Bodybuilding veterans already have their picks for the 2027 Arnold Classic. In a recent YouTube video (October 29, 2026), Chris Cormier predicted Nick Walker would beat Hadi Choopan to pick up a second crown.
Nick Walker currently leads the Men’s Open class as the number one bodybuilder in the world. In 2025, he dropped to sixth place at the Olympia and was counted out before winning his first Sandow trophy. Only two bodybuilders thought he’d pull off the victory: Guy Cisternino and Chris Cormier. And “The Real Deal” is breaking down below why he sees “The Mutant” as a strong favorite again before he steps back onstage.
Chris Cormier Backs Nick Walker to Beat ‘Dangerous’ Hadi Choopan at 2027 Arnold Classic
During the video, Cormier was adamant that Nick Walker would win the 2027 Arnold Classic.
“Nick’s gonna win the Arnold. He’s going to win the Arnold,” said Chris Cormier.
Sarcev believes Walker will keep improving, and Cormier stressed that Choopan could be one of his toughest challenges to date.
“Nick is going to keep improving,” says Sarcev.
“It’s going to be tough. I think that’s really going to be a crazy test for him as far as Hadi because Hadi has some different aspects of his physique that can be dangerous.”
“Hadi is well-rested,” added Dennis James.
Cormier explained that Choopan’s back lat spread can hang with Nick’s but said his back double biceps needs work:
“That lat spread from the back is going to be dangerous. The back double is not there yet. The lat spread is there.”
Hadi Choopan was forced to miss the 2026 Mr. Olympia due to visa and travel restrictions. In their last battle, Walker beat Choopan at the Arnold Classic for the first time in his career. Since then, “The Persian Wolf” has teamed up with Milos Sarcev, who promised to bring him in ‘perfect’ when the time comes.
Whether we see Samson Dauda jump into the event remains a mystery. Former two-time Olympia champ Derek Lunsford hasn’t mentioned competing in Ohio, according to his coach Chris Aceto. With last year’s contest awarding $750,000 to Andrew Jacked, the stakes are high looking ahead.
Walker has made it clear that his goal is to win as many Arnold Classics and Mr. Olympias as possible. Time will tell if he can nail down a second crown at the 2027 Arnold Classic, set for March 4-7 in Columbus, Ohio.
