These chests, from both past and present, are absolutely massive.
A shredded chest is what separates the men from the boys. Superman – with his shirt ripping antics – can arguably be credited for making a broad chest the symbol of machoism. But as we’ve seen with our favorite bodybuilders, they too defy the odds when it comes to those insane pecs.
Why do you need muscular pecs, you ask? A wide chest is the foundation of the ever-so-desired V-taper. There would be no “golden era aesthetics” without symmetrical pectorals. Building a solid chest can take years of hard work and perseverance and this article is our way of honoring people who have achieved the feat. While a strong chest does plenty for your sport specific and functional goals, the point here is simply aesthetic. Which of these bodybuilding legends, past and current competitors alike, has the biggest chest for us all to envy?
Let’s jump into this list and see if you agree. With so many options, it was obviously difficult for us to decide. However, these athletes on this list have seriously massive pecs and ones we just couldn’t ignore. If you disagree, tell us who you think deserves a spot.
Best Chests In Bodybuilding
1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
The GOAT had one of the best pectoral muscles of his time. The size, fullness, and striations of the chest of Arnold Schwarzenegger were unparalleled. His trademark side chest pose is nothing less than a work of art and it showed with his seven Olympia wins. A clear legend in the sport of bodybuilding, his chest is something we can all strive for, however, it remains unclear if anyone will get there.
2. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler is a four-time Olympia winner and someone to envy for his sheer size and dominant work ethic. Aside from his impressive bodybuilding resume, he has appeared in magazines, started his own company, and continues to support bodybuilding as best he can. His chest is no joke and it makes sense that he joins the Olympia ranks as a four-time champ.
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3. Big Ramy
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Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay is an Egyptian bodybuilder and two-time Olympia winner, both in 2020 and 2021. Since earning his pro card in 2012, he has been nothing but dominant on the pro circuit and fans are excited to see just how far he’ll take his winning streak. His workouts and strict attention to detail have produced a massive chest and one aspiring bodybuilders should envy, for he is clearly at the top of the field.
4. Phil Heath
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Phil Heath is a seven-time Olympia winner and his overall physique has earned him the reputation of being one of the most muscular men on the planet. His chest is further proof of that and along with his overall physique, it is no wonder why. Heath remains a big name in the sport and one that both aspiring and professional bodybuilders look up to for his work ethic and impressive pecs.
5. Kai Greene
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Kai Greene is one of those bodybuilders who loves to have fun while also seeing gains. An impressive bodybuilding resume includes quite a few runner-up finishes, but that hasn’t stopped him from being anything short of dominant. Starring in Generation Iron, as well as shows and films, Greene is not shy to show off his chest and for good reason.
6. Samir Bannout
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Samir Bannout is the only bodybuilder from the Middle East to have won a Mr. Olympia title. The size and separation of his pecs made him one of the best bodybuilders of his time. Samir can be credited for popularizing the sport in the Middle East and serving as a great ambassador to the sport. Known as “The Lion Of Lebanon”, Samir embraced that nickname and stalked the stage like the real competitor he was.
7. Lou Ferrigno
The fact that Lou Ferrigno was cast as The Incredible Hulk should be enough to show that he had one of the most muscular pectorals in the world. Before there were VFX, his size added the ‘incredible’ to the Hulk. You see a picture of Lou and you will most certainly envy his pecs.
8. Flex Lewis
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Flex Lewis is a freak of nature. He probably has the most symmetrical, proportionate and conditioned physique in the history of bodybuilding. After winning the 212 Mr. Olympia title for seven years in a row, Lewis has cemented himself as a serious athlete and bodybuilding legend. His chest is a huge reason why he’s got seven trophies lined up in a row today.
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9. Lee Haney
Lee Haney holds the record for winning the most number of Mr. Olympia titles – a tie with Ronnie Coleman. He couldn’t have possibly achieved the feat without having the best pecs in the world. He was one of the first to change the idea of what a champion looked like and went from a more classic physique to something a little more modern and larger.
10. Chris Bumstead
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Chris Bumstead is a force in the Classic Physique division with three Olympia wins and his chest is a big reason. His shredded physique is impressive, but his chest is something to envy. His workouts prove that he is constantly challenging himself to see the best gains possible, which also helps with seeing great muscle growth. If you’ve seen Chris’ workout videos, you have seen how hard he works and how impressive those pecs truly are.
Wrap Up
These bodybuilders have proved they have massive chests, and whether that be through a stellar work ethic, genetics, or a mix of both, their pecs are certainly ones to envy. By following their training programs, you will see just how hard they work to pump those pecs. Give those a try and give your pecs a serious pump to see the best growth. Maybe you too can have a chest like these guys someday.
What do you think of this list? Let us know who should or shouldn’t be here!
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