2026 Arnold Classic Review and Predictions

by Wayne Gallasch, GMV Bodybuilding

The 2026 Arnold Classic Pro divisions start on Friday the 6th and Saturday 7th 2026. The crowning event is always the Arnold Classic Men’s Open Finals on Saturday night. The event is right up there with the Olympia in talent and prestige. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the Men’s Open winner will receive a massive $750,000 injection to his bank account.

It was my privilege to be at the Arnold Classic behind a video camera from 2001 to 2020, producing most of the Arnold Classic DVDs over that period and so I feel qualified to share my thoughts on the contest and who I feel will win this year. First, I want to share a few moments of Arnold Classic History. Let’s not forget the Legends of the sport who have won this title, going right back to 1989. The first winner of this iconic event was Rich Gaspari. The 2025 winner was Derek Lunsford who is not competing this year.

Over the years there have been 7 champions who have won the double, that is the Arnold Classic Open title, and then later won the Mr Olympia title. Of the 7, just 4 of them have won both titles in the same year. They are:
2001 Ronnie Coleman
2008 Dexter Jackson
2019 Brandon Curry (Brandon is competing again this year 2026)
2025 Derek Lunsford

The 3 other winners who have won both titles, but in different years are Jay Cutler, Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan. Jay Cutler won 3 Arnolds and 4 Olympias. He won the Arnold Classic in three consecutive years, 2002, 2003, and 2004 and is the only bodybuilder to win three consecutive Arnold titles. Additionally, Jay is a 4-time Mr. Olympia winner making a combination of victories that may never be beaten.

2026 Event

In my opinion the 2 main favourites this year are Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea. I feel that 3rd and 4th will be decided between Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater. I can easily see Brandon Curry or Rafael Brandao placing anywhere between 4th and 6th. To narrow down my prediction I give it to Andrew Jacked to win, based on his sheer impact from both size and condition. He also has momentum having won the 2025 Romania Pro.

Lineup:
Hadi Choopan (Iran)
Anthony Williams (USA)
Chinedu Andrew Obiekea AKA Andrew Jacked (UAE)
Martin Fitzwater (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Nick Walker (USA)
Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
Hassan Mostafa (Canada)
Mohamed Foda (UAE)

I should also mention that Hadi Choopan is the most consistent competitor in the Arnold lineup, and so it will come down to only a fraction of difference between the top 2.

Free Live Stream: Here is the Link for Registration: https://arnoldsports.brandlive.com/2026-Arnold-Sports-Festival/en