The 2026 Arnold Classic will witness the world’s best bodybuilding competitors battle for gold. With the contest approaching, Erin Banks took to a YouTube video on Feb. 17 to discuss who will claim the Men’s Physique title.
In 2025, Erin Banks narrowly lost to Ali Bilal at the Arnold Classic. Shortly after Bilal’s victory, there was controversy. Arnold Schwarzenegger took issue with Men’s Physique board shorts and criticized the division for hiding leg definition, labeling it ‘bogus.‘ This prompted Bilal to announce that he will never compete at the Arnold Classic again.
With that in mind, a new titleholder will emerge. However, Banks, a former 2022 Mr. Olympia, decided to sit this one out. Instead, he’ll watch from the sidelines to see who might push into the final callout. The heaviest on-paper favorite is Brandon Hendrickson. He’s won the Mr. Olympia contest three times and holds one Arnold Classic title, which he earned back in 2016.
Hendrickson led an extremely active 2025 bodybuilding season. After taking fourth place at the Pittsburgh Pro, he went on an impressive run, winning three events back-to-back, including the New York Pro, Miami Pro, and the Huanji China Pro 3. While he entered the Olympia with huge momentum, he was unable to outscore runner-up Bilal or three-time reigning champ Ryan Terry.
Hendrickson will still face a deep pool of contenders in Columbus, Ohio. Vitor Chaves, Emanuel Hunter, Edvan Palmeira, Andrei Deiu, and Benquil Marigny all stand out as possible threats. The show is almost here, and Banks has an idea of who might leave the city on top.
Erin Banks Predicts Who Will Win Men’s Physique Title at 2026 Arnold Classic
In the recent video, Banks was firm about who he sees winning the Men’s Physique title at the Arnold Classic.
“Brandon is winning it,” he shared.
When asked who could give Hendrickson a run for his money, Banks shared one name:
“Vitor Chaves.”
Aside from Men’s Physique, Open predictions have been rolling in for the 2025 Arnold Classic. Bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren sees three names contending for the title: Hadi Choopan, Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea, and Martin Fitzwater. Meanwhile, Shahriar Kamali, better known as King Kamali, believes Jacked will win the competition. The stakes are high, with the Men’s Open champ poised to receive a massive $750,000 prize purse.
Whoever emerges victorious at the 2026 Arnold Classic will be one step closer to challenging for Mr. Olympia gold. Don’t miss Fitness Volt‘s full coverage from March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio!
Watch the full video from the Men’s Physique Radio YouTube channel below:
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