The announcement of his name at the end of the show was still nearly three hours away, but Cutler appeared cool and confident each time he came under the bright lights. He certainly had a few things to worry about, especially from someone so close to him.

“Phil Heath is my best friend in bodybuilding,” said Cutler, “and he’s starting to catch up to me.”

The man known as The Gift sure is and took the runner-up spot behind his confidant and mentor. Branch Warren, who finished second last year, placed third. Dexter Jackson may have seen his best days already, but The Blade proved that he has plenty left in the tank, placing fourth.

The next two were very interesting. Dennis Wolf completed a shocking comeback by finishing fifth after not even placing in 2009. A beaming Wolf said upon his exit from the arena, “It was good for me.” And Ronny Rockell, who has been coming closer and closer each time, joined the top six for the first time. Kai Greene was lucky to take seventh with his roundness and Victor Martinez – who was in danger of dropping out of the top 10 after pre-judging – came in harder at the Finals and placed eighth. Both were unpopular decisions with the crowd, but were the right ones, nonetheless. Rounding out the top 10 were Toney Freeman and Hidetada Yamagishi.

In the 202 Showdown, Kevin English and David Henry took their rivalry to a new level. Henry appeared to have better definition but English had him in size. These two men just do not like each another and displayed as much on the side of the stage by not even acknowledging the other as they stood side-by-side waiting for the official announcement. It was apparent by his reaction that Henry was greatly disappointed. Eduardo Correa finished in third, Jose Raymond fourth, Jason Arntz fifth and Jaroslav Horvath sixth.

In the Figure Olympia, Nicole Wilkins Lee was unable to repeat as champion and Erin Stern took home the crown.

***We hate to brag, but we nailed the top six dead on after prejudging. Too bad Vegas doesn’t have a sports book for the O.

Photo by Francesco Pillari.

This is the second annual contest held outdoors right on Jones Beach, aka Muscle Beach East. Admission is free and classes include men’s bodybuilding, men’s masters, women’s bodybuilding, women’s masters, teenage and bikini.

All proceeds will go to two noble charities: Long Island Breast Cancer and Cerebral Palsy.

Be sure to check back often for more information right here on MuscleSport Mag and recaps of last summer’s show.

Las Vegas, NV – On Thursday night, Dexter Jackson took the high road when asked where he would finish in the Mr. Olympia competition. “No predictions,” the humble one said. But surely he had to have an opinion inside, one that was very high. Who could blame him after winning three contests in the calendar year.

Winning the Arnold Classic, Australian Pro and New Zealand Grand Prix were incredible accomplishments, but paled in comparison to latest triumph by the Blade. On Saturday night in at the Orleans Arena, Dexter Jackson was named the new Mr. Olympia.

It came down to two men, both who stood on the stage awaiting the announcement from host Bob Cicherillo. As his name was read, Jackson was visibly emotional and went down to one knee and bowed his head. By the time he was able to arise, tears of joy were flowing down his face while the crowd erupted even louder.

It is hard to disagree with the judges’ decision. Jackson was well proportioned and appeared to be in better condition than Cutler. This is an amazing feat when you factor in that Jackson had to prepare and diet for four shows since March.

Jackson, 38, has been competing since 1992 and this was his 13th first place finish in his career. His first Mr. Olympia contest was in 1999, where he finished in ninth place. In 2000, he finished in the same spot but moved up one position a year later. In 2002, he broke into the top six, finishing in fourth, and then third 12 months later.

In 2004, Jackson fell back one slot and did not attend the Mr. O in ’05. He then finished in fourth and third, respectively, in 2006 and 2007.

Patience is a virtue, and showing it paid off for Jackson, who will sleep with the Sandow tonight.