The 2025 Arnold Classic, headlined by heavy hitters in the Open Bodybuilding class, concluded on Day 2, March 1, in Columbus, OH. In the end, Derek Lunsford won the Arnold Classic title following a close battle. Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked earned second and third place.
As prejudging intensified, it became clear that this event could come down to a three-man battle between Andrew Jacked, Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda, and Derek Lunsford. Dauda looked fuller than his package at the Olympia. He faced a unique challenge because he had to compete against two completely different body types in Lunsford and Andrew Jacked.
In the prejudging and finals, Derek Lunsford looked massive. It was clear his time working the Chris Aceto paid off. His legs weren’t an issue, and his arms looked like they had grown significantly. This allowed him to push Dauda as his physique appeared more balanced and complete.
2025 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Results:
Samson Dauda took an enormous gamble entering this event as the reigning Mr. Olympia. He’s also taken little to no breaks from season to season. With Dauda’s championship confidence, it was hard to argue against his dominant side shots. Having earned gold at this event back in 2023, he posed aggressively in pursuit of gold.
Third-place Olympia finisher Derek Lunsford was out for revenge after surrendering his title to Dauda. This was his debut on the Arnold Classic stage, and he didn’t disappoint. His muscle hardness carried him through the finals. Ultimately, Derek Lunsford secured the Arnold Classic crown. Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked walked away with silver and bronze.
- Winner — Derek Lunsford – ($500,000)
- Second Place — Samson Dauda
- Third Place — Andrew Jacked
- Fourth Place — Brandon Curry
- Fifth Place — William Bonac
- Sixth Place — Akim Williams
- Seventh Place — Shaun Clarida
- Eighth Place — James Hollingshead
- Ninth Place — Carlos Thomas Jr
- Tenth Place — Patrick Moore
*Ed Corney Best Poser Award: Derek Lunsford
*Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award: Samson Dauda 
Open Bodybuilding Scorecard
Highlights:
2025 Arnold Classic Results
Day One
Day Two
- Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Results
- Arnold Classic Bikini Results
- Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Results
- Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair Results
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