POWER 30: The Most Powerful People In Bodybuilding, Fitness, & Strength Sports (2020)

The 2019 World’s Strongest Man, Martins Licis proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Beating out 2018 champion Hafthor Bjornsson and powerhouse Mateusz Kieliszkowski, Martins Licis cemented himself as a superhuman who has the potential to sit atop the strongman mountain for years to come.

Famed celebrity trainer for over 20 years, Eric The Trainer is an influential figure in the fitness and bodybuilding world. His positive attitude and infectious high energy has made Eric The Trainer a household name. Through his positivity and proven track record, Eric The Trainer is a true bright spot in the fitness community.

A truly talented businessman and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, Ron Penna is a powerful force in the fitness industry. After the success of Quest Nutrition, Ron Penna is following up his initial success by co-founding a new brand, Legendary Foods.

The man who dethroned Breon Aynsley to capture the title of Classic Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead has proven himself to be an amazing talent. Now as the man at the top of the mountain, Chris Bumstead is the one to beat at the Olympia and is poised to defend his title at the 2020 show.

Edwin Mejia Jr has become a very influential figure in the industry. Over the past 10 years, he has helped the careers of some of the top fitness pros and bodybuilders in the industry such Kai Greene, Calum von Moger, Zac Perna and Zac Aynsley. Mejia has also been responsible for producing and managing the distribution of an extensive content slate which includes the award winning film, “Generation Iron,” the  ‘Generation Iron’ series installments, ‘Ronnie Coleman The King’ (Netflix), ‘CT Fletcher My Magnificent Obsession’, Calum von Moger Unbroken’ and the ‘Dorian Yates Mass Monster’ life story biopic.

Joey Swoll is one of the most popular Instagram fitness celebrities. With an impressive physique and a unique personality, Joey Swoll has become one of the most recognized figures in the fitness and bodybuilding space. Recently releasing his own brand of low-calorie sauces, Joey Swoll continues to make waves as a budding entrepreneur.

One of the top fitness influencers in the game, Massy Arias has become one of the most recognized figures in the industry. With fitness programs garnered towards improving the physiques of women around the globe, Massy Arias is making major waves in the community and proving to be a transformative fitness trainer.

A dominant figure in the competitive women’s Fitness division, Whitney Jones has no equal when she steps on stage. Dominating the division for two years now, Whitney Jones in the reigning Fitness Olympia champion who could cement her legacy with a victory over the returning Oksana Grishina.

A true inspiration in women’s competitive bodybuilding, Cydney Gillon continues to dominate the Women’s Figure division. Capturing the Women’s Figure Olympia title three years in a row, Cydney Gillon is looking to add to her legacy with a fourth straight victory.

A former bikini competitor, Michelle Lewin has seen it all in the fitness and bodybuilding industry. She has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces in the world with her over thirteen million Instagram followers and continues to grow her fan base with well constructed social media posts. With apparel lines, workout and meal apps, Michelle Lewin has truly become a force to be reckoned with in the fitness realm.

Powerlifter, gym owner, former professional wrestler, Mark Bell has worn many different hats throughout his career. With his highly regarded Sling Shot brand helping lifters around the world, Mark Bell is an entrepreneur who has fully embraced the strength lifestyle. His popularity only continues to grow and he remains one of the most inspiring figures in the industry today.

One of the top fitness influencers in the world, Ulisses has built up his brand over several years and hasn’t looked back. With millions of followers on Instagram, Ulisses has established himself as one of the most popular figures in the fitness space. His apparel line and online training programs have garnered him a ton of respect and adoration by his legion of fans.

Phil Heath hasn’t competed since 2018 yet his influence has remained on the sport. As he looks to make a return to form at the 2020 show in hopes of capturing an eighth Olympia championship, Phil Heath looks as impressive as ever and is set to show the world that he is still the most dominant champion in bodybuilding.

Giving an impressive showing at the 2019 Olympia, Hadi Choopan really put the Open Bodybuilding division on notice. Taking third at the 2019 Olympia, Hadi Choopan showed that a 212 bodybuilder has what it takes to challenge the top of the Open Bodybuilding division.

While he may not have secured victory at the 2018 Olympia, Phil The long-time 212 Olympia champion, Flex Lewis has proven time and again that he is an all-time great. Now looking to add to his legend by moving up to the Open Bodybuilding division, Flex Lewis could potentially make history and achieve something no other lightweight bodybuilder has been able to: win the 212 and Open Bodybuilding titles.

One of the most influential fitness personalities on the web, Mike Rashid has proven to be a multifaceted talent. Not only has he ventured into professional boxing, Mike Rashid has also run a success supplement brand and continues to diversify his resume as one of the most charismatic and motivating figures in the fitness and bodybuilding industry.

A man who constantly looks to better himself one lift at a time, Larry Wheels has come to be known as Mr. Personal Record. With hopes to compete in strongman events in the future, Larry Wheels is becoming one of the most influential and recognized figures in the strength community. He’s done powerlifting, he’s done bodybuilding. Can he make a name for himself in strongman?

One of the most loved and respected bodybuilders in the history of the game, Ronnie Coleman took bodybuilding to heights never seen before. Always in high spirits despite the injuries he’s suffered throughout his career, Ronnie Coleman is a vision of determination and embodiment of never giving in no matter the difficulties faced.

A budding entrepreneur who got his start on the competitive scene, Bradley Martyn has turned his passion for bodybuilding into a multifaceted fitness empire. From opening up his own gym, Zoo Culture, to launching apparel lines, a supplement brand, and a podcast, Bradley Martyn has certainly become the picture of success in the bodybuilding and fitness industry. Keep your eye on this man as he continues to grow in the world of fitness!

One of the top fitness influencers in the world, Calum von Moger has been a great motivation for many facing adversity. While being a major force in the fitness and bodybuilding community in the online sphere, Calum has also made waves in spaces outside of the industry. Calum has appeared in a massive Gucci campaign, has continued to grow both his Staunch Nation Nutrition line and his training program, as well as starring as a young Arnold in the movie Bigger alongside Tyler Hoechlin and Julliane Hough. The documentary Calum von Moger: Unbroken showcased the kind of will, determination, and incredible mental fortitude the talented bodybuilder possesses – turning what could have been a career-ender for many into new challenge overcome with an even brighter future ahead of him.

The top judge in the IFBB Pro League, Steve Weinberger has cemented himself as one of the most powerful individuals in the industry. Working with high level talent on a daily basis, Steve Weinberger continues to push athletes to the next level with his intricate insight into building the human body into something only few can achieve. He is also the owner of the Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym – also known as the East Coast Mecca. A gym that remains to this day one of the most famous and historic bodybuilding gyms int he world.

The 2017 World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall has seen his stock raise even after retiring from strongman competitions. Increasing his social media presence as well as building up his YouTube channel, Eddie Hall has become extremely popular in the last few years. Now the champion strongman looks to settle a score against rival and fellow strongman Hafthor Bjornsson in a 2021 boxing contest that is sure to generate a ton of interest.

One of the most successful businessmen in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, Jay Cutler has translated his impressive dedication for building muscle to building his supplement company and other ventures. The four-time Olympia champion looks to continue to thrive in his post pro bodybuilding career, and from the looks of things, Cutler will only continue to have tremendous success.

The 2018 World’s Strongest Man, Hafthor Bjornsson has proven himself to be a force in the strength community. The Game of Thrones actor proved he’s still one of the strongest humans on the planet after crushing the deadlift record with 501 kg lift. With strongman competitions now in his rear view, Hafthor Bjornsson has put all his focus on preparing for his battle against rival Eddie Hall in 2021.

The current reigning Mr. Olympia, Brandon Curry had a truly impressive 2019 campaign. Dominating the competitors at the 2019 show, Brandon Curry hopes to replicate his success at the 2020 Olympia. With his outstanding performance he’s certainly the man to beat, but challengers like Phil Heath and Flex Lewis are sure to keep his hands full. Can Brandon Curry defend his crown at the 2020 show? We’ll soon see.

While many have questioned the legitimacy of his natural status, there’s no question that Mike O’Hearn is one of the hardest working bodybuilders in the business. His recent appearance in Generation Iron 4 offered an in-depth perspective on the life long bodybuilder and demonstrated just how much passion and energy he puts into being an ambassador for fitness and bodybuilding.

Undoubtedly one of the most powerful individuals in bodybuilding, Jim Manion continues to be a major influence in the industry. His sharp mind, business savvy, and leadership has taken the IFBB Pro League to all new heights. The mastermind behind all the machinations in the IFBB Pro League, Jim Manion has proven to be the glue that keeps the bodybuilding world together.

One of the hardest working people in the business, Kai Greene has proven himself to be a man of many talents. While he may not have stepped onto a competitive bodybuilding stage in quite some time, Kai Greene has remained relevant with his entertaining content and recent appearance in Generation Iron 4.

Considered by many to be the GOAT, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a not simply just an icon in bodybuilding, fitness, and entertainment, he’s a force of nature. Throughout 2020 Schwarzenegger has been a source of positive motivation and continues to encourage his followers despite the dark times we find ourselves in.

One of the most popular celebrities on the planet, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has seen his star rise over the past several years. Not only is he the highest paid actor in Hollywood, but he’s also been acquiring different athletic and sporting brands to firmly cement himself in the fitness, bodybuilding, and even professional football space. The Athleticon and acquisition of the XFL were major boons for the actor and entrepreneur. The Rock appears to only be getting started as he continues to make waves in the industry.

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