Here we are once again in the city where Frank Sinatra and Elvis made their home away from home – Las Vegas. I know most of you would love to have the Mr. Olympia in some other parts of the country or even in another county! 

I, for one would be hard pressed to the idea of a new city as I love Vegas. It is very easy to get around and as far as I am concerned it is one of the best places on earth for the big O.! But I am sure that, one day, the powers to be will move it around a bit. Maybe to Europe? After all, it is an international show right?

Now on with the contest!

All the hype this year was if Ronnie would be able to take back his title or not! First I need to get one thing out of the way: There is no one alive that can beat Ronnie Coleman when he is at his best – No One! (and his best for me was when he won the 2001 Arnold Classic). With that being said we can get into the 2007 show.

As I was making my way to the arena on Friday evening for the prejudging my heart was jumping with excitement! I just couldn`t wait for the show to start and to see the line-up. I get like this every year! It is as if it`s my first time all over again. I guess because I love it so much? I most anticipated to see what Ronnie would look like. Even more than Jay Cutler.  
Well, here comes what I thought once I saw the whole line-up – and I am not going to hold back anything this time:

As prejudging ended I had Ronnie out of the top 6 and Jay somewhere in the top 5 with Victor winning, Dennis Wolf in 2nd place and Dexter in 3rd place. I could not help but wonder as to why Ronnie came back again. He had everything to loose and nothing to prove. I guess his fighting spirit pushed him into competing or maybe it was his sponsorship contract? This was the worst I have ever seen him since I first saw him compete at the 1992 Night of Champions. I must say that by the finals, which was hold on Saturday, he had improved but it wasn`t enough to move him any higher than 4th place when it was over and done. (and 4th still was a bit of a gift for me) This was not the Ronnie of 2003 or even of 1998! It was hard for me knowing that he wouldn`t be in the top 3 and it must have been even harder for him. This was his last Olympia appearance – long live the King! (as he sure was the King at his best)  

Now let us talk about Jay Cutler. He was off. He should not have been given the title. He was holding water all over his body. Victor had him in all the poses. And not only Victor had him beat, but also Dexter and Dennis Wolf. This reminds me of the 1981 Mr. Olympia where Franco Colombo beat out Chris Dickerson, Tom Platz and Roy Callander to win his 2nd Olympia title. I do believe 4th would have been the right placing for Jay. Many people around me felt the same way I did.

This was Victor`s or Wolf`s show! Two great guys with shape and mass. Both Victor and Dennis Wolf were in their best shape ever (so far) as were Dexter and Melvin.

Here is how I would have placed the competitors:

Victor  first, Dennis Wolf second, Dexter third, Jay 4th , Melvin 5th, Gustavo Badell 6th and Ronnie in 7th. Simply look at the photos and see for yourself! I am sure many of you would agree with me.

Coming in 7th place was Silvio Samuel from Spain. This guy is always in shape. He competed in almost all the Pro shows this year. And amazingly – with each one he kept geting better and better. I could see him in the top 6 next year.

The big surprise to me was Gustavo Badell not making the top 6. He was in really good shape with a great posing routine. I will ask you this: How come a few years back Gustavo beat Ronnie in the Challange Round when Ronnie was the Ronnie of old and this time around he couldn`t beat him? Gustavo should have been in the top 6 for sure!

Johnnie Jackson really impressed me with his conditioning. I haven`t seen him looking this good in a few years. He really brought it in this time.

I believe no one in the whole industry had David Henry in their top 10 predicitons for the 2007 Olympia. But David was at his all time best and it goes to show that it is not about size only.

Up next was Ronny Rockel in 11th. With more back detail he could have been as high up as 7th or 8th. He has that clean look to his muscles, just as Dennis Wolf has.

Darrem Charles placed 12th. And again because he lacked back details! His front was top ten for sure.

One of the nicest guys in the business is Hide Yamagishi from Japan. He was at his all time best shape. And he is a great poser too. I could see him winning a show or two in the not so distant future.

Toney Freeman had to be the big disappointement of the show as he was way off! I would say he was 30 % of his best. When in shape Toney is top 6!

Rounding out the top 15 was newcomer Will Harris. A great back, a great poser, great shoulders, arms and legs! The man has everything. Will was a bit off this time but still he is number 15 in the world now! Not bad at all right?

One guy who I think should have been in the top 15 was huge and ripped Quincy Taylor. He was way better than Toney Freeman or Will Harris. He was overlooked at judging! But he will be back next year at the Ironman Pro.

Overall this was a great show, held in the perfect city. One thing it sure missed for me and that is Kai Green – the best poser in the Universe and the one I would have wanted to see fighting for the top 6! Bad luck on my part. I will have to wait til next year.

The 2007 Muscletime Olympia Awards

Best arms: Gustavo Badell
Best biceps: Darrem Charles
Best triceps: Victor Martinez
Best chest: Dennis Wolf
Best back: Victor Martinez
Best hams: Paco Bautista
Best quads. Melvin Anthony and Paco Bautista
Best shoulders: Dexter Jackson
Best poser: Darrem Charles
Hardest looking: Silvio Samuel
Most improved: Dennis Wolf and Victor Martinez
Best overall package: Dennis Wolf
Most overlooked: Ronny Rockel and Quincy Taylor
Best just standing there: Dennis Wolf
Best from the side: Dennis Wolf
Best from the rear: Victor Martinez
Next Mr. Olympia: Dennis Wolf