Shocking moment ‘Persian Wolf’ bodybuilding champ Hadi Choopan throws tantrum on stage after losing Mr Olympia title
THIS is the moment bodybuilding champion Hadi Choopan threw a fit on stage after losing the Mr Olympia title.
Dubbed the “Persian Wolf“, the former world champion, 36, ripped off his medal as he stormed off the stage after taking second place in the competition.
The Iranian beast had his eyes firmly on the coveted Sandow trophy as he aimed to claim the title for the second consecutive year.
However, fierce competition between the bodybuilding champs in Orlando had him knocked off the top spot as Derek Lunsford won the prestigious title.
Choopan, overwhelmed by the results, struggled to control his emotions when announcer Bob Cicherillo asked the contestants to flex their muscles for a group picture.
But quick as a whippet, he ripped off his medal in rage and stormed off the stage.
Bob said over the loudspeaker: “One more pose guys, how about a most muscular,” before Choopan threw a hissy fit.
“Hadi, we’ve gotta get more pictures… I guess we’re done,” added Bob as all the fellow bodybuilders, including the winner Derek, asked Choopan to get back.
Choopan was crowned Mr Olympia in 2022, snagging the title from reigning champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssibay.
He thanked his coach and “big brother” for the roles they played in his success saying, “They were kind to me with all their heart and we won together.”
It was not the first major achievement earned by the star, who won third place in a national competition just three years into professional bodybuilding.
He won his first national title in 2005, took home gold in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 WBPF World Bodybuilding Championships, and previously placed third, fourth, and third again in Mr Olympia.
The prestigious Mr Olympia 2023 took place in Orlando, Florida, from November 2 to November 5.
It featured a weekend-long expo and 11 different divisions competing for the ultimate prize – the Sandow Trophy.
The winners of the competition won a staggering cash prize along with their titles.
First-place contender Derek Lunsford won $400,000 for his win.
Hadi Choopan scooped a huge $150,000 for placing second.
Samson Dauda won $100,000 after coming third in the competition.
Brandon Curry saw a grand cash prize of $40,000.
And Andrew Jacked netted $35,000 for his fifth-place title.
The winner of Mr Olympia is the only event champion to bring home six figures.