Nasser El Sonbaty: Life, Training, and Legacy in Bodybuilding

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Feb 18, 2025

Nasser El Sonbaty was one of the most impressive bodybuilders of his time. Known as the "Professor" for his intelligence and deep understanding of the sport, he competed against some of the best in the sport.

He was a dominant force in the 1990s, winning numerous titles and earning the respect of his peers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Nasser El Sonbaty's life, his incredible career, and the lasting impact he left on the world of fitness.

Short Summary

Who Was Nasser El Sonbaty? – A legendary bodybuilder known for his massive size and intense training.
His Bodybuilding Career – Competed in top events like Mr. Olympia, facing the best in the sport.
Training and Diet – Focused on heavy lifting and strict nutrition to build his incredible physique.
Challenges and Controversies – Faced tough competition, injuries, and debates over judging decisions.
Best Natural Bodybuilding Supplements – Anafuse is a top choice for boosting strength, muscle growth, and endurance.

About Nasser El Sonbaty

Nasser El Sonbaty was born on October 15, 1965, in Stuttgart, Germany, to an Egyptian father and a Yugoslav mother from Novi Pazar, Serbia. He graduated from the University of Augsburg with degrees in history, political science, and sociology. Nasser had two sisters and two brothers.

Nasser El Sonbaty made his first appearance at the Mr. Olympia competition in 1994, where he placed 7th. His best finish came in 1997 when he secured 2nd place behind Dorian Yates. Many bodybuilders, including Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman, believed he deserved 1st place.

After finishing 2nd in the Arnold Classic in both 1997 and 1998, Nasser claimed the title in 1999, defeating Kevin Levrone. He was particularly known for his impressive shoulder development.

El Sonbaty's legacy extends beyond his competitive achievements, as he was also a highly educated and articulate individual who spoke seven languages. Nasser lived in San Diego and Costa Mesa and tragically passed away in his sleep during a visit to Egypt on March 20, 2013.

Athlete Statistics

Full Name: Nasser El Sonbaty
Nickname: The Professor
Date of Birth: October 15, 1965
Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
Competition Weight: 285–300 lbs (129–136 kg)
Offseason Weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Arms: 22 inches (56 cm)
Chest: 58 inches (147 cm)
Waist: 34 inches (86 cm)
Total Competitions: 66 shows (13 amateur and 53 professional)
Pro Show Wins: 6
Top Three Finishes: Placed in the top three in about 50% of his competitions.
Mr. Olympia Appearances: Qualified for 10 consecutive Mr. Olympia contests, with his best finish being 2nd place in 1997.

Nasser El Sonbaty Biography

Early Life

Nasser El Sonbaty was born on October 15, 1965, in Stuttgart, Germany, to an Egyptian father and a Yugoslav mother. He grew up in a multicultural environment, which contributed to his fluency in seven languages. Nasser pursued higher education at the University of Augsburg, where he earned a degree in history, political science, and sociology.

His journey into bodybuilding began in 1983 when he started weight training to improve his soccer performance. However, he soon developed a passion for the sport and entered his first competition, a Junior State Championship in Germany in 1985, where he placed sixth.

European Competition Success

Nasser El Sonbaty's journey in bodybuilding began with his early victories in the late 1980s, which motivated him to train rigorously. He made his professional debut at the 1990 IFBB Grand Prix in Helsinki, Finland, achieving a top 10 finish (8th place). This placement earned him his pro card and marked the official start of his professional career.

Moving to the USA

After several podium finishes in European competitions, Nasser decided to move to the United States, believing it was the best place to make a name for himself in bodybuilding. After an intense training season, he competed at the prestigious Mr. Olympia in 1994. He placed 6th and earned a contract with Joe Weider to continue his career in the U.S.

Shortly after, he competed at the 1994 IFBB Night of Champions, achieving 2nd place – his highest professional placing at that point. Following this, he participated in five IFBB Grand Prix events in Europe, consistently placing 3rd. He then focused his training on the 1995 IFBB Houston Pro Invitational. He delivered an impressive posing routine and won the show, securing his first professional victory.

Discontent with Professional Judges

As Nasser El Sonbaty progressed in his bodybuilding career, he began to develop a critical view of the professional judging system. He noticed inconsistencies in how judges evaluated competitors, which led him to question the fairness of the results.

He believed that some major bodybuilding competitions were rigged and felt he was unfairly judged on several occasions by what he considered corrupt or incompetent officials. A prime example of this, according to Nasser, was his 2nd place finish at the 1997 Mr. Olympia. He felt everyone at the event knew he deserved to win.

In an interview, he shared his thoughts:

"I had, compared to the 1997 Mr. Olympia title winner Dorian Yates, the better build and the better god-given genetic structure, with even nicer looking veins. I did not have one torn muscle like he had so many, many torn muscles. My body was more proportioned and more… way more symmetrical."

Winning the Arnold Classic

Despite facing occasional judging issues in the 1990s, Nasser El Sonbaty achieved some major victories throughout his career. One of his most significant wins came at the 1999 Arnold Classic in Ohio, USA.

At this event, Nasser easily defeated top bodybuilders like Kevin Levrone, Jay Cutler, and Chris Cormier, showcasing a highly conditioned physique.

Death

Nasser El Sonbaty's life ended at the age of 47. He passed away in his sleep due to heart and kidney failure. While the exact cause of his death wasn't fully explained, many have speculated that his long-term use of anabolic steroids during his bodybuilding career.

Nasser El Sonbaty Competition History

1990:

Grand Prix Finland - 8th
Grand Prix France - 7th
Grand Prix Holland - 8th

1991:

Night of Champions - Did not place

1992:

Chicago Pro Invitational - 19th
Night of Champions - Did not place

1993:

Grand Prix France - 3rd
Grand Prix Germany - 3rd

1994:

Grand Prix France - 4th
Grand Prix Germany - 4th
Night of Champions - 2nd
Mr. Olympia - 7th

1995:

Grand Prix England - 4th
Grand Prix France - 3rd
Grand Prix Germany - 3rd
Grand Prix Russia - 3rd
Grand Prix Spain - 3rd
Grand Prix Ukraine - 2nd
Houston Pro Invitational - 1st
Night of Champions - 1st
Mr. Olympia - 3rd

1996:

Grand Prix Czech Republic - 1st
Grand Prix England - 2nd
Grand Prix Germany - 2nd
Grand Prix Russia - Winner
Grand Prix Spain - 3rd
Grand Prix Switzerland - 1st
Mr. Olympia - 3rd

1997:

Arnold Classic - 2nd
Grand Prix Czech Republic - 3rd
Grand Prix England - 3rd
Grand Prix Finland - 4th
Grand Prix Germany - 2nd
Grand Prix Hungary - 2nd
Grand Prix Russia - 3rd
Grand Prix Spain - 2nd
Mr. Olympia - 2nd
San Jose Pro Invitational - 2nd

1998:

Arnold Classic - 2nd
Grand Prix Finland - 3rd
Grand Prix Germany - 3rd
Mr. Olympia - 3rd

1999:

Arnold Classic - 1st
Grand Prix England - 6th
Mr. Olympia - 6th
World Pro Championships - 6th

2000:

Mr. Olympia - 5th

2001:

Mr. Olympia - 9th

2002:

Arnold Classic - 10th
Mr. Olympia - 15th

2004:

Night of Champions - 15th
Show of Strength Pro Championship - 14th

2005:

Europa Supershow - 14th

Nasser El Sonbaty Workout

Nasser El Sonbaty followed an intense and structured workout routine to build his massive physique. While specific routines varied throughout his career, some core principles remained consistent.

Training Split: Nasser typically trained different muscle groups on separate days, allowing each area to recover fully.
Heavy Lifting: He focused on compound movements like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts to build overall strength.
High Volume: His workouts included multiple sets and repetitions to maximize muscle growth.
Cardio: In addition to weight training, Nasser included cardio in his routine, especially during competition preparation. He recognized its benefits for overall health and conditioning, often incorporating fasted cardio sessions in the mornings.

Nasser El Sonbaty Diet

Nasser El Sonbaty followed a very strict diet throughout the year to maintain his large physique. During the off-season, he weighed around 330 lbs and needed to consume a lot of food to sustain his muscle mass.

Key Principles:

Balanced Macronutrients: Sonbaty ate a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats, and he didn't favor one macronutrient over others.
Carbohydrates: He consumed plenty of carbohydrates during the off-season to fuel his intense workouts.
Protein: Though protein was a crucial part of his diet, he reduced the amount when he was tired of eating too much meat and lean protein. He also used protein shakes and supplements to meet his daily protein requirements.

A Typical Day of Eating:

Meal 1: 10 egg whites, 2 whole eggs, and whole wheat toast.
Meal 2 (Pre-Workout): Protein shake and fruits.
Meal 3 (Post-Workout): Protein shake.
Meal 4: 12 ounces of chicken breast, brown rice, and yams.
Meal 5: 12 ounces of steak, salad, and yams.
Meal 6: 10 ounces of steak and cottage cheese.

Best Natural Bodybuilding Supplements for Strength, Mass, and Endurance

1. AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy

Anafuse is a dual-agent bulking supplement designed to support muscle growth and retention. The formula combines scientifically researched anabolic compounds to create a synergistic effect, promoting lean muscle mass development without harmful side effects. Anafuse provides a comprehensive blend of ingredients in one complete formula aimed at enhancing muscle-building results.

Key Benefits

This supplement improves mass gains.
It helps reduce your body fat.
It increases your muscle endurance.
It enhances muscle hardness.
It increases strength.
It supports your muscle pumps.
It speeds up your muscle recovery.
It reduces muscle soreness.
It increases protein synthesis.

Key Ingredients

Epicatechin
Ajuga Turkestanica
HICA
Eriobotrya Japonica
Vitamin D3
Quercetin

Customer Reviews

Go to

“When it’s time for me to get in shape, this is one of my go to supplements!”

-Ray

Anafuse is legit

“If your looking to get stronger and improve workouts try this”

-John D.

Stuff works great

“I have noticed being much leaner and just look toned since taking it..”

-Gary B.

2. Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing is a pre-workout supplement formulated to support muscle performance during exercise. It contains amino acids, creatine, and other nutrients to support muscle during workouts.

The formula also includes nootropics designed to enhance focus and energy. A blend of caffeine sources aims to provide both immediate and sustained energy release.

Key Benefits

It increases your energy levels.
It helps enhance your focus.
It boosts your strength.
It improves your muscle pumps.
It improves your mood and overall cognitive function.
It reduces muscle fatigue.
It accelerates your muscle recovery.

Key Ingredients

DiCitrulline Malate/Infinergy®
Beta-Alanine
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline
Agmatine Sulfate
Creatine Anhydrous
L-Glutamine
Choline Bitartrate
Caffeine Anhydrous
L-Tyrosine
L-Norvaline
ZumXR®
Huperzine A
Infinergy®
Cocoabuterol®
Thinkamine®

Customer Reviews

wildthing

“awesome best pre workout I've tried! get ready to unleash the beast in you my #1 to go to!”

-jose

Wild Thing

“Good flavor and great energy boost.”

-Paige T.

Crazy workout

“Best pwo I've had in a long time. Great pumps, energy, and no crash! Will definitely be buying in the near future.”

-Greg

3. Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine

Bucked Up Buck Build Creatine + Glutamine is a supplement formulated to support strength, endurance, and muscle recovery. It combines different types of creatine and glutamine to aid in performance and post-workout repair. This blend helps with strength gains, supports hydration, and accelerates muscle repair.

Key Benefits

It helps build your muscles.
It accelerates your muscle recovery.
It enhances your overall performance.
It improves your endurance.
It increases your power output, strength, and stamina.
It supports your hydration.
It helps reduce fatigue.
It boosts your overall gut health.

Key Ingredients

Creatine MagnaPower® (Magnesium Creatine Chelate)
Creatine Citrate
Di-Creatine Malate
Creatine AKG (2:1)
Creatine Pyruvate
L-Glutamine
N-Acetyl L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine AKG (2:1)
L-Alanyl L-Glutamine
BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous

Best Hormonal Anabolic Bodybuilding Supplements for Hardcore Lifters & Bodybuilders

1. Mandro the Giant Gold Stack

Mandro The Giant Gold Stack is a supplement combination designed to support muscle growth and recovery. This stack includes two highly rated bulking agents, Super Mandro and Andro the Giant, which are formulated to enhance strength and promote lean muscle mass.

Mandro the Giant stack is only suggested for experienced bodybuilders, weight lifters, and gym enthusiasts who have a strong understanding of training, diet, and hormonal anabolic cycling in order to see the best results and run their cycles safely and effectively.

Key Benefits

It improves your overall strength.
It enhances your muscle mass.
It speeds up your muscle recovery.
It helps boost your endurance.
It increases your muscle hardness and muscle definition.
It increases your protein synthesis.
It boosts your muscle pumps.

Supplements in this Stack

Customer Reviews

Best Stack Yet

“I've used this stack a few times and each time I am blown away with the results. 10/10 recommend. If looking to cut I would throw in androvar as well!”

-Donnman

Mandro stack

“All in all a great product. Seeing good results in my 4th week and little to no side effects. Only side effect I noticed was a little tiredness in the beginning but that went away after a week or so. Would definitely take again and highly recommend”

-Craig

Absolutely the best

“Best product in the market that's legal super mandro”

-Patrick

2. Shred and Sculpt Stack

The Shred and Sculpt Stack is designed to help individuals achieve a lean, defined physique. This 10-week supplement stack focuses on reducing body fat while promoting muscle retention and definition.

This prohormone stack is only suggested for experienced gym enthusiasts or weight lifters who have been training consistently for at least 2 years or longer.

Key Benefits

It increases lean muscle mass.
It enhances your muscle hardness.
It boosts your vascularity.
It reduces water retention.
It improves muscle recovery.
It reduces body fat.
It increases your strength.
It helps improve muscle definition and muscle fullness.
It speeds up your muscle recovery.

Supplements in this Stack

Androvar by Hard Rock Supplements
Protex by Vital Alchemy
Joyful Joints by Vital Alchemy
Post Cycle 3x by Vital Alchemy

Customer Reviews

I got the shred and gold sculpt pack.

“Love it”

-Garfield

Overall a wonderful stack.

“First time having a PH like Andover, I’ll be 50 in January, 5’5 and 199 Lbs been working out for 20 yrs on and off with a recent lag of about 4 yrs, had to loose about 30 lbs that I gained. Already lost 10lbs and sort of reached a plateau. Started Alpha lean 7 when on PCT,

I don’t take any preworkout either yet I’m able to work Out for 1.5 hours in the gym.”

-Arvind

The perfect companion for a summer cutting cycle

“Loved the effects from this Androvar cycle. My strength shot up. I was able to lift heavier and longer. Didn't notice any soreness but I increased my amino and joint support intake as suggested by the reps. By the end of the cycle, my shoulders/arms/chest/stomach were much more defined and my muscles looked a lot harder or fuller. Definitely would recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their lifts or help get that "mens physique" type of look.”

-Wesley T.

3. Monster Plexx by Innovative Labs

Monster Plexx is a comprehensive supplement designed to enhance muscle mass and strength. This quad stack features five anabolic compounds that promote both anabolic and androgenic activity, aiming for significant muscle gains.

Suggested only for Advanced Users who have ran at least 3 or more hormonal anabolic cycles in the past. Users should have a strong understanding of proper nutrition, training, and hormone cycling in order to use it safely and effectively.

Key Benefits

It supports monster muscle and strength gains.
It improves your libido.
It accelerates your muscle recovery.
It increases your testosterone levels.
It enhances your protein synthesis.
It also boosts your overall sense of well-being.

Key Ingredients

1-Andro
Epiandrosterone
4-Androsterone
Diosterol®
Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Customer Reviews

Monsterplex

“Been on this for two weeks and it is just starting to really kick in. Strength is def. improving and my workouts are intense. Really strong stuff here. May have to get another bottle.”

-Daniel

BEAST MODE!!! ANIMAL KINGDOM MONSTER MASH!!!

“Awesome!! 43yrs old and done pleny of cycles of the good stuff. This Monster Plexx is right up there with all of em. Put on 28lbs in 8 weeks, stronger, energy way up!!! I gotta get more Monster Plexx!!! Oh Yeah!”

-Krazy K.

great stuff

“wake up daily rock hard so hard it hurts”

-monster

FAQs: Nasser El Sonbaty

Q: Did Nasser El Sonbaty ever win Mr. Olympia?

A: No, despite his dominance and many victories, he never won the Mr. Olympia title. His closest finish was second place in 1997, a competition that was surrounded by controversy.

Q: How did Nasser El Sonbaty pass away?

A: Nasser El Sonbaty passed away on March 20, 2013, at the age of 47. The cause of death was reported as kidney failure, potentially stemming from a kidney infection. Some reports suggest malaria may have led to kidney failure. He died in his sleep during a visit to Cairo, Egypt.

Q: What was Nasser El Sonbaty’s nationality?

A: He was born in Germany to an Egyptian father and a Yugoslav mother, so he has a mixed heritage.

Wrapping Up

Nasser El Sonbaty competed at the highest level of professional bodybuilding for over a decade. He took part in major competitions, earning several top finishes, including his well-known second-place result at the 1997 Mr. Olympia.

His training and diet were structured to support his goal of building a massive and well-conditioned physique. Throughout his career, he also voiced his concerns about judging in bodybuilding.

His competitive journey continued into the early 2000s before he eventually stepped away from the stage.

About Other Bodybuilders, You Might Be Interested In

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasser_El_Sonbaty
https://barbend.com/nasser-el-sonbaty-bodybuilder-biography
https://fitnessvolt.com/16543/nasser-el-sonbaty/
https://www.greatestphysiques.com/male-physiques/nasser-el-sonbaty/
https://happybirthdayall.com/nasser-el-sonbaty.html

Photo Credits:

Hans Hadorn

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding.

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.