Sam Sulek is navigating his first prep as an IFBB Pro solo. In a recent Q&A YouTube video shared on Jan. 21, 2026, he explained why he is coaching himself for the 2026 Arnold Classic.
Sam Sulek is an outlier in bodybuilding. He reached international fame before ever stepping foot onstage. His YouTube channel grew like wildfire over the last three years; in that time, he amassed 4.39 million subscribers. He regularly showcases his training sessions, nutritional approach, and physique updates.
In 2025, he finally made the jump. Sulek won the NPC Legends Classic Pro, paving the way for him to try his hand at the Arnold Amateur. When he competed in Ohio, fans and judges took notice of his improved leg definition. He ended up winning his Pro card and will now take on the Classic Physique lineup at the Arnold Classic in just under six weeks.
Sam Sulek Explains Coaching Himself for the 2026 Arnold Classic
In the video, Sulek shared that it’s simpler to coach himself. He said it’s convenient that he doesn’t have to worry about check-in photos with a coach.
“I want to do my thing and just see what happens. That’s how I like it. For me, to coach myself, it keeps it more simple. I don’t have to send somebody my check-ins, and it’s way quicker. I can just look at myself in the mirror.
That’s my check-in. I don’t have to text somebody and wait for them to text back.”
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For him, this system works, but he emphasized that some athletes might excel with a coach in their corner.
“For me, I just like it. I’m not saying it’s better, or if you have a coach you’re somehow less than, that’s not what I’m saying. For me, I’m doing that how I want to do it. Whether that’s good or bad, we’ll just have to see in the future,” he said.
Sulek will have to bring his absolute best to break into the final callout. The Classic Physique division has a stacked lineup on deck for the Arnold Classic. Returning champions Wesley Vissers and Mike Sommerfeld are the clear favorites. ‘Mike the Badass’ won this contest in 2025, with plans to defend his title.
Sulek isn’t the only high-profile bodybuilder coaching himself. Following his sixth-place drop at the Mr. Olympia, Nick Walker fired his coach, Kyle Wilkes. He will also test his resolve in Columbus, Ohio, solo, against the Men’s Open lineup.
Sulek will head into deep waters for the first time in his budding career. The 2026 Arnold Classic takes place March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
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