How much did each winner walk away with?
The 2026 Arnold Classic, held as part of the annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, delivered one of the biggest years in the competition’s history. Founded by the bodybuilding legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold Classic has long been considered one of the most prestigious events in bodybuilding, often viewed as second only to the Mr. Olympia in terms of importance.
In 2026, the event made headlines with significantly increased prize money, especially in the Men’s Open division where the champion earned a massive $750,000. Athletes across several divisions competed for major payouts, highlighting the continued growth of professional bodybuilding.
Below our team at Generation Iron is going to provide a breakdown of the top finishers in each division and how much they earned.
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
Andrew Jacked — $750,000
Andrew Jacked secured the victory with an incredibly aesthetic and balanced physique, earning one of the largest payouts ever awarded in professional bodybuilding.
Classic Physique
Wesley Vissers — $100,000
The Classic Physique division continues to grow in popularity thanks to its focus on symmetry and aesthetics reminiscent of bodybuilding’s golden era, rather than the mass of open bodybuilding. Wesley Vissers has been a rising name in bodybuilding, as he has the perfect V-taper with good mass and aesthetics; something that is hard to ignore.
Men’s Physique
Brandon Hendrickson — $50,000
Men’s Physique competitors are judged on upper body aesthetics, conditioning, and stage presence while wearing board shorts. The goal is to embody the ultimate “beach physique”, but we are seeing competitors come in bigger and more ripped each year. Brandon Hendrickson is a well known name in the division, and rightfully took home the crown.
Bikini International
Aimee Delgado — $25,000
The Bikini International division showcased some of the most polished physiques and stage presentations in women’s bodybuilding, but Aimee Delgado came home with the crown.
Wellness International
Rayane Fogal — $25,000
The Wellness division emphasizes strong lower-body development while maintaining overall balance and femininity, and Ryane Fogal took home the top prize for this at the Arnold Classic in 2026.
Wrap Up
The 2026 Arnold Classic will be remembered for both the elite level of competition and the historic increase in prize money. With record payouts and standout performances across every division, the Arnold Classic continues to solidify its position as one of the most important events in the sport of bodybuilding.
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