Days from now, the best bodybuilders in the world will battle on one stage at the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic. This preview will assess the chances of top contenders and the dark horses who could pull off an upset.
The first Arnold Classic took place in 1989, and since then, the event has grown like wildfire. It now features seven IFBB Pro League divisions, with the Open serving as the headliner. This competition is invite-only and features 10 athletes.
The stakes couldn’t be higher; bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that the Men’s Open winner will earn a massive $750,000 winner’s purse, the highest payout in bodybuilding history. In addition, the champion will secure their qualification for the 2026 Mr. Olympia contest.
2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Competitor List
- Anthony Williams
- Chinedu Andrew Obiekea
- Martin Fitzwater
- Brandon Curry
- Akim Williams
- Nick Walker
- Rafael Brandao
- Hassan Mostafa
- Mohamed Foda
- Hadi Choopan
Top Contenders to Watch
Hadi Choopan
Choopan stands out as the clear favorite. He has taken runner-up at the Mr. Olympia contest for three consecutive years. In 2022, “The Persian Wolf” secured his lone Sandow trophy. He continued to gain momentum and, in 2024, won the Arnold Classic in his debut at the event. Choopan opted not to compete at the Arnold last year, so technically, he never lost his title.
Choopan has faced setbacks before the contest. Iran is embroiled in political unrest, and fans called him out for not taking a side. Some in the sport, like King Kamali, have suggested that Choopan won’t be safe if he returns to Iran. Despite these tensions, he plans to make a statement in Ohio. Choopan remains one of the most consistent athletes in the federation, known for his signature conditioning.
Andrew Jacked
Jacked’s breakout performance came at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. For a moment, fans thought he could go all the way and win, but he settled for bronze. Jacked has shown glimpses of his workouts during prep, and it appears his conditioning has finally caught up to his rivals.
Additionally, he doesn’t have to worry about qualifying for the Mr. Olympia. Jacked dominated the 2025 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, which served as a solid test-run before battling in Ohio. If his conditioning is locked in, especially his glutes and hamstrings, he could surprise the audience with a big win over Choopan.
Martin Fitzwater
Fitzwater has entered uncharted territory as a Men’s Open Pro. At the Mr. Olympia, he achieved fifth place with one of his strongest packages to date. Just a few weeks later, he challenged Samson Dauda at the Prague Pro and came out on top, thanks to his feathered quads and improved back poses.
Fitzwater’s throwback 1990s aesthetics could be the difference-maker onstage. He’s kept quiet most of prep, so fans aren’t sure exactly what he’s bringing. Nevertheless, he’s showcased training sessions and full days of eating, as he sets his sights on Arnold Classic glory.
Nick Walker
Pressure is arguably the heaviest for Nick Walker. Expectations were high ahead of his Olympia performance, but his peak fell apart, leading to a sixth-place finish. Walker fired ex-coach Kyle Wilkes following the event and has decided to navigate this prep solo.
Unlike Jacked, Choopan, and Fitzwater, Walker has yet to earn his 2026 Mr. Olympia qualification. With some of the freakiest side poses in the class, he always has a shot at victory. A tighter midsection and better conditioning will be mandatory if he hopes to make a push for gold.
Dark Horses
Some contenders are flying under the radar ahead of the show. Brandon Curry could find himself in the final callout. He is the former 2019 Mr. Olympia champion and remains the only athlete in the lineup to actually defeat Choopan in competition.
Curry’s lasting criticisms have always been his lack of leg detail and fullness. Should he present significant lower body improvements, his symmetry and shape can carry him to a spot on the podium.
If his physique updates are a hint of what’s to come, Mohamed Foda plans to turn heads onstage. He’s boasting exceptional conditioning weeks out from the event and impressive size. He recently claimed fifth place at the 2025 Dubai Pro against a strong lineup, including William Bonac and Tonio Burton.
Brazilian star Rafael Brandao is another talent to keep an eye on. His Classic Physique-esque structure stands out in the Men’s Open division. In 2024, he proved himself on the Arnold Classic stage en route to third place. His last event came at the 2024 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. Having taken a year off to improve, he’s a definite wildcard.
How to Watch
You can sign up on the ArnoldSports.com website to witness the livestream free online. Prejudging for the Men’s Open class begins Friday, March 6, around 7 P.M. Eastern time, in the Battelle Grand at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Finals will take place Saturday evening, March 7, in the Battelle Grand at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The livestream will allow fans to watch the Arnold Classic, Arnold Amateur, Arnold Strongman Classic, and more.
Tickets, from VIP, Ultimate Expo, to three-day passes, are available through the Arnold Sports Festival ticket portal. Keep it locked on Fitness Volt for extensive live coverage of all the action!
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