The 2025 Arnold Classic will kick off in just a few days from February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. This is a preview for the Classic Physique division, set to hit the stage on February 28, where historic cash prizes and an Olympia qualification will be fought for.
The Arnold Classic contest has been around since 1989 and continues to serve as one of the most consequential bodybuilding events of the year. Backed by bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, the stakes have never been higher. This competition is invite-only and will feature 12 of the world’s best competitors from the Classic Physique category.
From athlete insights to prejudging and finals analysis, Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the action, so join us as we break down the top talents eager to stand out when the show makes its return.
2025 Arnold Classic Full Competitors List for Classic Physique
- Osmar Alanis
- Franklyn Audu
- Ji Hoon Bang
- Michael Daboul
- Logan Franklin
- Lucas Funk
- Matthew Greggo
- Junior Javorski
- Mike Sommerfeld
- Wesley Vissers
- Jeremiah Willies
- Gabriel Zancanelli
Top Contenders to Watch
Mike Sommerfeld
Mike Sommerfeld enters this event as one of the favorites alongside Wesley Vissers, the defending champion. Sommerfeld catapulted his name in the Classic Physique division after going from eighth place in 2023 to runner-up at the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia.
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Even IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion revealed that Sommerfeld managed to win two poses of five against the six-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead. With a modified training split and a strict low-carb dieting system, Sommerfeld intends to solidify his standing as the next Olympia champion with a commanding performance in Columbus.
Wesley Vissers
Wesley Vissers is in the running to take home gold as he won this event last year against Ramon Queiroz — pulling off a massive upset. While many thought he would excel on the Olympia stage in 2024, Vissers missed the mark, dropping to eighth place.
Vissers’ golden era aesthetics and similarities to bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger have turned him into a Classic Physique star. It was his legs that held him back from success in Las Vegas, so that’s been a focal point throughout his preparations for the Arnold Classic. If he manages to get past Sommerfeld, he’ll be one step closer to claiming the sport’s ultimate glory.
Michael Daboul
Michael Daboul has hovered around the podium at big shows, with many fans assuming he’ll bring his best to Columbus. In 2024, Daboul registered a season defined by steady improvements. He finished first at the 2024 Titans Grand Prix Pro, then followed it up with another gold-winning performance at the Legion Sports Fest Pro.
Daboul thrives in the conditioning department. His dry detail coupled with his small waist and defined back could spell trouble for the lineup. Given his seventh-place performance on the Olympia stage, which was above Vissers, he is an easy pick to pull off something big at the Arnold Classic.
Matthew Greggo
Matthew Greggo, trained by bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto, continues to make drastic improvements from year to year. Greggo put forth an incredible string of shows in 2024, starting with his second-place appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro. He used that experience to craft an even better look for the New York Pro. This victory secured his passage for the Mr. Olympia event.
Greggo carved out a tenth-place finish when the pressure was at its highest. His vascular conditioning and lack of weaknesses make him an instant contender for gold in this lineup. If he can hang on to his posing endurance throughout the show, he could find himself fighting for a spot on the podium.
Logan Franklin
Logan Franklin is one of the dark horses heading into this prestigious event. Having earned props from bodybuilding icons like Samir Bannout, this could be the year Franklin breaks out as a top-tier Classic Physique contender.
In his 2024 Olympia showing, he took 13th place against a stacked lineup. His posing skills are arguably the best in the division, giving him a unique weapon for combatting more well-known threats like Sommerfeld and Vissers going forward.
How to Watch
The prejudging portion of the show will be held on the Arnold Expo stage. Later in the evening, the finals will commence, which will take place in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center. Those hoping to attend the festivities can buy tickets here. Tickets will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis but VIP, Ultimate Expo, and three-day passes must be purchased in advance.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has made the online live stream free, which can be purchased on the official Arnold Sports Festival website, found here. This will allow you to watch the 2025 Arnold Classic, Arnold Strongman Classic, Arnold Amateur, and more.
Don’t miss this crucial bodybuilding event as competitors fight for supremacy, Olympia qualifications, and cash prizes!
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