{"id":15073,"date":"2026-02-27T16:26:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=15073"},"modified":"2026-02-27T16:26:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:26:57","slug":"seth-feroce-top-10-picks-for-the-2026-arnold-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=15073","title":{"rendered":"Seth Feroce: Top 10 picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic ("},"content":{"rendered":"


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While fans around the world are still absorbing the shocking results of Mr. Olympia 2025<\/a><\/strong>, the elite Open category fighters are already fine-tuning their form for the second most prestigious competition on the planet. Seth Feroce<\/b>, known for his sharp eye and honest opinions, has been unafraid to go for broke and has compiled a complete ranking of the top ten competitors for the upcoming Arnold Classic.<\/p>\n

Choopan as the favorite, but Jacked is breathing down his neck<\/h2>\n

It probably won’t surprise anyone that the main favorite on paper is “The Persian Wolf” Hadi Choopan<\/b>. After another frustrating silver medal at Mr. Olympia (where he was beaten again by Derek Lunsford), Hadi has a huge incentive to take back the gold. Although his preparation has been disrupted by political tensions and issues surrounding his US visa, Seth Feroce believes that if he arrives in his proverbial tightened form, the title will not elude him.<\/p>\n

Right behind him, however, is the huge Nigerian phenom Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea<\/b>. He flashed the form of his life at last year’s Olympia, winning bronze and proving that his genetic potential is simply incredible. If he improves his posing and brings the same toughness, Choopan could work up a good sweat. After all, even legend Jay Cutler is betting on Jacked to win both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia this year.<\/p>\n

\"Hadi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Black Horse of Texas and Walker’s desire for revenge<\/h2>\n

Seth Feroce puts Martin Fitzwater<\/b> in third place. The expectations around this racer are huge. Recently at the Prague Pro he managed to beat even the giant Samson Dauda and confirmed that he belongs to the absolute elite.<\/p>\n

And then there’s Nick Walker<\/b>. “Mutant” disappointed his fans (and himself) at Olympia 2025 with his sixth place, fired his coach and decided to prepare for the Arnold Classic all by himself. No one doubts that he will come to Ohio with a desire for brutal revenge and a determination to shut up all critics. Feroce currently puts him in fourth place.<\/p>\n

Seth Feroce’s complete Top 10 ranking:<\/h3>\n
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  1. Place – Hadi Choopan<\/b> (Main favourite and winner)<\/li>\n

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  2. Place – Andrew Jacked<\/b><\/li>\n

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  3. Place – Martin Fitzwater<\/b><\/li>\n

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  4. Place – Nick Walker<\/b><\/li>\n

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  5. Place – Brandon Curry<\/b> (Former Mr. Olympia, still a huge threat)<\/li>\n

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  6. Place – Mohamed Foda<\/b><\/li>\n

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  7. Place – Rafael Brandao<\/b><\/li>\n

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  8. Place – Anthony Williams<\/b><\/li>\n

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  9. Place – Akim Williams<\/b><\/li>\n

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  10. Place – Hassan Mostafa<\/b><\/li>\n

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    The line-up for the 2026 Arnold Classic is absolutely brutal and there could be a number of unexpected twists and turns on the podium. Will we see a surprise from Nick Walker, will Andrew Jacked confirm his position as the new star, or will Hadi Choopan once again decimate everyone with his readiness?<\/p>\n

    How do you see it? Do you agree with Seth Feroce’s picks, or do you have a completely different favorite? Let us know your personal Top 3 in the comments!<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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