23 inches. These biceps stand out not just for their sheer size but also for their immaculate definition and craftsmanship. Heath is renowned for his exceptional genetics, and his biceps are a striking hallmark of his colossal yet finely-tuned physique.
4. Ronnie Coleman (22.5-24 Inches):
Ronnie Coleman is a globally famous name in bodybuilding. The American retired professional bodybuilder is one of the most distinguished figures in the sport. He claimed the Mr. Olympia title eight times, surpassing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s record of seven victories.
Coleman is famous for his remarkable physique, particularly highlighted by beautifully sculpted biceps measuring 24 inches during the off-season when he weighed between 315 to 330 pounds. However, when he slimmed down to under 300 pounds for competitions, his biceps were around 22.5 to 23 inches.
5. Sergio Oliva (22.5-24 Inches):
Sergio Oliva, famously known as “The Myth,” is a legendary figure in bodybuilding. Born on July 04, 1941, in Cuba, Oliva won the Mr. Olympia title three times consecutively in 1967, 1968, and 1969. At the peak of his career, his biceps were 24 inches, though they later decreased to 22.5 inches.
Oliva was celebrated for his outstanding physique, balanced proportions, unrivaled appeal, and his stunning arms. He achieved this through a demanding and disciplined training routine, being one of the pioneers in integrating traditional weightlifting with specialized bodybuilding strategies.
6. Flex Wheeler (22-24 Inches):
Flex Wheeler, known as “The Sultan of Symmetry,” is a former American professional bodybuilder. Although he never secured the Mr. Olympia crown, he is regarded as one of the best of his time. Between 1993 and 2000, Wheeler triumphed in the IFBB Arnold Classic four times, setting a then-record.
At the zenith of his career, Flex Wheeler boasted biceps measuring 24 inches, though they later shrank to 22 inches. Sadly, his career was curtailed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a type of kidney ailment. He retired from competing in 2003 and had a partial leg amputation in October 2019.
7. Bill Pettis (23.25 Inches):
Next on our list of the largest biceps in the world is the eminent bodybuilder, Bill Pettis. Competing against legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbo, Pettis’s biceps surpassed theirs, measuring 23.25 inches in his heyday.
Although once capable of performing 100kg bicep curls, Pettis’s life took a downturn after his bodybuilding days, eventually leading to alcoholism, drug abuse, and homelessness. In September 2016, he was discovered deceased near a creek in Pennsylvania at the age of 69.
8. Mike Matarazzo (23 Inches):
Nicknamed “Big Guns” due to his colossal biceps of 23 inches, Mike Matarazzo was a retired American IFBB professional bodybuilder with some of the most sizable arms during his competitive years. His career, however, was cut short due to health problems.
Possessing a remarkably aesthetic physique, Matarazzo sadly passed away at the age of just 48 in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of massive biceps, sculpted calves, and phenomenal stage presence.
9. Lou Ferrigno (22.5-23 Inches):
Legendary Lou Ferrigno, another standout on our list of the most massive biceps globally, was one of the sport’s top competitors, with two Mr. Universe wins and two Mr. Olympia runner-up titles. Throughout his career, his biceps fluctuated between 22.5 and 23 inches.
Ferrigno’s enormous build landed him the role of “Hulk” in the pre-CGI era of Hollywood, featuring in the CBS series The Incredible Hulk from 1977 to 1982.
10. Arnold Schwarzenegger (22 Inches):
The final name on our list is someone indelibly linked to bodybuilding excellence: Arnold Schwarzenegger. The “GOAT” of bodybuilding sported biceps measuring 22 inches during his prime and clinched the Mr. Olympia title a then-record seven times.
This accolade is also shared by other greats like Lee Priest, Kai Greene, Flex Lewis, among others, all boasting 22-inch biceps, but none matched the flair or global fan base of Arnold.
Honorable Mentions: Moustafa Ismail:
Moustafa Ismail holds the record for the biggest biceps in the world. In 2012, he earned the Guinness World Record for the largest biceps at an astounding 31 inches, a record previously unseen. Nevertheless, his title was revoked following allegations of Synthol injections into his biceps.
Amid the scandal, Ismail traveled to Japan for testing to clear his name. He underwent comprehensive imaging tests, including full-body MRI and upper arm ultrasound. The medical professionals found no evidence of implants, substance use, or tampering, thus exonerating him.
Several individuals possess enormous biceps, exceeding the size of those previously mentioned, yet they were excluded from the list due to the use of Synthol, PMAA, and other enhancing agents. Romario Dos Santos Alves (30 inches), Arlindo De Souza (29 inches), Gregg Valentino (28 inches), and Manfred Hoeberl (26 inches) are frequently recalled by bodybuilding enthusiasts for their massive, oil-enhanced biceps.
Final Reflections:
This guide concludes the compilation of the largest biceps globally that have been developed without the use of site-enhanced compounds, relying instead on significant protein intake (alongside some steroids). Here’s a brief summary of the list:
- Greg Kovacs
- Roelly Winklaar
- Phil Heath
- Ronnie Coleman
- Sergio Oliva
- Flex Wheeler
- Bill Pettis
- Mike Matarazzo
- Lou Ferrigno
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
If you have any queries or suggestions, do not hesitate to drop a comment.
Common Inquiries:
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the largest biceps:
Who possesses the largest biceps in the world?:
Egyptian bodybuilder Moustafa ‘Mo’ Ismail holds the record for the world’s largest biceps, measuring a staggering 31 inches. This accomplishment earned him the Guinness World Record for the biggest biceps. He claims his success is due to consuming 3000 grams of protein daily and performing 400-pound curls.
Who has the largest natural biceps globally?:
The late Canadian IFBB professional bodybuilder Greg Kovacs had the largest natural biceps in the world, measured between 25 to 27 inches. Roelly Winklaar, Phil Heath, Ronnie Coleman, and Sergio Oliva follow with biceps measuring 24 inches.
What is the largest natural bicep size?:
The peak natural bicep size is 20 inches, a rare but attainable milestone. A typical achievable size with proper training, exercises, nutrition, and rest is between 16 to 17 inches. Numerous bodybuilders naturally attain biceps ranging from 16 to 20 inches.
What is the biceps size of The Rock?:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson boasts biceps that measure approximately 21 inches. The Hollywood icon refers to his biceps as “Thunder Cookies” and believes that “success comes from pushing beyond failure, where the magic happens.” His physical prowess has been impressive since his days in WWF/E.