Las Vegas, NV – Although a good portion of time had passed, when Dexter Jackson arrived at the after party, the newly-crowned Mr. Olympia was still at a loss for words. Arriving fashionably late dressed in a dapper dark blue suit, the man known as ‘The Blade’ was introduced and spoke briefly to the gathering as he accepted his FLEX Magazine award for ‘Bodybuilder of the Year.’

“I still can’t believe it,” he stated more than once. But believe it, because it’s true. Once the top six competitors were down to two, there was no way that Jay Cutler was going to make it three straight.

Jackson had better symmetry than the defending champion and the rumors swirling around the Orleans Hotel that Jackson was ahead after the prejudging came true. Perhaps the only disappointing thing about Jackson’s presentation Saturday night was his posing routine, which did not flow and his transitions were a bit awkward. In comparison, Cutler’s routine was sharp and regal, but it was not enough to get him a third Sandow.

The posedown made the place louder than it was during the individuals. Dennis Wolf seemed to have his eye on Cutler, who motioned to the crowd if that’s what they wanted to see. The two blonde monsters went at it pose for pose as the rest of the field moved around the stage.

At one point, the X-Man, Tony Freeman, had the entire right corner of the stage to himself and really excelled. Towards the end of the posedown, Cutler hopped down to the auxiliary stage and was followed by the rest of the pack, who went across doing their routines.

Jackson, perhaps feeling confident at that point, did not seem to be on Cutler’s tail and went about his business. Looking better than he has all year – a year, mind you, in which he already won three contests.

When Jackson and Cutler stood side by side, it was clear that Jackson had the better physique. His mid-section was tapered, unlike Cutler’s, which has been a complaint against him for some time now. Jackson’s lats were more prominent, and his narrow waist and defined obliques made his back even more prominent. His chest, delts and arms were proportioned perfectly and matched his lower body.

All in all, Jackson’s win was far from an upset. In fact, it would have been just that if Cutler’s name had been called.

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.

Las Vegas, NV – Injuries are a part of the game. From football to bodybuilding. Just as Jeremy Shockey was forced to sit out Super Bowl XLII, Branch Warren is forced to watch from afar while the best bodybuilders in the world vie for the 2008 Mr. Olympia title.

While he rehabs his injured triceps, Warren will be here taking it all in. He was visibly disappointed when asked about missing the contest.

“Very much so,” he said during the ‘Meet the Olympians’ event on Thursday night. “I’ve been training very hard for the competition. I thought I would do very well, but things happen. But you have to keep the faith. I’ll be ready back at the Arnold Classic in March and I’ll be here next year.”

Judging by the size of the man, the rest of the competitors should heed the warnings.

Las Vegas, NV – When you’re the defending champion, long lines are expected at these ‘meet and greet’ functions. That also holds true if you’re the guy that everyone feels has the best chance to unseat number one. It just so happens that both of these people were seated on completely opposite ends of the Mardi Gras Ballroom, but directly across from one another.

That made for difficult logistics as each line grew. By the time the majority of the crowd was allowed in the room, it was difficult to see who was sanding where. Jay Cutler and Dennis Wolf were the obvious stars of the session, and the fans that showed the patience to wait for a few moments with them, it was all worth it.

Cutler had an air of confidence about him, and judging by the way he appeared, had good reason to feel that way. “Everything seems to be coming together well,” he said. “The year went well. The preparation has gone great. Now it’s just fine tuning into the contest.”

The 2007 contest has been considered a controversial one, as Cutler was able to hold off strong competition from Victor Martinez, who was unable to go this year due to a knee injury. Cutler does not see an easy go just because Martinez will not be there.

Everybody’s competitive. Dexter, Dennis Wolf, Phil Heath. All those guys.” When asked directly about Wolf, Cutler acknowledged, “He’s good.”

If the number of fans getting autographs and taking photos is any indication, both Cutler and Wolf will do well for themselves come Saturday night.

Las Vegas, NV – Viva Las Vegas. After a nearly five-hour flight from New York, it was good to settle down at The Orleans Hotel. But who has time to settle down? After a decent workout in the ‘Fitness Center’ (don’t you just hate those places in hotels?) and a quick bite to eat, it was off to ‘Meet the Olympians’ in the Mardi Gras Ballroom.

With all the competitors seated in a wide, rectangular-shaped room, the lines for the top ones ran all the way across to the far side. By the time the velvet ropes opened up to the public, the place was packed. It was a good thing that the press was allowed in during the V.I.P. hour.

We had the opportunity to speak to a number of the men that have their eyes on the Sandow. All of them looked to be in fantastic shape and hungry for the stage.