Sam Sulek is preparing to make his pro debut at the 2026 Arnold Classic and many eyeballs will be on Classic Physique to see how he fairs. As we creep closer to the show, others have been sharing advice for Sulek as he prepares to hit the stage for the first time. This includes veteran Lee Priest, who joined IFBB AMA for a conversation.
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“The secret is believing in yourself and believing what’s up in here, controlling that. Sam, I wish you all the best. I’m still hoping he can get into that top five or top six, but either way, looking at him now to last year, he’s a winner.”
Sulek has become one of the biggest fitness stars in the world. He accomplished this prior to his venture into bodybuilding and it has continued on with a successful social media platform. He earned his Pro Card during the Arnold Amateur last year and has taken his time to perfect his physique to get back on stage in the Classic Physique division. Sulek pegged the Arnold as the time to get back to competition.
While Sulek has acknowledged the potential move in the future, he is focused on Classic Physique for the 2026 year but there is always a chance to move up. Sulek claims that this would happen if he grows out of the weight cap. As of now, he will compete in Classic Physique and compete with some of the best in the world on the Arnold Classic stage.
| Full Name: Sam Bishop Sulek | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| 240 lbs | 5’11” | 2/7/2002 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Bodybuilder, Fitness Influencer, Internet Personality | 2020s | American |
Lee Priest Shares Advice For Sam Sulek During Debut
Lee Priest became known for his strong opinions and voice in the sport of bodybuilding. As a competitor who burst onto the scene as a young age, Priest knows how to speak to Sulek’s goals.
“Talk sh*t all you want, the proof is in the pudding. He went out there and proved himself. All you f*cking sh*t talkers online, what have you ever f*cking done? Nothing. When I say doing it himself, I’m sure they got to talk to people. They might bounce ideas off of people but no one knows your body better than you, I’ll always say that.”
Priest enjoyed a career on stage that spanned into three decades. He has had the chance to compete against legendary bodybuilders like Flex Wheeler, Shawn Ray, and Chris Cormier. Before calling it a career in 2013, Priest won the NABBA Mr. Universe competition. Priest quickly became known for his incredible conditioning and massive biceps.
Priest ended his thoughts claiming that the mental side of the game is as important as anything else.
“Some people might need them for the mental side more than anything because that’s all it is. Those last weeks, you might start questioning yourself, but that’s what I said, if you have a good support group around you.”
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