{"id":13968,"date":"2026-02-16T12:36:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=13968"},"modified":"2026-02-16T12:36:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:36:31","slug":"bodybuilding-veteran-jose-raymond-shares-his-top-10-mens-open-picks-for-the-2026-arnold-classic-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=13968","title":{"rendered":"Bodybuilding Veteran Jose Raymond Shares His Top 10 Men’s Open Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The second biggest bodybuilding show of the year arrives in just four weeks. On Feb. 5, 2026, bodybuilding veteran Jose Raymond revealed his top 10 Men\u2019s Open picks for the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The last Mr. Olympia<\/a> set the stage for an explosive 2026 bodybuilding season. Hadi Choopan<\/a> narrowly took second place behind Derek Lunsford at the event. Though perhaps the biggest shock of the night was Chinedu Andrew \u201cJacked\u201d Obiekea<\/a>, whose breakout performance saw him secure third place, a career high finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With Choopan and Jacked clear frontrunners, talks of who will win gold are heating up. Former four-time Mr. Olympia champ Jay Cutler<\/a> predicted that Jacked currently has the tools to win the Arnold Classic and 2026 Mr. Olympia<\/a>. But it\u2019s not a two-man show. Other strong threats could make statements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Martin Fitzwater<\/a> is surging with momentum, having secured fifth place at the Olympia. Moreover, he proved himself with a successful title defense at the Prague Pro<\/a>, where he took out an extremely motivated Samson Dauda in a shocking upset. Meanwhile, Nick Walker will make his return after a lackluster Olympia showing. He mistimed his peak and took sixth place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Beyond those heavy hitters, fans expect Brazilian star Rafael Brandao<\/a> to be in title contention. Additionally, the bodybuilding community refuses to count out Brandon Curry<\/a>. He has won the Arnold Classic twice (2019, 2022) and claimed the Mr. Olympia title in 2019. Given the lineup, Jose Raymond, a highly-respected 212 bodybuilder, offered his take on what might transpire.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jose Raymond\u2019s Top 10 Men\u2019s Open Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic\u00a0<\/h2>\n

You can find Jose Raymond\u2019s official 2026 Arnold Classic picks from The Menace Podcast below:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n