Best Bodybuilder in the World: Top 15 Body Builders

best bodybuilder in the world

The journey of bodybuilding doesn’t always start from a heartbreak. It started approximately 130 years ago among soldiers with heavy stones to build strength. It took a lucrative turn in 19th century Europe when it was considered a sport for entertainment. For decades since then the best of the best bodybuilders in the world had a special place in the heart and mind of the people, but more than that in the list of people’s aspirations. This content will inform you about certain inspirations you can look forward to in case you lack motivation sometimes.

List of best body builder in the world

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger

  • Date Of Birth: Born on July 13th 1947
  • Age: 75 years old currently
  • Place of Birth: Thal, Styria, Austria
  • Body Measurement: Height: 6 feet 2 inches
  • Country: Austria. United States
  • Competition Weight: 107 Kg
  • Other occupation: Actor, Politician

Representing his country as the “Austrian Oak” he gained multiple titles as the best body builder in the world. Other than continuously representing his country in bodybuilding You surely have seen him as an actor in the movie Terminator. Other than that, some of his famous movies are “Conan The Barbarian” “Predator” “Total Recall” and multiple others.  He later on got involved in politics majorly as well, He is also the 38th governor of California. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

He has also provided a fair share of serving the country by joining the military of Austria. He has also involved himself in multiple Business ventures. He has also been involved in controversies regarding drug abuse and sexual misconduct. 

Letterman 1985 seg02 Swartzenegger.

2. Lee Haney

  • Date Of Birth: November 11, 1959
  • Age: 63
  • Place of Birth: South Carolina
  • Body Measurement:  Height: 5 feet 11 inches
  • Country: United States 
  • Competition Weight: 230 kgs
  • Other occupation: President’s Council on physical fitness and sports

Lee Haney

Lee Haney spent a pretty religiously straightforward life. Starting off as a bodybuilder, he graduated from a Methodist college and later had a christian rebirth. There is not much controversy around his name, he has always been a gentle soul. He dated his wife (Irish Model Shirley Draper) for 3 years then married her and had two kids. He has his own show on the “Trinity Broadcasting Network” where he tries to inspire people towards both physical and spiritual growth.   How to Workout Like a Bodybuilder | Lee Haney | Training Tips from 8x Undefeated Mr. Olympia

3. Ronnie Coleman

  • DOB: May 13, 1964
  • Age: 59
  • Place of Birth: Monroe, Louisiana
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 11 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 136 kgs
  • Other occupation: Footballer
Ronnie Coleman
Image Credit: Essentially Sports

Started off from poverty where he couldn’t afford to eat outside work ended up with the same title 8th consecutive time, Mr. Olympia. Ronald Dean Coleman supports the Inner City Games, an organisation co-founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger. All the squats and deadlifts with 800 lbs took a toll on his body and left him incapable of walking unassisted. He still tries to train people while sitting in a wheelchair. In popular trademark culture you might have seen his clippings of self motivation in reels. He got married twice as the first marriage did not work out. But he has 4 kids with his current wife and they stay in Texas. BORN ON THE WRONG PLANET – RONNIE COLEMAN MOTIVATION

4. Dorian Yates

  • DOB: 19th April 1962
  • Age: 61
  • Place of Birth: Solihull
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Competition Weight:  118 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Entrepreneur

Dorian Yates

In 1983 Dorian Yates started working out and in 1987 he bought the Temple Gym on Temple Street. He then opened 4 franchises out of which 3 are in the UK. He then collaborated and introduced athletic apparel and bodybuilding related books and got totally into business. His eldest son followed his path and now works closely with him. He currently resides in Spain with his wife who is also a Brazilian Fitness Model. Dorian Yates speaks boldly in favour of cannabis as it has relaxing properties and also is very much in favour of practising yoga. His career had to end due to acute injuries, mostly torn bicep and tricep. Dorian Yates- The Genius Scientist of Bodybuilding

5. Frank Zane

  • DOB: June 28 1942
  • Age: 81 years
  • Place of Birth: Kingston, Pennsylvania 
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: USA
  • Competition Weight: 91Kgs 
  • Other occupation: Teacher

From mass to aesthetic, with a distinctive v-shape with a narrow hip but broad shoulder Frank Zane stood tall in the line of worlds best body builders. With a master’s degree in psychology and bachelor of Science he got the nickname “The Chemist.” He is the only bodybuilder to win Mr.America, Mr.Universe, Mr.World, and Mr.Olympia. In 1985 Zane and his wife owned a training centre in Palm spring named “Zane Heaven.” Currently they reside in San Diego and together own a training centre called “Zane Experience.” 

best bodybuilder in the world

He has also put up work in documentaries and production. By far he is also the most educated bodybuilder. His Most controversial statement is about steroids and implants especially in the case of women. Legendary Aesthetics and 3x Mr. Olympia (1977-1979) with Frank Zane | Lisa Alastuey Podcast | Ep. 82

6. Jay Cutler

  • DOB: 3rd August 1973
  • Age: 49
  • Place of Birth: Sterling, Massachusetts
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 118 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Modelling, Social media Influencer and Entrepreneur 

Jay Cutler got into bodybuilding with the hope of becoming the largest bodybuilder. Unfortunately he had to wait till 2006 to get the title of Mr.Olympia. He won the Arnold Classic title for 4 consecutive years. By the year 2013 he had to step down for a bicep injury. He then got into business for bodybuilding supplements using his social media profile. 

Jay Cutler

He has entangled himself in a controversy with Milos Sarcev. This controversy even made headlines as the bodybuilders contradict on a single point. Sarcev’s unconventional view on how posing should be judged, according to him, it should be more about the body rather than the number of poses. Jay’s opinion differs from his as Jay believes flaunting according to will is not good enough for a competition. 

Jay Cutler Coaching Controversy

7. Phil Heath

  • DOB: 18 December 1979
  • Age: 43
  • Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 109 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Wrestling  

From 2011 to 2017, 7 times consecutive winner of Mr.Olympia right next to Arnold. Unlike others he did not go through injuries because of the competition weight, he fought a lot of battles since childhood and worked really hard to earn those titles. He has been a winner in the field of wrestling as well. Phil had to face a lot of hatred from the very first year he started winning. 

Phil Heath

Audience lashed at him for simply dedicating his trophy to his late father. People are mostly annoyed by his social media references. People find his social media profile as cliche, broody and money minded.  There was a specific picture with a bundle of 100$ notes in his hand to show off.

 PHIL HEATH – A HERO OR VILLIAN ?

8. Samir Bannout

  • DOB: 7 November 1955
  • Age: 67 
  • Place of Birth: Beirut, Lebanon
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: Lebanon
  • Competition Weight: 93 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Fitness Coach, Actor

The Lion of Lebanon , the winner of Mr.Olympia 1983 appeared in multiple covers of fitness magazines. He was known as the last Mr.Olympia of the Aesthetic era. He was banned for 3 years from IFBB as a punishment for his participation at the World Championship competition of a rival federation. 

Samir Bannout

He has been very straight forw-ard about his use of anabolic steroids. He has also appeared in documentaries like road to Olympia, The Comeback, and total rebuild. He currently lives in L.A. California with his 2nd wife Randa and his 3 children. He is very strongly opinionated about the current political and controversial scenarios bodybuilders are going through. Samir Bannout: “No Bodybuilder Should Accept The Problem We Are Having Today”

9. Dexter Jackson

  • DOB: 25 November 1969
  • Age: 53
  • Place of Birth: Jacksonville, Florida
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 5 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 98 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Business

1992 is when “The Blade” started and it was at 43 when he reached the peak of his career. Years after years ke kept on winning Arnold Classic till he won Master Olympia. He was featured in multiple bodybuilding articles and magazines for his physique. Then he started his own bodybuilding competition “The Dexter Classic.”

Dexter Jackson

In 2021 he launched a line of Gym supplements. He had to retire in 2020 due to injury in connective tissues. Dexter got involved in controversies with Shawn Ray twice as they kept on challenging each other to tear each other down. According to Dexter, Shawn cannot do what he did in a lifetime. Dexter Jackson Responds to Shawn Ray – “I’d Smoke Him”

10. Rich Gaspari

  • DOB: 16 May 1963
  • Age: 60
  • Place of Birth: New Jersey
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 8 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 111 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Business

best bodybuilder in the world

“The Itch” “The Dragon Slayer” was a teenager who would sneak into gyms of Rutgers University and made his name in the field of bodybuilding. Ended up with the muscle beach hall of fame award and multiple others. He has also written a book called “51 Days no excuses.” His current net worth is $90 million. Due to personal fall outs he is currently divorced. He tried his hand in business, introducing really effective supplements to help bodybuilders with their body but later on due to a controversial investigation his FDA approval got cancelled and he had to declare bankruptcy and sell the company.  UNSEEN/RESURFACED VIDEO: SHOTS FIRED – MY RESPONSE – RICH GASPARI DESTROYED

11. Flex Wheeler

  • DOB: 23 August 1965
  • Age: 57
  • Place of Birth: Fresno, California
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 7 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 109 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Director of Media and Public Relation, Body Transformation Coach

Battling with depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies and physical abuse as a child Flex wheeler reached at his position today. He started off as a police officer for sometime then shifted to bodybuilding.  He was seen as a man with a bad attitude and overconfidence. Then that was said to be his mask for childhood insecurities. In 1994 he had a terrible car accident. 

Flex Wheeler

He fell into depression again and as soon as he recovered he was informed that he has a major kidney disease. In 2003 he finally took his retirement from bodybuilding and turned into a Body transformation coach. He shifted his total focus to Martial Arts. COMEBACK AFTER THE TRAGEDY – FLEX WHEELER NOW 2023 MOTIVATION

12. Franco Columbu

  • DOB: 7 August 1941
  • Died: 30 August 2019
  • Place of Birth: Ollolai
  • Body Measurement:  5 feet 5 inches
  • Country: Italy
  • Competition Weight: 84 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Actor, Author, Producer and a licenced Chiropractor

Franco Columbu

Started off as a boxer in Italy and moved to America with Arnold. Started working in a bricklaying  company to afford living in America and his bodybuilding career. Eventually in 1977 he injured himself while lifting a refrigerator in a competition. He made it into the Guinness book of world Record in 1978 for bursting a hot water bottle by just blowing into it. He has acted in important roles in movies like Conan the barbarian, Rambo 2, The terminator. Columbu died at 78, 23 days after his birthday. He moved back to Italy before he for the last few years of his life and lived peacefully as a famous licenced Chiropractor. Franco Columbu Being a Badass

13. Bob Paris

  • DOB: 14 December 1959
  • Age: 63
  • Place of Birth: Columbus, Indiana
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 93 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Writer, Actor, Public Speaker

Started off with an art scholarship and then moved into bodybuilding. In 2006 flex magazine gave him the title of the most aesthetic bodybuilder. He is also the first openly gay athlete who came out in July 1989. Bob Paris with his boyfriend Rod Jackson became the symbol of Gay Marriage. 

Bob Paris

They became the symbol for equal rights for their community. Although due to personal differences they broke up after 7 years. At this point due to marketing and publicity values Paris kept on going back to Rod because he thought their break up will actually be setting a bad example for the gay youth. Pro Bodybuilder Bob Paris Discusses Marriage 1989 Final Part

14. Steve Reeves

  • DOB: 21 January 1926
  • Died: May 1 2000
  • Place of Birth: Glasgow, Montana
  • Body Measurement: 6 feet
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 98 Kgs
  • Other occupation: Philanthropist, Actor

Stephan Lester Reeves moved to New York to study acting. Everybody has seen him as Hercules and dreamt of either being like him or with him. While shooting the movie “The Last Days of Pompeii” he dislocated his shoulder. 

Steve Reeves

He re-injured it while shooting an underwater escape scene. He eventually had to step down from acting but kept on promoting drug free bodybuilding.  Last two decades of his life he stayed in Valley centre California, with his 2nd wife until she died. He published his biography in the form of a book named ‘A Moment in Time- The Steve Reeves Story.” He earned enough to retire and move to a Suncrest Stock Ranch he purchased in Jacksonville. Steve Reeves – Mr. Universe (1954)

15. Jeremy Buendia

  • DOB: 26 October 1990
  • Age: 32
  • Place of Birth: Roseville, California
  • Body Measurement: 5 feet 6 inches
  • Country: United States
  • Competition Weight: 83 Kgs
  • Other occupation: No Other Occupation Yet

best bodybuilder in the world

Currently the youngest in the list just at 32 he is 4 times Mr. Olympia. Growing up Jeremy has always been competitive as he took inspiration from his elder brother. In his early college days he was pretty much into football. His first win was at the age of 17. He also offers personal training programs to his clients. His favourite exercises are Bench Press, DB lateral raises, DB Standing alternate bicep curls. In the year 2019 he got into a major controversy as his ex-girlfriend accused him of physical abuse and posted pictures of her injuries claiming that they were caused by him. Jeremy Buendia Heated Exchange At The 2017 Olympia Press Conference

Quick Lookover

Starting from Arnold Schwarzenegger to the current superstar Jeremy Buendia, this article covered a short summary of their life and specifically their achievements and the way they dealt with it. These are the 15 specific examples of a lifetime of dedication and focus. From each one of them we learn something common and also something specific. Some of these mighty heroes and the pioneers or male Physical aesthetics might not be among us today but they will not be forgotten either. This article is to honour each and every inspiration in the bodybuilding industry and for the youth looking for inspiration.  

FAQs

Q1. Who is the best bodybuilder in the world?

Lee Hanley

Q2. Who is the strongest bodybuilder in the world?

Ronnie Coleman

Q3. Who is the biggest Bodybuilder?

Lou Ferrigno. Height: 6’5″

Debalina

Debalina Sengupta is a passionate content writer with a love for crafting engaging and informative narratives. With an SEO and content management background, she has developed her skills to deliver written content across various domains. She likes to explore all niches, Whether for creating captivating blog posts, compelling articles, or persuasive copy. With creative hobbies like painting, sketching, and writing personal blogs, she found her way into content writing. Debalina is currently working in a renowned Digital marketing agency based in Delhi.

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