Brandon Curry was the prohibitive favorite to win the Olympia after winning the 2019 Arnold Classic, and he didn't disappoint.
Although he was challenged by William Bonac and People's Champion Hadi Choopan Curry became the 15th man to win the Olympia due to his overall size, conditioning, and total physique.
The champ took home $400,000 for his winning efforts.
The top 5 finishers were:
1st – Brandon Curry
2nd- William Bonac
3rd- Hadi Choopan
4th- Dexter Jackson
5th – Roelly Winklaar
Brandon Curry defeated the last year’s winner ‘The Giant Killer’ William Bonac as well as top flight contenders such as Roelly Winklaar and Cedric McMillan to win the 2019 Arnold Classic competition.
Curry, 36, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., had won Arnold championships in Brazil and Australia, but it was his first Arnold win in the United States.
Brandon Curry received a trophy and a check for $130,000 from the from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Watch an interview of Curry with Muscular Development Magazine after winning the 2019 Arnold Classic:
Arnold Classic 2019 Official Results & Prize Money
Brandon Curry, $130,000
William Bonac, $75,000
Luke Sandoe, $30,000
Cedric McMillan, $50,000
Roelly Winklaar, $15,000
Steve Kuclo, $10,000
Shawn Rhoden wasn't on the radar of many to win the 2018 Mr. Olympia due to his backsliding to a 5th place finish in 2017, his inability to compete at the 2018 Arnold Classic due to illness, and his lack of progress pictures and videos on social media. There was an assumption made that the Jamaican wasn't in peak shape. That assumption was proven wrong as Flexatron won the 2018 Mr. Olympia triumphing over 7X champ Phil Heath.
Rhoden earned a $675,000 payout, the largest in the history of the Mr. Olympia competition.
At 43 years old he ties the record for oldest bodybuilder to win the Olympia with Chis Dickerson.
The top 5 finishers were:
1. Shawn Rhoden.
2. Phil Heath.
3. Roelly Winklaar.
4. William Bonac.
5. Brandon Curry.
