Samson Dauda is back on top after returning to competitive bodybuilding for the first time in a year and winning the Open division of the 2026 Europa Pro Show on September 14. And, with less than two-weeks removed Mr. Olympia final itself, “The Nigerian Lion” has made a statement that he hopes will lead to a second Mr. Olympia title.
British Nigerian competitor, Samson Dauda won his first Mr. Olympia trophy in 2024, but came in too lean last year, shrinking down to a disappointing fourth place. Andrew Jacked, Hadi Choopan, and winner Derek Lunsford were all judged to have had greater physiques on the night, leaving Dauda to return to the drawing board back in Great Britain. While it was initially believed that Dauda head to the Offenbach am Main venue, just outside of Frankfurt, for a guest posing slot, the big man decided to put his money where his mouth was instead, before travelling to Sin City.
What Does Dauda’s Europa Victory Mean for the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
Before the result, Samson and his coach/wife Marlenka discussed their strategy over the last few months. “So, my athlete has been working really hard to put, obviously, his size on,” said Marlenka. “He has been dieting really hard. He has followed every single instruction and directions. So, that’s only for the win.”
Dauda even brought up the criticism from some quarters, that was aimed towards his wife after last year’s shocking result, noting that he told those naysayers to “go something themselves.” Marlenka questioned how any athlete would be able to drop their wife, explaining that marriage is about the good and bad times. Right now, those good times have definitely returned.
“Grateful to leave Germany with the win,” said Dauda via an Instagram post for his one-million-plus followers. To claim his victory at the Europa Pro, the big man came on stage with a more monstrous, yet carefully conditioned look, and defeated several notable names in Germany, including Regan Grimes, John Jewett, and Stuart Sutherland, treading the boards and gathering the judges feedback before he presents his final package at the Mr. Olympia final.
Who Won the 2026 Europa Pro Divisions?
Men’s Open Bodybuilding winner: Samson Dauda
- Men’s 212 winner: Marco Ruz
- Classic Physique winner: Mohammad Ali
- Men’s Physique winner: Paul Gustave
- Women’s Open Bodybuilding winner: Anna Terzo
- Fitness winner: Michaela Pavleova
- Figure winner: Lena Ramsteiner
- Bikini winner: Nadia Bao Bonnie Aung
- Women’s Physique winner: Lenka Ferencukova
- Wellness winner: Lisa Meiswinkel
- Fit Model winner: Sarah Terzenbach
To follow Samson Dauda on Instagram, click here.
Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weeks 2026 takes place in Las Vegas from September 24 to 27. For more information, click here.
