A new champion was crowned on Saturday night!
The 2026 Arnold Classic culminated on Saturday night with the Men’s Open division crowning a new champion. Andrew Jacked clinched his first Arnold title, earning the biggest win of his career to this point. The event began on Friday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio and the Men’s Open division was once again the headliner of the weekend.
Andrew Jacked has been working toward the top of the Men’s Open division for years now. He finished third at the Olympia in October, which was the best of his career. Since winning his first show in 2021, Jacked has become a star in the division. This victory solidifies Jacked’s position in Men’s Open moving forward — especially when looking at the rest of the field.
[FULL COVERAGE: Complete 2026 Arnold Classic Results]
The final top six Mr. Olympia lineup looked like this:
- Andrew Jacked
- Nick Walker
- Hadi Choopan
- Martin Fitzwater
- Brandon Curry
- Rafael Brandao
It was not an easy road to the record $750,000 prize for Jacked. He had to deal with former Olympia champion Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker, who has an Arnold win under his belt. From prejudging, it was clear that this was the top three with Martin Fitzwater.
Jacked finished behind Choopan during the Olympia, but was able to jump him on Saturday night. Walker, who disappointed during the biggest show of the year, made the decision to coach himself ahead of the Arnold and looked completely reformed. Walker finished as the runner-up to Jacked.
The Arnold Classic continues to bring some of the top bodybuilders to the stage, and that is why it is a premier event bringing elite talent offering a spectacle of athleticism and artistry. Jacked had already made his mark in Men’s Open, but this victory now has him firmly in the mix moving forward.
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From Amateur Sensation to IFBB Pro
Andrew Jacked, born Chinedu Andrew Obiekea in Nigeria, did not follow the typical path of most elite bodybuilders. He spent his early years as a kickboxer, an engineer, and a military officer before transitioning into competitive bodybuilding. His first real breakthrough came in 2021 when he entered the EBBF Ajman Bodybuilding and Physique Contest in the United Arab Emirates. Jacked dominated the competition, earning first place and his IFBB Elite Pro card on his very first competitive outing.
Jacked’s win in Ajman was immediately followed by a second victory at an IFBB Elite Pro League show a week later. This back‑to‑back success accelerated his rise and set the stage for his entry into global professional bodybuilding.
Turning Professional and Picking Up Early Wins
In 2022, Andrew Jacked made the smart decision to compete at the Arnold Classic Amateur, where he won first place and earned his IFBB Pro card. This was the official start of his professional career in the Men’s Open division. That same year Jacked took the stage at the Texas Pro, a key qualifier for Mr. Olympia, and walked away with the title. This win punched his ticket to the biggest stage in bodybuilding.
Jacked’s debut at Mr. Olympia 2022 was impressive for such a new professional. He stepped on stage at around 290lbs and finished eighth, ahead of several respected veterans. That result immediately marked him as a rising force in the Open division.
Establishing Himself on the Big Stage
The momentum continued in 2023. Andrew Jacked defended his Texas Pro title and secured a third place finish at the Arnold Classic, clearly demonstrating his potential against the sport’s elite. When he returned to Mr. Olympia later that year, he improved to a fifth place finish.
In 2024, Jacked grabbed his third consecutive Texas Pro victory, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent top performer. At Mr. Olympia, he retained his fifth place standing against a challenging field of elite competitors.
Breakthrough Year in 2025
The 2025 season changed the narrative for Andrew Jacked. He once again placed third at the Arnold Classic, showing he was inching closer to a major title. His improved conditioning, presentation, and maturity as a competitor had critics and fans alike taking notice. Later that year Jacked notched arguably his biggest career result at Mr. Olympia, finishing third. This was his highest placement ever at the sport’s most sought‑after title, affirming him as a true contender among legends.
Beyond the Olympia, Jacked also won the Fibo Pro 2025, a prestigious pro event that qualified him yet again for the biggest competitions on the calendar. These results signaled that 2026 could be the year he finally crossed the threshold into champion status.
2026 Arnold Classic: Triumph in Columbus
All of Andrew Jacked’s years of hard work culminated at the 2026 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. In a loaded Men’s Open division that featured elite stars such as Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker, Jacked delivered his most complete package yet. His symmetry, muscle fullness, and stage presence impressed the judges and earned him the title. That victory crowned his progression in the sport and solidified his status as one of the top bodybuilders in the world.
This win was more than just a trophy. It validated a methodical career path built on consistent improvement and strategic contest selection. It also positioned Jacked as a legitimate threat for future Mr. Olympia titles and major championships.
What Comes Next for Andrew Jacked
Now that he has captured the Arnold Classic crown, all eyes are on Andrew Jacked’s next moves. Will he defend his title? Can he go one step further and claim the Mr. Olympia title? The bodybuilding world is eager to find out. One thing is sure. Jacked’s steady climb from a first‑time competitor to a champion of one of the sport’s biggest stages shows the kind of determination and work ethic that defines a legacy.
Full 2026 Arnold Classic Coverage
Generation Iron Fitness Network provided coverage of the full Arnold Classic event including prejudging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron to find the full 2026 Arnold Classic results, visit our official 2026 Arnold Classic coverage hub right here!
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*Featured image via Instagram @arnoldclassic
