On September 12, 2018, a press conference was held on Orleans Arena.
On September 15, 2018, the Men's Physique Olympia and Women's Physique Olympia judging and finals were held in the morning at Las Vegas Convention Center.
Shawn Rhoden won his first Mr Olympia title, defeating seven-time defending champion Phil Heath.
[1] Heath was attempting to tie the records for the most Mr. Olympia wins overall and most wins in a row with eight, held jointly by Lee Haney (1984–1991) and Ronnie Coleman (1998–2005).
Rhoden became the oldest bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title, at the age of 43 years, 5 months.