2024 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Preview and Breakdown of Top Contenders

The 2024 Arnold Classic is just a few days away, making it the perfect time to take a closer look at some of the top names headed to Columbus, Ohio. This article previews bodybuilding action from the Men’s Open division, underscoring contenders and dark horses as we approach showtime. 

This season celebrates the 35th edition of the prestigious Arnold Classic, a competition that has been running successfully since 1989 when Rich Gaspari became the inaugural champion. Over the years, the Arnold Classic has remained a crucial linchpin to many esteemed bodybuilding careers with athletes such as Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson laying claim to multiple titles. 

Last year, Samson Dauda reigned supreme at the 2023 Arnold Classic, defeating Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked en route to victory. He returns aiming to defend his title but will face off against Hadi Choopan, the former 2022 Mr. Olympia winner, known for achieving jaw-dropping conditioning. But that’s not all, the event will feature an array of talent from across the globe. 

2024 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Competitors List 

• Remeco Bose 
• Rafael Brandao 
• Hadi Choopan 
• Samson Dauda 
• Marcello De Angelis 
• Jonathan De La Rosa 
• James Hollingshead
• Andrew Jacked  *Withdrew
• Rubiel Mosquera  *Out due to visa issues 
• Justin Rodriguez 
• Mohamed Shaaban 
• Antoine Valliant 
• Akim Williams 

2024 Arnold Classic Breakdown of Top Contenders

Samson Dauda 

The reigning 2023 Arnold Classic champion intends to shut the door on his rival Choopan in just a few days. Having claimed consecutive victories at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and EVLS Prague Pro following a third-place spot on the Olympia stage, Dauda’s activity, size, and detail make him easily one of the most dangerous contenders on the roster. 

Considering he recently shared the stage with Choopan at the last Olympia, Dauda hopes to use this opportunity as a launching pad to become the number one contender for Derek Lunsford’s title this October. If his physique updates indicate anything, it’s that Dauda only seems to improve from show to show. 

Hadi Choopan 

This event will serve as Hadi Choopan’s first Arnold Classic competition and his first contest in the US that isn’t Mr. Olympia. Revered for his dry conditioning levels and hard muscularity, Choopan plans to leave Ohio with a gold trophy, something he wasn’t able to do in his last Olympia outing. He battled Lunsford in the finals and ultimately earned runner-up to his teammate. 

Many believe Choopan has a chip on his shoulder heading into the Arnold Classic, which came as a result of walking off stage during Lunsford’s recent victory. Should Choopan raise gold above his head in Ohio, he would be one step closer to regaining the Sandow trophy this October. 

Rafael Brandao 

Among the frontrunners is Brazil’s Rafael Brandao, whose symmetry, shape, and completeness give him a clear edge against some of his adversaries. Brandao is familiar with testing himself at the highest level, having earned victories at esteemed events like the 2022 Arnold Classic South America. 

In his last competition, Brandao secured 10th place at the highly competitive 2022 Mr. Olympia show won by Choopan. Despite a Dengue Fever setback holding up his progress, Brandao returns refreshed and with added size. Given his status as an IFBB Pro and his reputation in Brazil, all signs point to Brandao bringing his best. 

Marcello De Angelis

Well known as ‘Horse MD,’ Marcello De Angelis has made notable strides in both size and detail as of late. His proportions, conditioning, and vascularity give him a unique advantage on stage. MD, trained by Milos Sarcev, has steadily added mass for the Open class after switching from the Classic Physique division. 

In his last competition, Angelis secured third place at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, where he tested himself against heavy hitters like Samson Dauda and Behrooz Tabani. Horse MD settled for third at the show, defeating high-profile names in the process like Nathan De Asha and Andrea Presti. 

James Hollingshead 

Looking to make up for lost time is James Hollingshead, who used 2022 as an extended off-season to shore up areas on his physique that needed improvements. As one of the tallest and strongest competitors on the roster, Hollingshead’s density could spell trouble for some big names. 

Courtesy of some sneak-peek progress photos, it would appear ‘The Shed’ is bringing one of his most impressive packages to date. Boasting next-level hamstrings and a massive chest, Hollingshead could shock the world if he nails down his peak properly. This will be Hollingshead’s first Arnold Classic competition of his career. 

Jonathan De La Rosa 

Jonathan De La Rosa is aiming to move up the Men’s Open ranks with a big performance in Ohio. With over 10 years of experience as an IFBB Pro, De La Rosa has seen it all on stage. Given the size he has acquired over the last season, fans have labeled him a wildcard as we draw closer to the event. 

Last year, De La Rosa impressed the community with a pair of consecutive second-place finishes at the 2023 Chicago Pro and the Tampa Pro. Battle-tested, De La Rosa is focused on holding his own in the first call-out.

2024 Arnold Classic Dark Horses 

Antoine Vaillant 

Antoine Vaillant is another massive name in the Open who could easily find himself battling for a top spot on the podium. The Canadian native always brings an electric energy to the stage and his posing skills help him shine against his adversaries. After he overcame a mysterious heart condition, Vaillant has re-centered his career and training, having made meaningful improvements to his aesthetics. 

Vaillant last competed at the 2022 Mr. Olympia show but was unable to place in the top 15. Eager to move on from the performance, he has carefully crafted his physique to stand against some of the sport’s greatest names. 

Mohamed Shaaban 

Mohamed Shaaban, a consummate Pro and bodybuilding veteran, has ambitious plans for the 2024 Arnold Classic. With time away from the stage to tinker with his physique, Shaaban hopes to reestablish himself as a force in the Men’s Open class. 

Shaaban, who is known for his proportions and symmetry, last competed at the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest but placed outside of the top 15. As for his last victory, he earned gold at the 2022 Toronto Pro Supershow. Considering how little we have seen of Shaaban online, he could certainly make waves as a dark horse on stage. 

Akim Williams 

Akim ‘The Beast’ Williams might be eying retirement in two to three years, but he hasn’t let the idea slow his training down. Williams was last seen in action at the 2023 Arnold Classic, where he proved himself against a legendary lineup that saw him earn sixth place. What made the performance all the more impressive was that he achieved the feat with an injured shoulder. 

He made a full recovery from surgery. With that in mind, Akim Williams believes he will be even more dangerous when it’s time to stand toe-to-toe with the best of his division. Given his ability to place sixth last year, it would be foolish to count him out as a viable contender for the first call-out. 

Justin Rodriguez 

Justin Rodriguez, no stranger to the bright lights, will make his return in just a few days. Rodriguez is celebrated for competing often and never backing down on stage. He has placed as high as fourth at the Arnold Classic. When his conditioning is on par with his muscular density, J-Rod poses a crafty challenge for his opponents. 

Rodriguez last competed at the 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro, where he earned third place, behind John Jewett and champion Charles Griffen. With time to revamp his package, fans anticipate a major showing from Rodriguez. 

Every Arnold Classic Champion Since 1989

Don’t miss the bodybuilding action in Columbus, Ohio from February 29 to March 3. Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed that the livestream will be free on the official Arnold Sports Website.

Our team at Fitness Volt will provide premium coverage of all the competitions, from pre-judging rounds to the finals, so stick around and join us for history in the making! 

RELATED: Reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford Shares His Top 3 Picks for the 2024 Arnold Classic

Catch comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analyses, and complete Arnold Classic results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.