Contenders from Classic Physique are finalizing preparations for the 2024 Arnold Classic, taking place from February 29 to March 3 inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, Ohio. This article previews bodybuilding talent from the Classic Physique division, underlining contenders and debutants aiming to make statements.
The 35th annual Arnold Classic is almost here and anticipation surrounding the event is at an all-time high. There will be a total of seven bodybuilding divisions on display with athletes vying for gold during prejudging rounds and the finals. The popularity of the Classic Physique category has steadily climbed, thanks to rising stars such as Chris Bumstead, Breon Ansley, Urs Kalecinski, and Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
Last year, the 2023 Arnold Classic saw Ramon Rocha Queiroz leave Ohio with his first title following a battle with ‘The Miracle Bear.’ However, with new height and weight cap restrictions in effect, Kalecinski intends to leverage the added weight for a bigger physique this year. In addition, the show features a stable of debutants including Eric Brown Jr., Darren Farrell, Damien Patrick, Antoine Loth, and Emanuele Riccotti.
2024 Arnold Classic Physique Full Competitors List
- Breon Ansley
- Eric Brown Jr.
- Michael Daboul
- Darren Farrell
- Urs Kalecinski
- Antoine Loth
- Courage Opara
- Damien Patrick
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Emanuele Ricotti
Terrence Ruffin* NOTE: Terrence Ruffin confirmed with Fitness Volt that he is not competing- Wesley Vissers
2024 Arnold Classic Contenders Preview and Breakdown
Ramon Rocha Queiroz
As the reigning 2023 Arnold Classic champion, Ramon Rocha Queiroz enters this contest with a massive target on his back. Not only did Queiroz raise gold above his head the last time he was in Ohio, but he presented one of his best career packages. Given his aesthetics, tight waist, and full biceps, Queiroz, popularly known as Ramon Dino, will be difficult to stand against.
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In his last competition, Queiroz took part in a one-on-one battle in the finals of 2023 Olympia with five-time reigning champ, Chris Bumstead. Ultimately, Bumstead’s posing and conditioning carried him to victory, but even IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion has confirmed the gap between the two is closing fast. Should Queiroz rake in a second AC title, he will be one step closer to stopping Bumstead in October.
Urs Kalecinski
A modern king of aesthetics, Germany’s Urs Kalecinski is chasing the biggest victory of his career. Last year at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Kalecinski pushed Queiroz and used his expert posing skills to gain an edge over the rest of his peers. What made Kalecinski’s performance even more impressive was overcoming a food poisoning hospitalization just five days before competing at the second-most prestigious contest on the planet.
In addition to reaping benefits from the new height/weight rules, Kalecinski has used the time away from the bright lights to perfect his taper, mass, and balance. After the last Olympia, Kalecinski gained momentum following a big win at the 2023 Texas State Pro. Kalecinski hopes to take it to his rival Queiroz in mere days.
Breon Ansley
‘The Black Swan’ holds the most accolades of any Classic Physique competitor on this roster. Having only improved with age, Ansley also intends to make use of the new height/weight cap. He holds two Classic Physique Olympia titles and won the Arnold Classic in 2018. Ansley, trained by bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier, could easily find himself contending for gold.
Breon Ansley’s last Mr. Olympia appearance saw him place fourth behind Urs Kalecinski, Ramon Queiroz, and Chris Bumstead. Should Breon Ansley succeed in bringing his best, the Classic Physique star could find himself leaving Ohio as a two-time champion.
Michael Daboul
After picking up dominant victories at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro and New York Pro, there was no denying Michael Daboul’s capacity as a Pro bodybuilder. Celebrated for his dry conditioning, Daboul impressed at the Olympia, finishing sixth place. The last time Daboul tested himself at the Arnold Classic was in 2022 where he took fifth. However, months later he took his talents to the Arnold Classic UK and won gold.
Daboul remains a wildcard in this competition. With enough mass and his patented conditioning levels, he could find himself pushing into the first call-out with ease. Having tasted gold at the Arnold UK in the past, Daboul understands the discipline required to walk away victorious at high-level shows.
Wesley Vissers
Wesley Vissers is another threat from Classic Physique aiming to make a splash in Ohio. This competition will serve as Vissers’ second Arnold Classic, with his first coming in 2019, where he placed 10th. Since then, Vissers has kept his head down and focused on improving his physique.
Last year, Vissers took home gold at the 2023 Europa Pro. This set him up with a qualification for Olympia, which led to him finishing seventh on the sport’s biggest stage. Keeping busy, Vissers made a pitstop at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, won gold, and now enters this Arnold Classic as a top contender.
2024 Arnold Classic Physique Dark Horse
Courage Opara
Heading into the 2024 Arnold Classic is dark horse Courage Opara. Having shown glimpses of greatness on esteemed stages like the Olympia, Opara could shock some of his peers with superior shape, balance, and conditioning.
Opara walks into the 2024 Arnold Classic with significant momentum thanks to his recent win at the 2023 San Antonio Pro. Given his completeness and posing abilities, fans expect Opara to make a solid push for the first call-out.
The 2024 Arnold Classic will take over Columbus, Ohio from February 29 to March 3; don’t miss the action. Undoubtedly, the winner of Classic Physique will enter the 2024 Olympia show in October as a frontrunner next to Chris Bumstead.
The live stream will be free, courtesy of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stay locked into Fitness Volt for the latest results and coverage!
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