There were a lot of arguments about the judges’ decisions at the 2025 Olympia because the scores were not consistent, and the placements were not what people expected, like Martin Fitzwater coming in fifth. Fans and athletes thought that the results didn’t show how good the competitors really were, especially since Hadi Choopan and Andrew Jacked were at the top of the standings.
There were concerns about fairness in the sport because of the subjectivity in judging. If you want to know more about how these controversial choices could change future competitions, keep reading.
Controversial Scoring
A lot of people who watched the 2025 Olympia were impressed by the performances, but some couldn’t help but talk about the problems with the scoring that happened during the event. Fans and competitors were both upset by the scoring problems that came up because the judging criteria, which were supposed to be clear and consistent, seemed to change a lot.
You may have seen that some of the placements of athletes caused a lot of arguments in the bodybuilding community, with many people wondering how certain competitors got to the top.
Supporters of different athletes took to social media to voice their displeasure, which had a big impact on public opinion. In the end, these differences not only raised eyebrows but also sparked a bigger conversation about fairness in judging.
Unexpected Top Five Placements
After the talks about scoring issues at the 2025 Olympia, a lot of fans and experts were confused about the top five spots. The fight over the judging got worse when the results came in, especially when Martin Fitzwater came in fifth place, which was a shock.
A lot of people thought he would rank lower because of how he had done in the past and how he compared to other athletes. People wondered what the judges were looking for because the scores were all over the place.
People thought Derek Lunsford would win, but the fact that Hadi Choopan came in second and Andrew Jacked came in third caused more problems. Fans argued about whether the Olympia results really showed how good the competitors were and how fit they were. The unexpected placements added to the ongoing debate about how fair and open bodybuilding judging is.
How Subjectivity Affects Judging
Both competitors and spectators discussed the subjective nature of judging as the 2025 Olympia showcased the world’s top bodybuilders. The judges’ comprehension of the bodybuilding judging rules, particularly with regard to muscle symmetry and conditioning, drew criticism.
Arguments may arise if one judge believes something is crucial while another does not. This disparity affects not just the athletes but also how fair the sport is perceived by the spectators. Commentators discussed these decisions and how individual preferences influenced the placements during the post-show analysis.
The art of bodybuilding is all about personal interpretation, which makes the sport more complex and fascinating, even though some people may ultimately prefer a more objective approach.
Athlete Reactions to Judging Decisions
A lot of athletes were unhappy with the judging decisions at the 2025 Olympia, which shows how important their performances were to them. Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford were two of the best at posing and conditioning, but the final results caused a lot of disagreement among fans and other athletes.
When people talked about the IFBB Pro League’s rules, you could feel the tension in the air. Some athletes thought the judges didn’t notice how hard they worked, while others accepted the results as part of the game. People had a lot of different reactions, and there was a lot of talk about the choices on social media.
Even though judging is subjective, this year’s Olympia showed how important it is for athletes’ careers and the future of bodybuilding.
Implications for Future Competitions
The judging decisions at the 2025 Olympia were very important, and they could have a big impact on future competitions. Judges in competitive divisions may start focusing more on the overall quality of stage presentation.
Judges may not only look at how strong a competitor is, but also how charming and artistic they are on stage. It could make athletes want to work on their posing routines, which would make them look better to judges and audiences.
You might notice that competitors change their training and preparation plans to meet these new standards as expectations change. In the end, this change could change what it means to be successful in bodybuilding by finding a way to combine looks and performance that both fans and judges will like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do judges decide what to look for when scoring each competitor?
Judges look at things like symmetry, conditioning, muscle size, and presentation when judging competitors. They look at how well athletes show these traits to make sure they meet the standards for each division and category.
What kind of feedback do judges give to athletes after a competition?
Judges give detailed feedback that points out both strengths and weaknesses. They talk a lot about posing techniques, muscle symmetry, conditioning, and stage presence, which helps you learn how to improve your performance for future competitions.
Do competitors review or appeal judges’ decisions?
Yes, but appeals are not common. If you really disagree with a decision, you can usually voice your concerns through official channels. However, the outcome usually stays the same based on established criteria.
How do they choose judges for big events like the Olympia?
Most of the time, judges for big competitions like the Olympia are chosen based on their experience, knowledge of bodybuilding, and past judging experience.
How do judges get training to stay fair and consistent?
Judges get a lot of training, including workshops, seminars, and tests that they do with their hands, to make sure that things are fair and consistent. They keep up with the latest rules in bodybuilding competitions by regularly going over the criteria, looking at performances, and joining in on discussions.
