Top 10 Best Natural Bodybuilders of All Time

Key Takeaways

• Natural bodybuilding focuses on building muscle and strength without performance-enhancing drugs, verified through rigorous drug testing.
• This list ranks athletes by their success in the Natural Olympia Men's Open division—the most prestigious title in drug-tested bodybuilding.
• Ranking criteria: Natural Olympia titles (primary), longevity and consistency (secondary), and historical impact (tertiary).
• All athletes listed have competed under the International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association's (INBA/PNBA) strict World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) certified testing protocols, including in- and out-of-competition testing.

Natural bodybuilding is a discipline that emphasizes the development of muscle mass and overall physique without the use of anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This approach promotes a healthier lifestyle and encourages athletes to rely on their training, nutrition, and genetics to achieve their goals.

The Natural Olympia, hosted by the INBA/PNBA, stands as the sport's most prestigious competition. Athletes must pass WADA-certified urine and blood testing, both in- and out-of-competition, to compete.

In this article, we rank the top 10 Natural Olympia Men's Open champions of all time based on their title count, longevity, and impact on the sport.

How We Ranked These Athletes

To create a defensible ranking, we used the following criteria:

1. Natural Olympia Men's Open Titles — The primary factor. More titles = higher ranking.
2. Longevity and Consistency — Athletes who maintained top-level performance across many years receive additional recognition.
3. Historical Impact — Pioneers and athletes who significantly influenced the sport's growth.
4. Verified Competition History — Only results from official INBA/PNBA Natural Olympia events are counted.

This methodology focuses specifically on the Men's Open Bodybuilding division. Classic Physique champions are featured in a separate section below.

Top 10 Natural Olympia Men's Open Champions of All Time

Based on our ranking criteria, here are the greatest Natural Olympia Men's Open champions in history.

1. Kiyoshi Moody — Nicknamed "The Samurai," Moody earned an unprecedented six consecutive Natural Olympia titles from 2009 to 2014. No other athlete has matched this level of dominance. His trademark look combined razor-sharp muscle definition with flawless symmetry, achieved through disciplined dieting and high-volume resistance training. Moody continued competing at the highest level, placing 4th at the 2022 Natural Olympia.

2. Philip Ricardo Jr. — A four-time Natural Olympia champion (2007, 2008, 2015, and 2019), Ricardo Jr. demonstrated remarkable longevity in the sport. His ability to return to championship form after years away from the top spot speaks to his dedication and strategic approach to training. He remained competitive into the 2020s, placing 3rd at both the 2021 and 2022 Natural Olympia.

3. Paul Krueger — After a 25-year amateur career, Krueger turned professional and won the 2021 Natural Olympia. He proved his victory was no fluke by winning again at the 2025 Natural Olympia, becoming only the third athlete to hold multiple Natural Olympia Men's Open titles in the modern era. His story proves that natural muscle growth and elite conditioning can be achieved well into one's 40s and 50s.

4. Rob Terry — A former professional wrestler with a commanding stage presence, Terry won back-to-back Natural Olympia titles in 2017 and 2018. His training blends strength-focused compound lifts with isolation work, demonstrating the versatility needed to balance size and aesthetics at the highest level.

5. Ron Williams — Often described as the most decorated natural bodybuilder of all time, Williams boasts over 250 victories across multiple federations, including the 2002 Natural Olympia. Beyond competition, he developed the Iron Chest Master training device and has been a prominent voice in natural bodybuilding education and advocacy.

6. John Hansen — A pioneer in the sport, Hansen claimed victory at the inaugural Natural Olympia in 1998 and secured multiple Natural Mr. Universe titles (1992, 1996). Known for his golden-era inspired symmetry, Hansen is also an educator—authoring books and hosting seminars on sustainable natural training methods.

7. Meshack Ochieng — Winner of the 2020 Natural Olympia, Ochieng is often nicknamed "The Natural Ronnie Coleman" for his impressive muscularity achieved under strict drug-testing protocols. He follows a high-calorie clean bulk during the offseason, using nutrient-dense foods to fuel growth while staying within natural limits.

8. Komang Arnawa — Winner of the 2005 Natural Olympia, Arnawa is recognized as one of the youngest athletes to claim the title. Representing Indonesia, he helped put Asian athletes on the global natural bodybuilding map. His meticulous focus on diet—especially precise macronutrient timing—set him apart from competitors.

9. Tommi Thompson — The 2022 Natural Olympia champion from the USA, Thompson represents the new generation of natural bodybuilders. His victory demonstrated that the sport continues to evolve, with athletes bringing improved conditioning and presentation to the stage.

10. Michael Waddington — Hailing from Australia, Waddington won the 2023 Natural Olympia Men's Open Overall. His international success highlights the global growth of natural bodybuilding beyond its traditional American stronghold.

Honorable Mention: Ben Lloyd (Great Britain) — The 2024 Natural Olympia champion, Lloyd continues the trend of international athletes claiming the sport's top prize. As a recent winner, his full legacy is still being written.

Natural Olympia Classic Physique Legends

While this list focuses on Men's Open Bodybuilding, the Classic Physique division has produced its own legendary champions. These athletes prioritize the aesthetic, proportionate look reminiscent of bodybuilding's golden era.

Derek Joe — Winner of the 2021 Natural Olympia Classic Physique Open, Joe earned his title early in his professional career. He emphasizes functional training alongside traditional bodybuilding, incorporating mobility and flexibility work to maintain longevity in the sport.

Brandon Lirio — A multiple-time Natural Olympia and Natural Universe champion in Classic Physique, Lirio is both a competitor and a vocal advocate for clean sport. He frequently works with youth fitness programs to promote drug-free training and proper nutrition from an early age. At the 2021 Natural Olympia, he placed 2nd in Pro Men's Classic Physique Open.

The Science Behind Natural Training

Natural athletes must maximize their muscle-building potential without the recovery advantages of PEDs. This typically means:

• Optimizing Progressive Overload — Gradually increasing resistance or training volume to force adaptation.
• Periodization — Structuring training cycles to balance growth and recovery.
• Hormonal Support via Lifestyle — Adequate sleep, balanced diet, and stress management to maintain testosterone and growth hormone at optimal natural levels.
• Nutrient Timing — Consuming protein and carbohydrates strategically around workouts to enhance recovery and performance.

Whereas steroid-assisted athletes may recover faster and handle higher training frequencies, natural athletes must be more strategic, allowing muscle groups at least 48-72 hours between heavy sessions.

Want to learn more? See our guides on building muscle.

Common Myths About Natural Bodybuilding—Debunked

Myth 1: "You can't get big without steroids."

False. While PEDs do accelerate muscle growth, natural athletes like Meshack Ochieng and Rob Terry prove that exceptional size is possible through years of disciplined training, proper nutrition, and smart recovery. The process is slower, but results can be equally impressive in proportion to frame and genetics.

Myth 2: "Women who lift heavy will get bulky."

This misconception ignores the role of testosterone in muscle growth. Women produce far less testosterone than men, making extreme muscle hypertrophy naturally unlikely. Female natural bodybuilders achieve toned, defined physiques rather than excessive bulk.

Myth 3: "If someone is shredded year-round, they must be on PEDs."

While staying extremely lean for long periods is rare and challenging, some natural athletes can maintain low body fat through meticulous diet and lifestyle choices. However, most cycle between lean competition shape and a slightly higher body-fat offseason for health and recovery.

My Honest Opinion on Natural Bodybuilding

by Dr. Carl Juneau, PhD

"I have a lot of admiration for natural bodybuilders. It takes huge discipline and consistency. The temptation to cheat and get an edge must be enormous—because let's face it, at a high level, many athletes in drug-tested sports do use steroids and other performance enhancers. It's a well-known reality in the industry. So for those who remain drug-free and can climb to the highest levels—and stay there—I have nothing but respect."

The Lasting Power of Staying Natural

Natural bodybuilding stands as a testament to patience, discipline, and the art of building a physique through nothing but hard work, strategic nutrition, and consistency.

In a fitness industry often dominated by shortcuts, these Natural Olympia champions prove that extraordinary results can be achieved without compromising health or integrity. They embody not just strength, but the mindset needed to sustain it over decades.

Many aspiring athletes face the same frustrations—slow progress, plateaus, and the temptation to compare themselves to enhanced lifters. Think of natural bodybuilding like cultivating a bonsai tree: growth is gradual, meticulous, and beautiful precisely because it cannot be rushed. Every small improvement is earned, and every milestone tells a story of persistence.

One hidden benefit of staying natural is the longevity it affords. Without the strain of PEDs, natural athletes often maintain their peak condition well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond—something rarely discussed but deeply rewarding. The true victory isn't just stepping on stage; it's sustaining strength, health, and confidence for life.

If you're ready to take the principles from this article and apply them efficiently, the Dr. Muscle app can automate your workouts, progression, and programming—so you can focus on training without second-guessing your plan. Try it free.

FAQ

Who is the greatest natural bodybuilder of all time?

Based on Natural Olympia Men's Open titles, Kiyoshi Moody holds the record with six consecutive championships (2009-2014). If measuring by total wins across all federations, Ron Williams is often cited as the most decorated with over 250 victories.

What is the Natural Olympia?

The Natural Olympia is the premier competition in drug-tested bodybuilding, hosted by the INBA/PNBA. Athletes must pass WADA-certified drug testing to compete.

How is "natural" defined in bodybuilding competitions?

In competitive bodybuilding, "natural" means the athlete has not used banned performance-enhancing drugs for a specified period. The INBA/PNBA requires athletes to pass WADA-certified urine and blood testing, both in- and out-of-competition. Other federations have similar but varying requirements—for example, the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) requires up to 10 years drug-free for certain banned substances.

Can you build as much muscle naturally as with steroids?

No—PEDs significantly accelerate muscle growth and recovery. However, a genetically gifted and highly disciplined natural athlete can still achieve an exceptional physique that rivals some enhanced athletes in symmetry, conditioning, and aesthetics. The main difference is that natural growth is slower and requires more precise management of training, diet, and recovery.

What federations are considered the most reliable for drug testing?

Some of the most reputable drug-tested federations include:

• INBA/PNBA — WADA-certified testing (urine/blood), in- and out-of-competition
• WNBF — Long drug-free requirements (up to 10 years for certain substances) and urinalysis
• North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (NANBF) — Polygraph screening and urinalysis for top placers
• National Gym Association (NGA) — Seven-year drug-free minimum with testing protocols

How long does it take to reach an elite natural bodybuilding level?

Most elite natural bodybuilders train consistently for 7-15 years before reaching their peak physique. Progress is steady but gradual, with the first 2-3 years showing the most rapid changes. After that, improvements are measured in small but significant refinements in muscle density, shape, and definition.

What's the biggest mistake new natural bodybuilders make?

One common mistake is overtraining without proper recovery. Without PEDs, recovery is slower, so muscles need adequate rest to grow. Another is impatience—expecting massive changes in a few months instead of understanding that natural bodybuilding is a long-term process.

Can women compete in natural bodybuilding?

Absolutely. Many women compete successfully in divisions such as Figure, Bikini, and Women's Physique in natural federations. The judging criteria for women focus more on balance, conditioning, and symmetry rather than extreme muscle mass.

Last updated: January 2025. Added 2022-2025 Natural Olympia champions; clarified scope to Natural Olympia Men's Open; moved Classic Physique athletes to dedicated section; corrected factual claims.