Nigerian Bodybuilder Andrew Jacked Wins 2026 Arnold Classic Men's Open

Jacked took home the $750,000 top prize after a close competition with former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan and fan favorite Nick Walker.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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At the 38th annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, Nigerian bodybuilder Andrew Jacked won the prestigious Men's Open division title and $750,000 grand prize. Jacked, who is relatively new to the sport, edged out former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan and 2021 Arnold Classic winner Nick Walker in a close competition.

Why it matters

The Arnold Classic is one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world, and winning the Men's Open title is a major career milestone. Jacked's victory, coming just a few years after he transitioned from kickboxing and engineering to bodybuilding, is an impressive accomplishment that highlights his rapid rise in the sport.

The details

Jacked's impressive back width and development proved to be the decisive advantage, particularly in the rear poses, helping separate him from the rest of the competition. After finishing third at last year's Arnold, the victory marked a triumphant step forward in his career.

  • The 38th Arnold Sports Festival was held this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Andrew Jacked won the Men's Open bodybuilding title and $750,000 prize.

The players

Andrew Jacked

A Nigerian bodybuilder who won the 2026 Arnold Classic Men's Open title, marking a major career milestone after transitioning to the sport from kickboxing and engineering just a few years ago.

Hadi Choopan

A former Mr. Olympia champion who finished third in the 2026 Arnold Classic Men's Open competition.

Nick Walker

A fan favorite bodybuilder who won the 2021 Arnold Classic and finished second in the 2026 Men's Open competition.

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The takeaway

Andrew Jacked's victory at the 2026 Arnold Classic Men's Open demonstrates the rapid rise of a new generation of bodybuilding talent, with athletes like Jacked quickly making their mark on the sport despite relatively short careers.