Bodybuilding fans are ready to see Rafael Brandao back onstage. On Feb. 10, he shared a shredded physique update less than four weeks from the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic.
Rafael Brandao‘s aesthetics and tapered waist give him a unique advantage against bigger competitors. At the 2024 Arnold Classic, he leveraged those strengths to secure bronze behind runner-up Samson Dauda and champion Derek Lunsford.
Shortly after that performance, he won the Arnold Classic South America against Tonio Burton. This set him up for a big performance at the Mr. Olympia in eighth place. In his last outing, Brandao claimed gold at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro. Having taken the entire 2025 season off, he’s primed to make a statement in Columbus, OH.
Rafael Brandao Looking Peeled in Physique Update Under 4 Weeks Before the 2026 Arnold Classic
In the post, Brandao gave fans an update on his progress.
“Under 4 weeks Time to get ready 🔥” Rafael Brandao shared on Instagram.
Brandao’s coach, Neil Hill, will have a busy night ahead at the Arnold Classic. In addition to overseeing Brandao’s peak, he’s also guiding the reigning Arnold Classic Physique champ Mike Sommerfeld to success. The winners of each division will become early Olympia favorites.
It won’t be an easy road for Brandao; the show is loaded with elite talent. On-paper favorite Hadi Choopan aims to cement himself as a two-time champion. He recently secured silver for a third time at the Mr. Olympia. Meanwhile, attention has turned to Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea, who had a breakout performance in third place at the Olympia.
Martin Fitzwater is another contender who could upset the roster. He defeated Samson Dauda at the Prague Pro. Fitzwater boasts some of the most shredded and dense legs in the Open, making him a near-shoo-in for the final callout.
Additionally, Nick Walker will be in the mix. He mistimed his peak at the Mr. Olympia, falling to a career-low sixth place. Redemption fuels his every rep, and should he secure the victory, he’ll be one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming the best in the world.
The bodybuilding community hasn’t dismissed Brandon Curry either. He’s the only athlete in the lineup to have beaten Hadi Choopan. With a historic $750,000 prize purse on the line for the Open winner, Brandao plans to present his best in under a month. Don’t miss Fitness Volt‘s full coverage of the Arnold Classic, set for March 5-8 in Columbus, OH.
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