The bodybuilding world crowned a Mr. Olympia champion for the first time in Las Vegas on Saturday as Samson Dauda defeated one of the most unpredictable fields in recent memory to secure a career-defining victory.

The victory came after multiple calls from officials, who wanted to seize every moment to ensure they had made a final decision and picked the right winner.

In a decision that left no doubt that The Nigerian Lion was the clear winner, the 32-year-old was named People’s Champion of this year’s event, an award reserved for the athlete who received the most fan votes.

Along with the first place medal and the People’s Champion trophy and belt, there was the largest payday for a winner in the event’s history in the form of an announced check for $600,000.

Hadi Choopan, who finished second for the second year in a row, received $250,000.

It was the Iranian-born bodybuilder’s second disappointing appearance at the event. Realistically, the 2022 champion was just one or two judges’ decisions away from becoming a three-time champion and entering the history books as the most decorated champion since Phil Heath’s dominance ended.

It is the third year in a row for the defending champions not repeateda testament to the depth of the sport at the moment and the quality of legitimate contenders for the Mr. Olympia title.

Martin Fitzwater, another fan favorite from the event, took fourth place, giving fans a glimpse of an athlete who could well be a force in the sport in the months and years to come.