The 2025 Arnold Classic is almost here with the event set to take place in Columbus, Ohio from February 27 to March 1. This is a preview of the Men’s Open division, set to clash for a historic cash prize as well as a qualification for the Mr. Olympia.
Anticipation has built for the 2025 Arnold Classic since Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the winner would score a massive $500,000 payday. The Arnold Classic is known for its prestige and has been a staple bodybuilding contest on the IFBB Pro League calendar since 1989. This year’s event features 12 of the best Men’s Open talents from around the globe, all battling it out for glory and momentum heading into the next Mr. Olympia show.
2025 Arnold Classic Full Competitors List for Men’s Open
- Samson Dauda
- Derek Lunsford
- Andrew Jacked
- Brandon Curry
- William Bonac
- Shaun Clarida
- James Hollingshead
- Jonathan Delarosa
- Carlos Thomas Jr.
- Patrick Moore
- Justin Rodriguez
- Akim Williams
Top Contenders to Watch
Samson Dauda
Samson Dauda heads into this Arnold Classic with more hype, confidence, and momentum than ever before. He outmuscled Derek Lunsford and runner-up Hadi Choopan at the last Mr. Olympia to become the 19th man to earn the Sandow trophy. Dauda has kept fans updated on his progress throughout prep, steadfast that he would bring an even better package to Columbus. He goes into this event as a former Arnold Classic champion, an honor he claimed in 2023.
Dauda has gone to great lengths to bring up his back double biceps pose, which is Derek Lunsford‘s most powerful shot. His density and continuous improvements to his condition could see him further distance himself from the rest of the lineup.
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Derek Lunsford
Derek Lunsford seeks redemption against Dauda at the Arnold Classic. He came into the Mr. Olympia appearing off, mainly due to a lack of leg volume. This threw off his symmetry and proportions at the biggest show of the year, resulting in a third-place finish.
Lunsford teamed up with bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto, who is known for taking athletes to the next level in the Men’s Open. He’s trained athletes like Jay Cutler and the late Shawn Rhoden to success. Lunsford has tackled his training and diet carefully to bring an improved look to the stage. If he manages to get past Dauda, he’ll be in prime position to regain his Olympia title in October.
Andrew Jacked
Andrew Jacked is the biggest unknown going into the Arnold Classic. He doesn’t share physique updates on social media, further adding to the mystery surrounding his next package. In his last showcase at the 2024 Texas Pro, he dominated en route to securing his third title.
When he hit the Olympia stage, his peak didn’t go according to plan. In addition, his posing routine was botched after a misunderstanding surfaced with his selected music. Nevertheless, Jacked has been training with a chip on his shoulder to bring his absolute best to the stage in 2025.
Akim Williams
Akim Williams has only gotten better show to show, consistently adding new details to his physique, from his huge peaky biceps to his treetrunk legs and defined back. Williams also maintains an incredibly active bodybuilding schedule, and we all know that extra reps usually translate into better performances on game day.
‘The Beast’ turned in a 10th place finish on the Mr. Olympia stage in 2024. However, that wouldn’t put an end to his bodybuilding season. He finished with silver at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro before earning first place at the Bigman Spain Pro. Without the pressure of worrying about his qualification for Olympia, fans expect a major showing from Williams.
Dark Horses
Brandon Curry
Although Brandon Curry took ninth place in his last Olympia showing, he enters this competition as one of the more decorated contenders. He earned the 2019 and 2022 Arnold Classic titles, proving he knows how to bounce back after dropping the crown.
Curry had conducted his Arnold Classic prep in America this time around, rather than traveling to Kuwait. Given these measures, some believe he could be on track to present his most well-rounded physique to date. Others question if he will manage to retain enough leg volume and thickness to challenge for gold.
Shaun Clarida
Shaun ‘The Giant Killer’ Clarida will put his nickname to the test once again in Columbus. The former two-time 212 Olympia earned fifth place at this event in 2023. In his last Olympia event, he battled with two-time champ Keone Pearson but came up short due to the titleholder’s thin waist and shapely aesthetics.
Clarida is fresh off battling runner-up Chris Bumstead and winner Martin Fitzwater in the Open at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. With Stefan Kienzl guiding his preparations, Clarida, while under 200 pounds, could deliver some upsets when the curtains rise in Columbus.
William Bonac
William Bonac understands how to control and dominate the Arnold Classic stage. He won this show twice throughout his career, back in 2018, and then again in 2020. Bonac hasn’t let his time in the sport deter him from making steady improvements. In his last outing at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he finished in seventh place and compared well with many of the top contenders ahead of him.
Considering how active he remains, alongside his bulletproof side chest and side triceps shots, he stands a solid chance at pulling off some surprises in Columbus. Should he nail his peak and deliver on conditioning, something he’s known for, fans could see him battle for a spot on the podium.
How to Watch
The prejudging portion of the show will be on the Arnold Expo stage. Later in the evening, the finals will start in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center. Anyone wanting to attend can get tickets here.
Tickets are first-come-first-serve, but VIP, Ultimate Expo, and three-day passes have to be bought in advance. Arnold Schwarzenegger has made the online live stream free. You can get it on the official Arnold Sports Festival website, found here. This lets you watch the 2025 Arnold Classic, Arnold Strongman Classic, Arnold Amateur, and more.
Don’t miss this big bodybuilding event as competitors battle for the top spot, Olympia qualifications, and cash prizes.
RELATED: 2025 Arnold Classic Physique Preview and Breakdown of Top Contenders
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