Kai Greene had an incredible journey to the top of the bodybuilding world. Notably, apart from his mammoth physique, it was Kai’s rivalry with the seven-time champion, Phil Heath, that turned most heads.

The Arnold Classic winner placed second in the 2012 Mr. Olympia and ever since, had his sights set on becoming the champion. He did improve the following year, but brought his a-game to the stage during the 2014 Mr. Olympia.

Fans were guaranteed Kai was winning the title. However, when judges announced the results, Greene’s fans roared in outrage. Long-time rival Phil Heath had won his fourth Sandow and Greene placed second for the third time. Notably, a few days later, bodybuilding judge Skip Hill explained why Phil won.

How did Phil Heath beat Kai Greene in 2014?

After the 2014 Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding judge Skip Hill, talked to ‘elitefts’. Skip revealed that while some of Kai’s body parts surpassed Phil’s, the latter was a more complete bodybuilder.

“It isn’t who had better this or who had better that,” said Hill. He added, “The things I like about Kai’s physique are things I would like on me, but they aren’t things that are put together for the ideal look.“

Hill explained Phil had won because he had the better package. “Everything from skin tone, to balanced conditioning, to how his muscles flow with each other. Everything on him is put together,” said Hill.

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In 2014, the rivalry between Phil and Kai reached its peak. Greene was confident that he’d beat Phil. During the pre-show press conference, Greene and Heath even got into a heated argument. Kai said that he’d bring a wider back and outweigh Phil on stage.

After 2014, Phil Heath would win the Mr. Olympia title three more years in a row. However, it would be against other opponents. In 2018, Shawn Rhoden dethroned Phil to become the oldest Mr. Olympia winner at 43. 

The rivals never met on stage again

2014 was the last time Kai and Phil squared off against each other on the Mr. Olympia stage. Kai didn’t compete in 2015 because of undisclosed reasons. In 2016, Kai won his third Arnold Classic title, however, he didn’t compete in the Mr. Olympia contest. While Kai never officially retired, he hasn’t competed since his final Arnold Classic win.

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Safe to say, the historic 2014 Mr. Olympia divided fans. While many believe Kai should’ve won, judges like Skip Hill explained where Phil had pulled ahead of Kai. Would Kai Greene have dethroned Phil in 2016? Unfortunately, that’s a question that will remain a mystery.