Top Bodybuilders of All Time is an enormous title and not everybody can be included in this list no matter how hard they try. To qualify as the best bodybuilder in the world, you must meet specific physical standards as well as have the right mindset and consistency.
This is not for the average gym goer, but if you want to become the greatest bodybuilder of all time, a gym should be your first stop. However, there is an imaginary line that separates the two.
From Flex Wheeler to Frank Zane, the list of the top 15 bodybuilders has an array of solid men who have perplexed others with their dedication and success.
How could we not appreciate when the defined masculinity of the human body is put on display?
But, in your opinion, who is the greatest bodybuilder of all time? If we are not wrong, then, you are possibly thinking of Arnold at the moment, aren’t you?
We cannot blame you for what you did because it is a natural instinct to imagine the aesthetic body of Arnold. But don’t you think it’s high time for you to learn about another bodybuilder other than the famed Schwarzenegger?
The Following Are The Top 15 Bodybuilders Of All Time
Top 15 Best Bodybuilders of All Time
- Flex Wheeler – USA
- Arnold Schwarzenegger – Austria
- Kevin Levrone – USA
- Lee Haney -USA
- Ronnie Coleman – USA
- Dennis James – Germany
- Markus Ruhl – Germany
- Gunter Schlierkamp – Germany
- Kai Greene – USA
- Phillip Heath – USA
- Roelly Winklaar – Curaçao
- Johnnie O.Jackson – USA
- Mustafa Ismail – Egypt
- Dennis Wolf – Kyrgyzstan
- Lou Ferrigno – USA
The best bodybuilders of all time mentioned on the list have managed to reach the pinnacle, leaving their footprint for the upcoming bodybuilders so that they can contribute better than these giant humans.
So, shall we have a discussion about the greatest bodybuilder of all time whose images come to mind whenever we hear about these genetic freaks? Dive in to learn more. fact
1. Flex Wheeler – USA
Kenneth Flex Wheeler is the greatest bodybuilder of all time and he is recognized as the “Sultan of Symmetry,” due to his unmatched status in the bodybuilding world.
Even though Wheeler has not received any Sandor titles, he has certainly bagged 17 expert titles and 4 Arnold Classics, including the South Beach Pro Invitational, Hungarian Grand Prix, France Grand Prix, Night of Champions, and the Ironman Pro. He won the latter five times, which adds to his points.
Are you still stuck at Arnold? Believe it or not, the title of “best bodybuilder” was given by Arnold himself, who predicted the potential of Wheeler, when he was still budding. Additionally, the eight-time consecutive Mr. Olympia champ, Ronnie Coleman, commented that Flex Wheeler was a pleasant bodybuilder.
When he was at the peak of his career, his physique seemed unbelievable to many, as Flex didn’t even have to flex when he was asked to flex.
2. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Austria
Second on our list of the top 15 bodybuilders is the most hyped athlete, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is also an established actor as well as a renowned politician. But you might know him as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, as well as a brand in his own right.
Back in his days, Schwarzenegger possessed a colossal figure, although his competitors had relatively higher mass and health.
But imagine how ambitious Schwarzenegger should have been to dethrone the event’s massive men. However, he cannot be a competitor today since he does not fit the new standards.
But a bodybuilder like Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t have to prove himself every time as the world knows that Schwarzenegger is already a winner and that he is well deserving to be in the list of top 15 best bodybuilders of all time.
3. Kevin Levrone -USA
The 58-year-old Kevin Levrone is undeniably one of the best bodybuilders in the world, and that is evident as the fitness saga is placed third on our list of the best bodybuilders of all time.
Kevin Levrone was inclined toward weightlifting and other bodybuilding activities at the tender age of 11. Every milestone he made in the industry was the result of his unmatched dedication.
In addition to it, Levrone learned skills by reading up on the celebrated bodybuilders of the 1980s like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney. How could he slide away when his idols are such massive icons?
If you haven’t had a close look at the chiseled abdomen and incredibly huge hands of Levrone, then you better search for it as it validates its nickname, “Maryland Muscle Machine.”
But you might still wonder why Kevin Levrone is mentioned in the top 3 bodybuilders of all time when he hasn’t yet bagged a single coveted identity of Mr. Olympia. Well not everyone is measured by means of the number of trophies they hold.
4. Lee Haney – USA
In regards to the compelling mixture of muscle and mass, Lee Haney has occupied the hearts of millions with his pioneering flexes. Haney has gained tremendous popularity, which is also a matter of fact.
Indeed, Lee Haney can be acknowledged as the primary exemplar of patience in the entire industry of bodybuilding.
His frame shape is remarkable; as such, he was taller than any of his competitors, roughly weighing around 250 pounds, which is in no way a joke.
Moreover, his impressive physique has earned him a Mr. Olympia title, which no one else would have received at his peak time. Therefore, he is the handiest bodybuilder who has received consecutive eight Mr. Olympia titles, and that validates why Lee Haney is one of the best bodybuilders in the world.
5. Ronnie Coleman – USA
Ronnie Coleman is a notable bodybuilder who is dubbed one of the best bodybuilders ever. He is still continuing to astonish many builders as it’s hard for them to acquire the record that Coleman made by weighing three hundred pounds.
He is considered the greatest of all time after earning the Mr. Olympia title for eight years. Coleman’s first Mr. Olympia won in 1998, but the world of bodybuilders didn’t expect him to grow into a massive human who would dare to beat anyone in front with his impressive career credentials.
However, Ronne Coleman’s retirement was unfortunate. He retired at a time when the world least expected it, but his fans are proud that he left with a bag full of honors.
6. Dennis James – Germany
Although born in Germany, Dennis James is an American bodybuilder who began to wow everyone ever since he was 18 with his breathtaking flexes and moves.
Perhaps, his German genes were much better than others as he simply went to take credit at whichever events he attended. But sadly, his highest performance marked in Mr. Olympia is a fourth-place finish.
What is more disheartening is that he tried seven times and the result was nothing better.
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He is a perfect example of unfinished stars. But fortunately, the world has recognized him as one of the best bodybuilders of all time, which is no less than a Mr. Olympia medal.
7. Markus Ruhl – Germany
Unlike many other bodybuilders who began their journey when they were barely a teen, Markus Ruhl pivoted to it in his late 20s, which is quite interesting.
Although his start was late, his finishing was on point with victories over victories. He even started his lengthy career with two trophies– heavyweight and overall title- after competing in the Bachgau Cup.
Markus’ already incredible body began to attract weights and molded itself to a professional bodybuilder’s figure, but more chiseled.
Imagine, how could the world unsee his efforts and exclude him from the list of top bodybuilders of all time.
8. Gunter Schlierkamp – Germany
Gunter Schlierkamp is a European bodybuilder who was born in Germany. But, it was the Austrian leader Arnold who guided Gunter when he was only budding.
Arnold’s movies influenced Gunter to sculpt his figure. So it becomes needless to mention that Gunter Schlierkamp has been a devoted fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It was also one of the reasons why Gunter tried his luck in a few flicks. However, a bodybuilder title suits better than an actor title on the prominent personality. Neither is he admired more as a model.
9. Kai Greene – USA
The story is different from the American bodybuilder Kia Greene, who turned to bodybuilding in order to cope with his life challenges as a youth. The path to the massive world of bodybuilding was shown by his seventh-grade teacher who was well aware of his life circumstances.
However, Greene’s age didn’t limit him as a bodybuilder as it began to develop rapidly at a very young age. But the major transformation was still awaiting until one day Greene came back with loaded muscles on his shoulders, thighs, biceps, and back.
Moreover, Greene owns the title of the youngest natural professional bodybuilder ever other than being one of the best bodybuilders of all time.
But that was not enough for the champ as he went on to better himself by competing in the NPC to be ultimately recognized by the IFBB. Eventually, they acknowledged his hard work and today, Greene is one of the commendable bodybuilders who has been consistent on his path throughout his 16-year-long career.
10. Phillip Heath – USA
Are you quite unfamiliar with the name, Phillip Heath? Well, Phillip Heath is better known by his stage name, “The Gift,” which is more popular than his original one.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Phillip was capable enough to impress the University of Denver, who offered him a scholarship to play basketball on their court.
Even though his basketball career was taking a successful turn, Heath was yearning for more challenges to take on. But he was patient enough to wait until he finished his education in 2002. But that was never late for him.
Before taking part in his foremost competition, he trained his physique to gain pure muscle which weighed around 30 pounds, that too after reducing the fat.
However, he managed to get a remarkable win including an IFBB Pro and Mr. Olympia titles, proving to the world that he is certainly one of the best bodybuilders ever.
11. Roelly Winklaar – Curaçao
While many of the best bodybuilders in the world were at their pinnacles during the 80s and the 90s.
Roelly Winklaar was struggling with his 5 feet 6 inches tall body but successfully managed to put up 285 pounds. Immediately, he got established in the front pack at the Arnold Amateur Championships.
It was nice to watch him grow from a commoner to an extraordinary bodybuilder in no time. His development has consistently won the admiration of a number of bodybuilding buffs who must be now lifting weights at the gym.
12. Johnnie O.Jackson – USA
Without an ‘if’ or a ‘but,’ Jonnie O. Jackson is definitely a savage. Even though the American bodybuilding freak is only 5 feet 8 inches tall, his body mass says something else about him.
With a staggering deadlifting record of 760 pounds, Johnnie is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Johnnie is also a strong bench presser, but his impressive deadlifting record overshadows it. While he is away from the competition, Johnnie makes sure to assist others who are daydreaming about a physique like his. A personal trainer’s job suits him best, just like a Mr. Olympia contestant.
Before he came to be known as a prolific bodybuilder, Johnnie O. Jackson used to serve in the armed forces. Military service was also his personal choice, as it required him to train himself in punctuality and to instill the value of self-discipline in his life.
Thanks to his second thought, if not, the world would have missed one of the best bodybuilders ever.
13. Moustafa Ismail – Egypt
You must have heard the name Moustafa Ismail before, haven’t you? He has made headlines for earning a Guinness world record for his enormous biceps, arms, and unimaginable triceps. As we say success is followed by controversy, and the case was no different with Moustafa Ismail.
The talk was about whether his achievements were natural or artificial. He has an accurate reply to those who judge him saying his physique is the result of steroid injection, whereas, he asserts that it is the outcome of a particular protein-rich diet.
However, he has received enough tabloid attention since his name was linked to a Guinness World Record. so it is definitely Moustafa Ismail’s triumph as even people who are unaware of bodybuilding recognize him as one of the best bodybuilders of all time.
As per his claim, lifting 600 pounds is a doddle for him, and he apparently workouts 3 hours a day for maintenance.
14. Dennis Wolf – Kyrgyzstan
Dennis Wolf was born in the Soviet Union but emigrated to Germany when he was just 14. Much like many other bodybuilders on the list of the best bodybuilders in the world, Wolf also made his primary step into the bodybuilding industry when he was 15.
His desire to become a bodybuilder was triggered by his father who used to get him bodybuilding magazines. He was only 21 even at the time when he was finally equipped with a proper physique to complete,
In 2005, Wolf evolved into a professional bodybuilder; in 2006, he participated in the IFBB. Throughout his journey, the bodybuilding baron displayed no signs of stopping and that was one quality that attracted many to the fellow.
Anyway, the Big Bad Wolf is certainly a bodybuilder who is more than qualified to be honored as one of the best bodybuilders of all time.
15. Lou Ferrigno
Without a hunch, we can say that Lou Ferrigno is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. But do you know that he was a skeletal child who lost his hearing in an ear infection when he was younger?
The lean boy often used to daydream about being like the ripped heroes who are depicted in comic novels. In order to make his dream come true, Ferrigno worked day and night for the next ten years and eventually became the youngest man to win to take home the trophy of the IFBB Mr. Universe competition twice at an age of 22.
He was the only bodybuilder who has accomplished winning the IFBB title twice in a row.
At the age of 23, Ferrigno was the youngest Mr. Olympia competitor. But what mattered more was that Lou Ferrogne was able to transform him into a superhero about whom he read when he was a child.
Top 15 Best Bodybuilders Of All Time – Conclusion
Bodybuilding is a popular sport among young people in this day and age. Bodybuilding freaks like Arnold and Wheeler are encouraging new athletes to enter the world of bodybuilding.
Most people develop a respectable amount of muscle when they do a couple of stunts in the gym. But a bodybuilder engages in more exercises than a regular person does.
After all, their line of work is their body which is not the case with a commoner. However, these best bodybuilders of all time have genuinely impacted a large sum of people who have inflated their dreams bigger and bigger.
