{"id":14004,"date":"2026-02-16T18:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14004"},"modified":"2026-02-16T18:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:46:00","slug":"bodybuilding-veteran-branch-warren-shares-top-3-mens-open-picks-for-the-2026-arnold-classic-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14004","title":{"rendered":"Bodybuilding Veteran Branch Warren Shares Top 3 Men’s Open Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The 2026 Arnold Classic takes place in less than three weeks. Ahead of the show, Branch Warren appeared in a YouTube video on Feb. 15 to discuss who might find themselves vying for gold.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a> roster is loaded with big-name bodybuilders. Public consensus has labeled Hadi Choopan<\/a> and Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a> as the clear top-two favorites. Their statuses are backed up by placing second and third at the recent Mr. Olympia, behind champion Derek Lunsford<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Martin Fitzwater<\/a> stands tall as another threat to the Arnold Classic title. He took fifth at the Olympia, but defeated Samson Dauda at the Prague Pro<\/a>. The victory gave him momentum and confidence heading into the second biggest contest of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a $750,000 winner\u2019s purse<\/a> reserved for the champ, other top Open stars were enticed to compete. Nick Walker has a chip on his shoulder. He fell to sixth place at the Mr. Olympia<\/a>, the lowest finish of his career. Coaching himself, he intends to resurrect the hype he held prior to his Vegas letdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Beyond those mentioned, former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry<\/a> shouldn\u2019t be forgotten about. He remains the only athlete on this roster to have beaten Choopan onstage. Wildcard names could turn this into an unpredictable show, as well. Rafael Brandao<\/a>, Akim Williams, and Mohamed Foda could spoil plans, assuming they nail their peak at 100 percent.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Branch Warren\u2019s Top 3 Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Find his picks from the video below (in no particular order):\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n