As we close out 2025, we have much to look forward to in the new year… like the 2026 Arnold Classic bodybuilding lineup.
While I wouldn’t say the Arnold Classic has been boring by any stretch of the imagination, the fact that we have a monstrous lineup again this coming year has me excited.
Let’s talk a little bit about the 2026 Arnold Classic bodybuilding lineup and what it could mean for the bodybuilding season leading up to the Olympia.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
The 2026 Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Lineup is DEEP
Let’s start off by listing some of the big names that the Arnold Sports team has released publicly:
- Andrew Jacked
- Hassan Mostafa
- Hadi Choopan
- Nick Walker
- Rafael Brandao
- Brandon Curry
- Akim Williams
- Martin Fitzwater
- Tonio Burton
- Mohamed Hassan
- Anthony Williams
Two names I’m surprised aren’t on the list are Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda. These are the #1 and #2 from 2025, and I would have thought for sure that at least Derek would have come back to hold onto his title.
As we’ve heard, Samson (for some strange reason) is going on an excessive bulk in the off-season. Personally, I think this is a terrible move and, in my opinion, I think he’s not going to improve going into the 2026 Mr. Olympia, and his prep isn’t going to be as easy as he may think.
So, with the #1 and #2 winners from 2025 not showing up, does that mean that Andrew Jacked, who placed 3rd, is the sure winner? No. Not exactly.
Who Is Going to Win the Arnold Classic Title?
If history were to repeat itself, you could say that Hadi Choopan (who won back in 2024) has the best shot of winning the 2026 Arnold Classic. After all, he’s always a contender to win at the Olympia as well. Hadi is one of the most consistent bodybuilders on the planet, and you always know he’s going to bring it each time he steps on stage. He could very well be the frontrunner in my eyes.
But what about the 2022 winner, Brandon Curry? Brandon is no spring chicken anymore, but even fighting Father Time, Brandon continues to come into shows looking great. And honestly, if he were to “retire” anytime soon, I’d rather him just jump into the Master’s Olympia and secure the bag. I don’t see anyone touching him who has been on the Master’s stage lately.
My personal favorite bodybuilder here of late is Andrew Jacked. In fact, I had him winning the Olympia. Everyone else seems to be overlooking him for some reason. I think Andrew has one of the most impressive physiques on the stage. His height and physique are commanding in any lineup, and I truly believe he has one of the brightest futures in the sport.
We can’t forget about Nick Walker, though. Every year, Nick seems to talk a good game but never seems to be able to back it up at shows. Do I think he can beat Hadi or Andrew? Assuming the judges don’t look past Andrew again, I don’t believe so. I have Hadi and Andrew battling for first and second. Will Nick take third? Probably. And that’s not a knock at Nick. I just don’t think his blocky physique can beat the likes of Andrew Jacked and Hadi.
The rest of the pack is all a wildcard, depending on what they bring in 2026. Could Martin Fitzwater pull off an upset? I guess anything is possible, but I doubt it. I think there are a few of the guys in the lineup that could potentially shake up the 4th and 5th spot at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
Overall, the 2026 Arnold Classic bodybuilding lineup is something we should all be excited to watch as the show unfolds in the new year.
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. With over 25 years in the supplement industry, Matt is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, his work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored more than 25 published books.
