Competitors are gearing up for the 2024 Arnold Classic UK bodybuilding show, taking place inside the NEC March 15-17 in the heart of Birmingham, England. This show features seven bodybuilding divisions, headlined by the Men’s Open. All winners will receive qualifications for the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
This event follows shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio contest, which saw former Mr. Olympia winner, Hadi Choopan emerge victorious in a showdown against former titleholder Samson Dauda. Fans are thrilled to see these two top-tier Open stars duke it out once again on stage following their last encounter less than two weeks ago.
A total of seven divisions will be featured at the 2024 Arnold Classic UK including Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Wheelchair, Bikini, Wellness, and Fitness. With Olympia qualifications on the line, competitors are bringing their best in hopes of clinching a spot on stage for the sport’s biggest event of the year from October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2024 Arnold Classic UK Offical Open Lineup
Men’s Open
- James Hollingshead
- Samson Dauda
- Akim Williams
- Antoine Vaillant
- Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi
- Hadi Choopan
- Jonathan Delarosa
2024 Arnold Classic UK Preview and Top Names to Watch
Hadi Choopan
With his visa granted, Choopan recently made his way onto UK soil and intends to replicate the success he enjoyed in Columbus, Ohio. Sporting unparalleled conditioning, Choopan is undoubtedly the biggest favorite heading into this UK event.
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Despite dropping his title to his teammate Derek Lunsford at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show, Choopan successfully bounced back courtesy of his dominant triumph over Dauda at the recent Arnold Classic. With redemption weighing heavily in his mind, Choopan, led by Hany Rambod, intends to make another statement in England. However, there are no guarantees in bodybuilding and anyone has the potential to win this weekend.
Samson Dauda
Dauda, who enters this contest as a considerable frontrunner, recently squared off with Hadi Choopan at the 2024 Arnold Classic, where his fullness and size led to a second-place finish. Having secured third place at the last Mr. Olympia behind ‘The Persian Wolf’ and Lunsford, many veterans believe it’s only a matter of time before he takes over the Men’s Open category.
However, if Dauda cannot improve his conditioning levels, it will be virtually impossible to deal with the detail of Choopan in England. Since that night, Dauda has suffered from health issues and decided to part ways with his long-time coach, Milos Sarcev. Should he make the requisite adjustments needed during peak week, he stands a solid shot at defeating Choopan in his backyard.
Jonathan Delarosa
Perhaps one of the biggest shocks of the night in Columbus, Ohio was Jonathan Delarosa’s fourth-place performance. His vascularity combined with added size served him well on stage, as he pushed into the first call-out throughout the two-day event.
Delarosa’s rugged physique, complete with massive traps and capped shoulders could mean trouble for much of the UK roster. He continues to make significant improvements each time he steps on stage and should he nail his peak properly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him challenging for the title. Aside from Choopan and Dauda, Rafael Brandao was the only other bodybuilder to place ahead of him in Ohio, making Delarosa one of the top names to look out for on the horizon.
James Hollingshead
It’s not a UK show without mass monster James Hollingshead vying for supremacy. He blew fans away at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio in fifth place with a Branch Warren-esque shape and hardness. ‘The Shed’ is a skilled poser and always commands the stage with muscularity and conditioning.
As a well-rounded Open Pro, the Englishman could find himself vying for the title, though it should be noted that he is preparing himself for this event with no coach. Given Hollingshead’s work ethic and experience competing at the highest level, if his competitors count him out, it could be a massive oversight.
Akim Williams
Akim Williams’ jump into the final call-out on day two of the 2024 Arnold Classic sent shockwaves through the community. He seemingly only got harder and more toned as the competition went on, ultimately placing sixth amongst a stacked lineup of talent. ‘The Beast’s’ chest detail was on another level but his leg size and definition held up against everyone on stage.
Even though Williams has flirted with the idea of retiring in two or three years, he isn’t done yet, and if he can refine the detail he brought to Columbus, Ohio, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be fighting for a top spot in Birmingham, England.
Check Out 2024 Arnold Classic UK Lineups for All Other Divisions
Find the official competitor list for all other divisions below:
Classic Physique
- Wesley Vissers
- Michael Daboul
- Denis Romanov
- Emanuele Ricotti
- Urs Kalecinski
- Antoine Loth
- Josh Eastham
- Breon Ansley
Men’s Physique
- Emanual Hunter
- Adeyemi Awoyemi
- Kadeem Hillman
- Vitor Chaves
- Elton Mota
- Emile Walker
- Corey Morris
- Diogo Montenegro
- Jeffrey Darko
- Mahmood Al-Maghrabi
Men’s Wheelchair
- Oscar Gonzalez Gil
- Nick Hewitt
- Gabrielle Andriulli
- Anand Arnold
Bikini
- Tamekia Carter
- Eli Fernandez
- Priscila Rodrigues
- Ivanna Escandar
- Cristobalina Pajares Torres
- Tara Grier
- Elisa Pecini
- Ndeye Ndour
- Vania Auguste
- Lucia Malavaze
- Alessia Facchin
- Kristina Brunauer
- Lisa Reith
- Tatiana Lanovenko
- Angelica Teixeira
- Phoebe Hagan
- Marie-Eve Duchesneau
- Ottavia Mazza
- Alice Marchisio
- Nittaya Kongthun
Fitness
- Ariel Khadr
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Tiffany Chandler
- Abby Bolton
- Aurika Tyrgale
- Nikolett Szabo
- Jaclyn Baker
- Minna Helena Pajulahti
- Michaela Pavleova
Wellness
- Rosa Benadero Munoz
- Sandra Colorado Acal
- Wynter Addams
- Gisele Machado
- Isabelle Pereira Nunes
- Leonida Ciobu
- Amanda Burnett
- Juliana Mota
The excitement surrounding the 2024 Arnold Classic UK bodybuilding show is palpable as fans of the sport continue to talk about the roster online. Time will tell who emerges with the big victory, but whoever does, will be one step closer to challenging for Lunsford’s Olympia title this October.
Keep it locked on Fitness Volt for updates, live results, and more as we welcome some of the best Open competitors to the stage this weekend!
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