Who is Hadi Choopan, Mr. Olympia 2022?

Became Mr. Olympia in 2022, Hadi Choopan is a bodybuilder with an exceptional physique. Nicknamed the "Persian Wolf", this diminutive 1.67m tall man dethroned the legendary Big Ramy after a fierce battle. Find out more about the career and achievements of this extraordinary athlete.

An enthusiast of bodybuilding and bodybuilding

Hadi Choopan was born in September 1987 in Abnow, a small village in the province of Fars in Iran.

Young Hadi grew up in a poor family. He had to start working at an early age with his older brother to help his family support itself, first in street vending, then in construction as a plasterer.

Hadi Choopan developed an early passion for the physical cultureat the age of 13. He also practiced boxing.

After a few participations in local competitions of bodybuilding in which he excelled, he won his first national title in 2005. At just 18 years of age and weighing just 68 kg, he was already beginning to attract the attention of observers.

The Iranian bodybuilder won 5 other national medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze).

A promising start to a professional career

Under the guidance of his coach Ali Ne'mati, Hadi Choopan launched his career as a professional bodybuilder.

He won the WBPF (World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation) Asian Championship in 2013, and then the World Championship the same year. He retained his WBPF world title in 2014 and in 2015.

In 2017, the Iranian athlete decided to change coach to give his career a new twist. He enlists the services of Hany Ramboda legendary coach in the bodybuilding world. Rambod is known for having accompanied numerous champions in their quest for consecration at Mr. Olympia: Phil Health, Jeremy Buendia, Chris Bumsteadetc.

Hany Rambod is also the inventor of the the FST-7 methoda congestion technique designed to optimize the muscle definition. Hadi Choopan is just one of the many athletes to have integrated this method into his training program.

In 2018, Hadi Choopan finished first in the category 212 at the IFBB Portugal Pro, a qualifying event for the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition.

Unfortunately, a visa problem is preventing him from traveling to Las Vegas to take part in the competition. The Trump administration has banned Iranian nationals from entering the United States. A decision he logically sees as a profound injustice, after so much effort.

Hadi Choopan then turned his attention to the Asian Grand Prix, which he won.

2022, the year of consecration for Hadi Choopan

The following year, the "Persian Wolf" faced the same administrative difficulties.

At the last minute, he was finally allowed to enter the United States to compete in Mr. Olympia 2019 and surprised everyone by competing in Openthe queen category.

He then faces the athletes whose muscle mass is the most developed. His exceptional physique enabled him to finish on the third step of the podium, behind Brandon Curry and William Bonac, and to win the honorary prize awarded by an enthusiastic audience.

Hadi Choopan continues his impressive progress. He finished fourth in 2020 and third again in 2021, two editions won by Egyptian Mamdouh Elssbiay "Big Ramy.

The bodybuilder immediately gets back to work. He goes to the Mr. Olympia 2022 more motivated than ever, and clearly one of the favourites. A status he assumes by displaying a sublime physical condition, with 106 kg of muscles aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.

He won the competition, ahead of the two American bodybuilders Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker, and confirmed that he is now one of the very best athletes on the planet.

Hadi Choopan regained his title the following year, on the occasion of the Mr Olympia 2023 held in Orlando. In a fierce competition, the Iranian bodybuilder lost this time to the American Derek Lunsford.

An engaging personality

As well as being a great athlete, Hadi Choopan is a well-liked person. Humble, kind and committed, he didn't fail to dedicate his victory at Mr. Olympia 2022 to the Iranian people, and in particular to the women of his country.

It is also extremely popular on social networks, with 6.3 million subscribers on Instagram who follow his weight training and his lifestyle.

Hadi Choopan is not only a star on the Internet, but also adored in his native country. A national pride, he is a model of discipline and determination for thousands of young Iranians.

To conclude

Hadi Choopan's progress over the last few years has been impressive. Each new competition is an opportunity for him to show off the fruits of his hard work. His title of Mr. Olympia 2022 is the culmination of thousands of hours of training. Unfortunately, despite his exceptional physique, he was unable to repeat the feat in 2023.