The 2026 Arnold Classic is just hours away, and bodybuilders are offering up their predictions. On Feb. 27, 2026, Ali Bilal revealed his top five Men’s Physique picks ahead of the event.
In 2025, Ali Bilal’s sharp conditioning carried him to gold at the Arnold Classic. En route to the throne, he faced off against a heavy-hitting lineup, including former Olympia winner Erin Banks and Diogo Montenegro. However, controversy ensued after Arnold Schwarzenegger took issue with the Men’s Physique board shorts.
He labeled them bogus and argued that it hides the legs, which make up half the body. In response, Bilal boycotted the Arnold Classic, announcing that he’d never compete at the prestigious contest again. While he won’t be in Ohio to defend his title, the show must go on.
Brandon Hendrickson, a former three-time Men’s Physique Olympia champ, is considered the on-paper favorite. Additionally, Hendrickson secured his lone Arnold Classic title back in 2016, so he knows how to handle pressure when he’s squaring off against the best. It’s not a one-man show; plenty of contenders stand out and are capable of pulling off upsets.
Most notably, fans expect strong performances from Vitor Chaves, Andre Deiu, and Emmanuel Hunter, all of whom have impressed on the Olympia stage. The winner in Ohio will secure a nice cash prize and will auto-qualify for the Mr. Olympia, set to take place in Las Vegas from Sept. 24-27. With pressure mounting for the entire roster, Bilal spoke up on who he sees walking away victorious.
Ali Bilal’s Top 5 Picks for Men’s Physique at the 2026 Arnold Classic
Find his picks from the video below:
- Winner – Brandon Hendrickson
- Second Place – Andre Deiu
- Third Place – Emanuel Hunter
- Fourth Place – Vitor Chavez
- Fifth Place – Benquil Marigny
According to Bilal, he’s got Hendrickson coming out on top in Ohio. He’s had the chance to square off against the bodybuilding champ a handful of times. At the 2025 Men’s Physique Olympia, Bilal narrowly defeated Hendrickson to claim second place behind Ryan Terry. As for the rest, he predicted Andre Deiu and Emmanuel Hunter to earn spots on the podium.
Bilal isn’t the only top-tier Men’s Physique threat who sees Hendrickson winning. 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks also backed Hendrickson to win. He added that his rival’s only threat would likely be Vitor Chaves, but Bilal has him in fourth.
It’s anyone’s title heading into the 2026 Arnold Classic. Don’t miss Fitness Volt’s full coverage of the event from March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio!
RELATED: Bodybuilding Veteran Seth Feroce Reveals His Top 10 Men’s Open Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from the Beyond the Stage TV YouTube channel below:
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