2026 Arnold Classic Champions Crowned Across All Divisions

The prestigious bodybuilding competition featured top competitors battling for the coveted titles.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The 2026 Arnold Classic, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions, took place this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The event featured seven divisions, including the headlining Men's Open division, with prejudging on Friday and the finals on Saturday. The winners were crowned across all divisions, with former Olympia champion Hadi Choopan taking home the Men's Open title and its $750,000 prize.

Why it matters

The Arnold Classic is one of the most important annual events in the world of professional bodybuilding, showcasing the sport's top talent and crowning new champions. The results from this competition often have a significant impact on the standings and narratives leading into the Mr. Olympia later in the year.

The details

The Men's Open division was stacked with top competitors, including former Olympia champion Hadi Choopan, rising star Andrew Jacked, and past Arnold Classic winners Brandon Curry and Nick Walker. After the prejudging on Friday, the finals were held on Saturday night, where Choopan emerged victorious and took home the prestigious trophy and $750,000 prize. Other division winners included Derek Lunsford in Classic Physique, Samson Dauda in Men's Physique, and champions in the Bikini, Fitness, Wellness, and Pro Wheelchair categories.

  • The 2026 Arnold Classic took place over the weekend of March 6-7, 2026.
  • Prejudging for the various divisions was held on Friday, March 6.
  • The finals for all divisions were contested on Saturday, March 7.

The players

Hadi Choopan

A former Mr. Olympia champion who won the prestigious Men's Open division at the 2026 Arnold Classic.

Andrew Jacked

A rising star in the Men's Open division who finished third at the previous Mr. Olympia and was a top contender at the 2026 Arnold Classic.

Brandon Curry

A past Arnold Classic champion who was among the top competitors in the Men's Open division at the 2026 event.

Nick Walker

A former Arnold Classic winner who was also in the mix for the Men's Open title at the 2026 competition.

Derek Lunsford

The champion in the Classic Physique division at the 2026 Arnold Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the Arnold Classic is a dream come true. I've worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm honored to take home the trophy.”

— Hadi Choopan (Generation Iron)

“The competition was fierce, but I'm proud of the physique I brought to the stage. I'll be back next year to reclaim the title.”

— Brandon Curry, Former Arnold Classic Champion (Instagram)

What’s next

The focus now shifts to the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition, where the winners from the Arnold Classic will look to carry their momentum and vie for the sport's most prestigious title.

The takeaway

The 2026 Arnold Classic once again showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the world's top professional bodybuilders. The event's continued success and ability to attract the sport's elite competitors cement its status as one of the most important annual events in the bodybuilding calendar.