Olympia President Dan Solomon has had quite the journey within the bodybuilding industry. He has been a writer, the original radio show host of Pro Bodybuilding Weekly, the first major podcast devoted to the sport, and even a movie producer with the film Bigger, which chronicled the life of Joe Weider.
In 2019, Solomon was named Chief Olympia Officer and has run the sport’s biggest event since. He and Olympia owner Jake Wood lead the charge for the monumental 60th edition of the Olympia at Resorts World in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.
One month before the big event in Sin City, BarBend interviewed Solomon about the 2024 Olympia, what he looks forward to, the status of Big Ramy, and much more.
Featured image courtesy of Mariana Castro.
[Related: Every Winner of the Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition]
Note: this interview has been lightly edited for readability.
BarBend (BB): You have led the Olympia since 2019. The scale of the event has noticeably increased during that time. What have you done differently to make that happen?
Dan Solomon (DS): That’s a loaded question. The Olympia has long been the gold standard, setting the tone for the entire industry. We take that responsibility seriously and our team is constantly looking for ways to grow the event, the brand, and the sport as a whole.
Growth starts with courage and the avoidance of complacency. Not everything we do works, but we are fearless, and we’re just getting started.
BB: What has Jake Wood’s impact been since acquiring the event five years ago?
DS: Jake’s influence can be felt in so many ways. He challenges us with a clear vision built on pure ambition and a genuine love for bodybuilding and fitness. Jake is the real deal. He encourages me to push boundaries without fear of limitation.
It’s not good enough to just be the world’s number-one event. Jake wants to inspire everyone to be better, and that includes other events. It’s been fun watching other promoters respond to the things we do. The sport, as a whole, is better because of it.
BB: The 2024 Olympia will be held at Resorts World in Las Vegas. What can fans attending expect with this new venue?
DS: We are incredibly fortunate to have secured Resorts World as our new host property. It was built less than four years ago at a cost of more than four billion dollars. It’s a spectacular resort, providing many upgrades to our overall production and fan experience.
Resorts World is located on the Las Vegas Strip, not far from the Las Vegas Convention Center, home to the Olympia Expo. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Vegas and Zouk, the number-one nightclub on the strip.
BB: What can you share about the watch party for the weekend?
DS: We announced the watch party because many people couldn’t get tickets to the show. We created an incredible experience, reserving Zouk nightclub to host the watch party. The place is incredible!
Viewing screens from the floor to the ceiling, bar service, food, celebrity guests and hosts. To be completely honest, the watch party might be more fun than the show itself. You can get a ticket to the watch party at MrOlympia.com.
BB: The Olympia has grown beyond a traditional bodybuilding show. It includes other forms of fitness and sports. What are you most excited about at the 2024 Olympia?
DS: We’ve grown quite a bit. Not only is the expo bigger than ever, but we’ve also added the new Olympia Combat Zone, located above the expo, featuring many championship events from the world of combat sports, strength, and various newly added attractions. It’s a great opportunity to connect with new fans.
BB: A segment of fans and insiders criticized the night shows in 2023, including smoke during the individual presentations. Have any changes been made to improve the fan experience for those watching live and on pay-per-view?
DS: Producing an event of this scale is a bit of a juggling act. Balancing a desire to increase overall production value while maintaining a clean visual experience.
Sometimes, making everyone happy is difficult, but we take all the feedback seriously. I think the adjustments for this year’s stage production will provide a better balance than in the past while maintaining the next-level production that fans have come to expect from the Olympia.
BB: What have you heard about two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay’s participation in the 2024?
DS: Big Ramy will not compete this year.
BB: The Olympia has had several eras. The ’90s were considered the Golden Era of conditioning; the 2000s were about mass monsters. What will the judges prioritize in Men’s Open?
DS: Personally, I think the judging criteria has landed in exactly the right place, prioritizing an ideal balance of muscularity, shape and conditioning. I give Tyler Manion, Steve Weinberger, and Sandy Williamson a lot of credit for sending a clear message that success on stage requires balance. From purely a judging criteria, we are in a great place right now.
BB: Champions used to span a dynasty, the most recent being seven-time champion Phil Heath. However, the last five years have seen four different champions. Do you believe another dominant champion is possible?
DS: True dominance has become difficult. I don’t see any eight-time champions happening any time soon. Training and nutrition concepts have become so advanced that it’s gotten crowded at the top, and that’s exactly the way we like it.
When you arrive at the Olympia, predicting the outcome is very difficult. It’s a land of opportunity for anyone trying to make history.
BB: What can first-time viewers expect at the 2024 Olympia?
DS: If you’re watching for the first time, let me be the first to welcome you to the greatest sport in the world. You’re about to witness the most dedicated athletes on the planet showcase their extraordinary genetics and unrivaled devotion to their craft. The Olympia is the mountain top. Enjoy the view.
Fans who won’t be in Las Vegas can order the 2024 pay-per-view and learn more about the 60th Olympia at www.mrolympia.com.
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Featured image courtesy of Mariana Castro.
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