The competition was created by Joe Weider to allow the Mr. Universe winners to continue competing and to earn money. The first Mr. Olympia was held on September 18, 1965 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City, with Larry Scott winning his first of two straight titles.
The record number of wins is eight, held by Lee Haney (1984–1991) and Ronnie Coleman (1998–2005). Jay Cutler currently holds the title of Mr. Olympia.
The film Pumping Iron (1977), featured the build up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia, in Pretoria South Africa and helped launch the acting careers of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, both finalists in the contest.
There is also a female bodybuilder crowned, the Ms. Olympia, as well as the Fitness Olympia and Figure Olympia which are held for fitness and figure competitors, respectively. All four contests take place during the same weekend. During the 1990s and early 2000s, a Masters Olympia was also crowned.
Mr Olaympia 2009
