Akim Williams shared an exclusive physique update just five days out of the 2024 Arnold Classic.
Pro bodybuilder Akim Williams is preparing to make his return to competition at the 2024 Arnold Classic. After missing time following shoulder surgery, Williams is set to take the stage in Columbus, Ohio and shared an exclusive physique update with Generation Iron on Saturday.
With just under one week before the competition – this is the most complete look at the Muscle Meds athlete and his physique before Akim steps on stage for one of the biggest events in the bodybuilding calendar. It’s also the first time in over a year that Willams is competing back in top form unhindered from setbacks.
In April 2023, Williams shared that he had competed at the 2022 Olympia and 2023 Arnold Classic dealing with an injury from a car accident the previous year. He underwent shoulder surgery to fix the issue and has been working to get back on stage since.
Williams, also known as “The Beast” is known in the bodybuilding world as one of the strongest athletes currently competing in the IFBB Pro league. He has also long been hyped as a contender to one day win the Mr. Olympia title. Earlier this year, he placed an impressive sixth at the 2023 Arnold Classic. This came after a disappointing 16th place finish at the 2022 Olympia.
Williams is no stranger to the Arnold Classic stage. This will be his fifth appearance in Columbus. He finished fifth in 2021, which was the highest finish of his career. After the proper rest and his health back to where it needs to be, Williams has a chance to show an impressive physique on stage.
Akim Williams Physique Update
View this post on Instagram
Akim Williams has built a reputation as one of the strongest bodybuilders in the IFBB Pro League. This weekend, he will get a chance to stand next to some of the best competitors in the world.
It begins with former Olympia champion Hadi Choopan. The Persian Wolf will be making his debut at the Arnold Classic. Of course, he has plenty of experience on big stages with an Olympia title and multiple top three finishes under his belt. Reigning champion Samson Dauda will also return after a successful 2023 season. He finished third at the 2023 Olympia, behind Choopan and Derek Lunsford.
Williams began competing at a young age. He made a name for himself beginning in 2018, when he finished as the runner-up during the 2018 Toronto Pro Supershow and 2018 Muscle Mayhem. The very next year, Williams hit the stage six times. At the 2020 Olympia, he finished sixth and was ready to take the next step.
Fast forward to 2022, Akim Williams competed in the Tampa Pro and defeated the former 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni and was eying an attempt to make a big win at the Arnold Classic. Unfortunately, Williams was sidelined by his car accident and had to withdraw from the competition.
Now, Williams is ready to make his return to competition. He has put together a physique that he hopes will be right up there with the best in the world.
Akim Williams Competition History
- 2023, Arnold Classic USA, Men’s Bodybuilding, 6th
- 2022, Mr. Olympia, Men’s Open Bodybuilding, 16th
- 2021, Mr. Olympia, Men’s Bodybuilding – 9th
- 2021, Arnold Classic USA, Men’s Bodybuilding, 5th
- 2021, IFBB Puerto Rico Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 1st
- 2020, Mr. Olympia, Men’s Bodybuilding – 6th
- 2020, IFBB Chicago Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 1st
- 2020, Arnold Classic USA, Men’s Bodybuilding, 7th
- 2019, Mr. Olympia, Men’s Bodybuilding – 9th
- 2019, IFBB New York Pro Show, Men’s Bodybuilding – 2nd
- 2019, IFBB Bigman Weekend Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding, 2nd
- 2019, IFBB Arnold Classic South America (PRO), Men’s Bodybuilding, 3rd
- 2019, IFBB Indy Pro Men’s Bodybuilding – 2nd
- 2019, Arnold Classic, USA, Men’s Bodybuilding, 9th
- 2018, IFBB Muscle Mayhem Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding, 2nd
- 2018, IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow, Men’s Bodybuilding – 2nd
- 2018, IFBB New York Pro Show, Men’s Bodybuilding – 10th
- 2017, California Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding, 5th
- 2017, IFBB New York Pro Show, Men’s Bodybuilding – 5th
- 2016, IFBB Men’s Bodybuilding, 10th
- 2016, IFBB Olympia Men’s Bodybuilding – 15th
- 2016, IFBB Arnold Classic, Asia (PRO) Men’s Bodybuilding, 9th
- 2016, IFBB Tampa Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 1st
- 2016, IFBB “Wings of Strength” Chicago Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 6th
- 2015, IFBB Tampa Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 8th
- 2015, IFBB Europa Dallas Pro, Men’s Bodybuilding – 3rd
- 2015, IFBB Chicago Pro “Wings of Strength”, Men’s Bodybuilding – 3rd
- 2014, IFBB Golden State Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 7th
- 2014, IFBB New York Pro Show, Men’s Bodybuilding – 11th
- 2013, NPC, North American Championships, Men’s Bodybuilding – 1st
- 2013, NPC, North American Championships, Men’s Bodybuilding – Super-Heavyweight, 1st
- 2012, NPC, Nationals, Men’s Bodybuilding – Super-Heavyweight, 9th
- 2012, NPC, USA, Men’s Bodybuilding – Super-Heavyweight, 5th
- 2011, NPC, North American Championships, Men’s Bodybuilding – Heavyweight, 11th
- 2011, NPC, Junior Nationals, Men’s Bodybuilding – Heavyweight, 3rd
Then & Now: Akim William’s Growth As An Athlete
Late last year, Akim Williams appeared as a guest host on the Generation Iron Podcast. During the episode, he talked about the evolution of his bodybuilding career – including his diet.
On speaking in regards to dirty bulking and clean bulking, Akim Williams shared how his body would react in his early years compared to today. He would often dirty bulk, and even discussed how he once took on the bulking challenge of eating McDonalds every single day.
Looking back now, he would barely be able to accomplish such a feat – speaking not only to how time changes the way our bodies react but also to his growth and success as a pro bodybuilder. You can watch the special guest Akim Williams episode of the Generation Iron Podcast below:
What do you think of Akim William’s latest physique? Can it hold up to the best of the best fighting for the title of Arnold Classic champion? Judging on this latest physique update – it seems that Akim will be a true threat to the Arnold Classic title and shouldn’t be slept on.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
