It all started in 1970 when Worthington, Ohio Mayor Jim Lorimer was tasked to promote the World Weightlifting Championships in the neighbouring town of Columbus. In able to attract a larger crowd, Lorimer decided to organize a Mr. World bodybuilding competition in conjunction with the weightlifting tournament. He then appealed to the most popular bodybuilding personalities to participate in the contest, offering a cash prize of $500 to the winner.

He felt it was imperative to include Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, then at 23 years of age, was rapidly growing in popularity within the bodybuilding world.

Schwarzenegger had initially declined the invitation, since he would be in London that same weekend competing in the Mr. Universe contest. He had already won the Mr. Universe pro title for three consecutive years and was hoping to triumph for a fourth. Lorimer, however, couldn't take no for an answer. He arranged transportation to bring Schwarzenegger from London to Columbus right after the Mr. Universe contest.

It was a momentous weekend for Schwarzenegger, as he won first place in the Mr. Universe competition in London, as well as the Mr. World contest in Ohio. It was also at that time when he formed a friendship with the event organizer, Jim Lorimer.

As he thanked Lorimer for the invitation, Schwarzenegger indicated that he intended to sponsor professional tournaments after he retired from bodybuilding.

Their plan came to fruition in 1975. After winning Mr. Olympia six years in a row, Schwarzenegger retired from his sport. The following year, he and Lorimer worked together on the Mr. Olympia competition in Columbus, Ohio, and cemented an enduring partnership.

As a consequence of its popularity the event has taken on a global perspective with the successful launch in Spain, Brazil, Australia in 2015 and now SOUTH AFRICA in 2016.