The 2021 Arnold Classic is set to take place on September 25th, in Columbus, Ohio. This is a complete breakdown and guide on everything you need to know to watch this massive bodybuilding contest.
This year’s Arnold Classic is shaping up to be one of the best editions that this already phenomenal contest has ever had. Taking place just two weeks before the Olympia, there are some athletes that will be competing here, as well as in Florida, so there is a high expectation for those taking part.
On top of that, there are some major stakes on the line for the Men’s Open division, besides just a huge amount of money. While this contest is taking place after the qualification window for this year’s Olympia, it was revealed that the Men’s Open winner will earn an invitation if he does not already have one, with the rest of the divisions earning qualifications for the 2022 Olympia.
With all of this in mind, it is clear that the 2021 Arnold Classic is going to be one to remember. So before it starts, you can use this guide to familiarize yourself with how to watch the event, and what athletes to keep an eye on.
Update: 2021 Arnold Classic Results
How To Watch The 2021 Arnold Classic – LIVE STREAM
If you are one of the many people who are unable to attend the 2021 Arnold Classic in person, fear not. There will still be a way to watch all of the action from Columbus, and it does not even cost you a penny.
The live stream of this contest will be available to watch on the Arnold Sports Festival website, where fans can see the entire competition live, and free of charge. The prejudging begins at 10am EST (7am PST), with the finals scheduled to kick off at 6:30pm EST (3:30pm PST).
Watch Arnold Classic 2021 Finals – FREE LIVE
- Arnold Classic 2021 Finals (Sep 25th, 2021 @ 6:15 PM EDT)
Watch Arnold Classic 2021 Pre-Judging – Replay
2021 Arnold Classic Athlete Roster
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
- William Bonac
- Maxx Charles
- Seung Chul Lee
- Mokhamed El Eman
- Steve Kuclo
- Cedric McMillan
- Hassan Mostafa
- Sergio Oliva Jr.
- Justin Rodriguez
- Iain Valliere
- Akim Williams
- Nick Walker
Related: 2021 Arnold Classic Predictions
Classic Physique
- Alex Cambronero
- Deontrai Campbell
- Jarek Crew
- Logan Franklin
- Bryan Jones
- Fabian Mayr
- Courage Opara
- Terrence Ruffin
- Tony Tavares
- Dani Younan
Pro Bikini Division
- Romina Basauldo
- Laurelie Chapados
- Jennifer Dorie
- Jasmine Gonzales
- Ashley Kaltwasser
- Jourdanne Lee
- Priscilla Leimbacher
- Breena Martinez
- Gabriella Messias
- Elisa Pecini
Pro Fitness Division
- Jaclyn Baker
- Darrian Borello
- Amanda Ciani
- Oksana Grishina
- Whitney Johns
- Sally Kendall-Williams
- Ariel Khadr
- Minna Pajulahti
- Missy Truscott
- Aurika Tyrgale
Athletes To Watch
It goes without saying that basically everyone competing at the 2021 Arnold Classic is worth watching, especially at this year’s contest. That being said, with the line-up being as stacked as it is, it is also important to highlight a few notable athletes to pay extra attention to.
Bodybuilding (Men’s Open)
Athlete To Watch:
- Sergio Oliva Jr.
- Iain Valliere
- William Bonac
- Steve Kuclo
While William Bonac is the reigning Arnold Classic champ heading into this year, he will have his hands full with the competition this year. Namely Sergio Oliva Jr., Iain Valliere, and Steve Kuclo have all be showing improvements over the last few months, that make them serious threats to beating Bonac, if they are able to show up at their absolute best.
Iain is riding the wave of back-to-back victories this year, winning the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro, proving that he has what it takes to beat top competitors, including Kuclo. However, Steve is likely going to have the size advantage on stage, with the sole exception perhaps being Nick Walker.
Classic Physique
Athletes To Watch:
- Terrence Ruffin
- Alex Cambronero
Alex Cambronero looks to make history by being the first Classic Physique competitor to win two Arnold Classic titles, after coming out victorious in 2020. However looking to stand in the way of that is Terrence Ruffin who put on a big performance to be the runner-up at last year’s Olympia, beating Alex in the process, and has been looking much improved since.
Bikini Division
Athletes To Watch:
- Elisa Pecini
- Ashley Kaltwasser
- Laurelie Chapados
- Jennifer Dorie
Elisa is coming off as a winner at the 2019 Olympia, 2020 Arnold Classic, and scored sixth place at 2020 Olympia. Jennifer Dorie was the runner-up from the last year’s Olympia. Meanwhile, Lauralie Chapados won this year’s Chicago pro coming off fifth at 2020 Olympia. Ashley Kaltwasser is another top contender and 2014, 2015 Arnold Classic winner to look out for in this division.
Fitness Division
Athletes To Watch:
- Oksana Grishina
- Whitney Johns
- Ariel Khadr
- Missy Truscott
Missy Truscott is the current Fitness Olympia champ after beating former champs by the likes of Oksana Grishina and Whitney Jones. It will be a treat to watch these names at Arnold Classic this year. Grishina is a legend of this division who accumulated a total of 13 wins between 2011-2017. She took some time off from the competition and came back last year scored a second-place to Missy.
Jones placed third at last year’s Olympia and won the 2018 and 2019 Olympia and 2018 Figure International competition. She definitely looking for redemption to get her tile back.
Ariel Khadr is another strong name to look out for who is coming off second place at last year’s Arnold Classic and fourth at 2020 Olympia.
Stay tuned to Fitness Volt for more updates and coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic, as the competition approaches.
WOW…Fitness news, Bikini news, but NO MENS PHYSIQUE??? So tired of Mens Physique being treated like the step child when its one of the Sports major draws