The Ballad of Ramon "Dino"

Bodybuilding is a war of narratives. It’s not just about muscles, symmetry, and aesthetics: it’s the silent battle between expectation and downfall, between those who reach the summit and those left on the edge of glory. Today, the protagonist of this ballad is Brazilian Ramon Rocha Queiroz, known worldwide as “Dino.”

At 30 years old, the so-called Dinosaur of Acre carries a burden heavier than any barbell: the debt to his massive fanbase. Since turning pro in 2018 and becoming one of the most prominent faces of Classic Physique in 2021, Dino was seen as the man destined to dethrone Chris Bumstead. The public adored him, his physique backed him up, and his victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic seemed the sign of a grand destiny written in the stars. But the Olympia doesn’t negotiate. In 2022 and 2023, the Canadian defeated him again, and in 2024, the blow was even harsher: he didn’t even make the podium.

2024 was the year of collapse. As the defending champion at the Arnold Classic, he was defeated by Wesley Vissers in a result that brutally shook his followers’ confidence. Then, at the Olympia, not only did he lose to Bumstead again, but he also fell behind Urs Kalecinski and Mike Sommerfeld, relegated to fourth place. It was a reality check. As Dorian Yates once said: “The pain of failure reveals who you really are.”

Many thought that was the final page of his story. It wouldn’t be surprising: the list of champions who quit after such a humiliating defeat is long. Bodybuilding is a sport that doesn’t forgive doubt. But Dino didn’t hang up his weights. In fact, gym rumors, images of his progress, and insider comments have reignited the intrigue. Kalecinski, now a star in the Open division, has declared him the favorite for this year. It’s clear Kalecinski wants to see Sommerfeld defeated. Even Vissers, who beat him in Ohio last year, places Dino as the man destined for second place. Of course, Vissers doesn’t see Dino as a champion.

However, this Olympia isn’t just a comeback for Dino. It’s his final judgment. Dino chose the riskiest path: to come in bigger than ever. It’s a strategy that has already pushed the physical limits of Bumstead, Urs, and Sommerfeld. Classic Physique is stretching its own boundaries; every champion seems on the verge of what’s allowed. And if Dino triumphs, the pressure to jump to the Open division will be immediate, as Urs did.

But there’s a darker scenario. If Ramon doesn’t win, if he’s once again overshadowed by rising stars like Terrence Ruffin, Logan Franklin, or even Spain’s Josema Muñoz, the narrative could shift from hero to martyr. It would be a cruel reminder that in modern bodybuilding, being a favorite isn’t enough: you have to deliver on stage. It would also be a reminder that time moves fast, and the new generation doesn’t forgive.

The question is brutal and direct: Is Dino destined to become an Olympia champion, or will he be remembered as the eternal contender who could never topple the myth of Bumstead? The public has already chosen its gladiator, and it seems Dino still generates immense expectations. But in this sport, it’s not the cheers that define glory, it’s the definitive, complete silhouette under the lights and before the judges.

The 2025 Olympia will be the toughest chapter of Ramon’s career. Because beyond genetics, preparation, and comparisons, Dino carries the heaviest burden in the world of bodybuilding: the expectations of a fanbase that grows weary and no longer tolerates excuses.