Here are the 10 most colossal bodybuilders to ever hit the stage.
Bodybuilding is a discipline that acknowledges posing skills, symmetry, definition, proportion, and bulk. Nonetheless, the primary attraction for many spectators is the competitors’ enormous size, especially in the Men’s Open category. Witnessing the extent of muscle mass that the human body can hold – exemplified by physiques like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman – is truly stunning.
While many have excelled in this arena, a rare handful transcend to legendary status, making an imprint that goes beyond just winning elite titles like Mr. Olympia. This article delves into the sport of bodybuilding to highlight the extraordinary individuals who have left a significant legacy, especially the largest mass monsters to ever grace the stage.
Most Massive Bodybuilder
Here is a list of 10 of the most gigantic bodybuilders in the history of bodybuilding (listed randomly):
- Dorian Yates
- Ronnie Coleman
- Olivier Richters
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
- Kai Greene
- Lou Ferrigno
- Paul Dillett
- Jay Cutler
- Rich Piana
- Markus Rühl
Dorian Yates
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Dorian Yates will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats in bodybuilding. He pioneered a new direction in the sport and ruled the scene for seven consecutive years, clinching the Mr. Olympia title six times. Yates’ no-nonsense style made him a fan favorite.
In addition to his sheer size, Yates was known for his impressive conditioning and definition, setting a benchmark that many bodybuilders still seek to match. At his peak, he weighed up to 256 lbs at a height of 5’10”.
Ronnie Coleman
Ronnie Coleman took over the Mr. Olympia mantle from Dorian Yates after the latter retired due to a tricep injury. To achieve that, he had to be nothing short of extraordinary. Following his eight years of dominance, Coleman proved his worth. For many, Coleman is on par with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the best bodybuilder of all time.
Ronnie Coleman is renowned for his unparalleled physique on the bodybuilding stage, combining size and conditioning. “The King” is also celebrated for his incredible strength, managing to squat 800lbs. His stats include weighing up to 330 lbs during the off-season, which is enormous for his 5’11” frame. Discover more about him in our film Ronnie Coleman: The King.
Olivier Richters
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Can our list be complete without mentioning the tallest bodybuilder on the planet, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records? Although Richters is more focused on acting than stage bodybuilding, he weighs 330 lbs. Combined with his towering height of 7’2”, it’s no wonder he’s dubbed “The Dutch Giant.”
Olivier Richters has also ventured into acting, featuring in films like Marvel’s The Black Widow and Kingsman. He consumes 5000 calories daily, divided into six to seven meals.over the entire day. Because of his stature, achieving the correct movement range was a challenge he had to conquer as a bodybuilder.
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
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Affectionately known as “Big Ramy,” he made such an impact at his professional debut in 2013 that other competitors didn’t want to be beside him. They believed his physique would overshadow theirs, diminishing their chances of victory. Naturally, Elssbiay took home the trophy.
It wasn’t until 2020 that he claimed his first Mr. Olympia, weighing in at 290 lbs. He successfully defended his title the following year, packing on an extra five pounds. Mamdouh Elssbiay hails from Egypt, standing at 5’10” with off-season stats pushing 310lbs.
Kai Greene
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Although Kai Greene never clinched the Mr. Olympia title, his impressive form earned him second place from 2012 to 2014. His only obstacle to the top accolade was Phil Heath. Greene exited the competition scene, venturing into acting, and has been cast in martial arts movies like Crazy Fist, appeared in the Netflix series Stranger Things, and other films Kai, Kai Greene: The Return, and Kai Greene: Believe.
Kai Greene’s bulk is extraordinary as he carries up to 310 lbs in the off-season while standing at merely 5’8”. He also boasts superior condition, with many likening his back to Ronnie Coleman’s during his prime.
Lou Ferrigno
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When Lou Ferrigno competed in the 1975 Mr. Olympia, he was one of the most massive bodybuilders of his era. This was why Arnold Schwarzenegger was cautious of him — Ferrigno had over 40 lbs on him! The 1971 bodybuilding movie Pumping Iron chronicled this.
Though Schwarzenegger clinched that title, Lou Ferrigno still enjoyed a successful career. He also transitioned into acting, famous for playing Marvel’s Incredible Hulk, a role many recognize him for. At 6’5”, Ferrigno was the tallest bodybuilder to claim the IFBB Mr. Universe title twice, often weighing over 290 lbs.
Paul Dillett
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Paul Dillett had a football background before turning to bodybuilding and was both taller and weightier than Big Ramy. His considerable size earned him the moniker “Freak-einstein.” While he never secured a win, Dillett competed in Mr. Olympia, reaching as high as 4th in 1994.
During the 1994 Arnold Classic, Paul Dillett froze on stage due to dehydration and water retention. Four officials had to carry him off the stage, and he had to take a year off. Dillett stands at 6’2” and reaches an off-season weight of 320 lbs.
Jay Cutler
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Jay Cutler reveals that his aspiration was to become the most prominent bodybuilder globally. Naturally, that ambition was realized as Cutler triumphed over Ronnie Coleman and clinched the Mr. Olympia title four times. Additionally, he stands out as the sole Mr. Olympia winner to reclaim the title after losing it to Dexter Jackson in 2018.
Jay Cutler boasts an impressive physique, reaching up to 290 lbs on a 5’9” frame. However, what truly sets this colossal athlete apart is his enduring presence. Cutler continues in the sport, staying in shape and striking poses at age 50, thanks to his distinctive training method.
Rich Piana
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Rich Piana was a contestant in the bodybuilding realm for approximately a quarter-century, and he was viewed as a genetic marvel. His biceps, lats, and delts were enormous, captivating bodybuilding enthusiasts around the globe. Piana was also renowned for his transparency regarding the usage of performance-enhancing drugs during his competitions.
Standing at 6’2”, Rich Piana could weigh up to 315 lbs off-season and was a key figure in the documentary Fit Journey Now 2. Piana also launched a successful nutrition brand named Rich Piana: 5% Nutrition, though he tragically passed away in 2017.
Markus Rühl
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Lastly, our rundown of the largest bodybuilders includes Markus Rühl. It’s an apt conclusion, as Rühl is often viewed as one of the most immense mass monsters in the bodybuilding scene. His drawback was competing during the eras of Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler, whom judges believed were more deserving of the title.
While Markus Rühl never captured the Mr. Olympia title, he possesses some of the most remarkable delts in bodybuilding history. Rühl runs a supplement company and has journeyed a long way since his professional debut in 1996. He is 5’10” tall and weighs up to 285 lbs.
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