The 2026 Arnold Classic is approaching fast. In a recent video on Feb. 2, 2026, coach Chris Aceto discussed the challenge of filling out Chinedu Andrew Obiekea‘s frame. He also cast doubt on Hadi Choopan’s chances of receiving a visa for the event.
In 2025, the Mr. Olympia told fans a lot about the Open division’s pecking order. For a third consecutive year, Hadi Choopan secured second place, leaving many wondering if he’ll ever regain the title. Meanwhile, Jacked impressed with a breakout performance. He landed in third place, the highest Olympia finish of his career.
Jacked didn’t stop there; he dominated the Romania Muscle Fest Pro, which secured him an early qualification for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. He’s also thrown his name into the 2026 Arnold Classic, where a historic $750,000 cash prize will be fought for. Questions loom around both competitors, prompting Aceto to discuss what lies ahead.
Chris Aceto Doubts Choopan Gets Visa for 2026 Arnold Classic, Talks Jacked’s Contest Prep
In the latest Rx Muscle -Truth in Bodybuilding YouTube video, Aceto spoke on the challenge of filling out Jacked’s tall frame.
“He still needs to fill that frame out. On someone who is 6’2″, you can’t fill a frame out in 18 months. It just takes time. I think time, along with having the good fortune to hook up with Kamal, with training him in the gym every day, the last seven weeks of the Olympia.”
He suggested that Jacked training alongside former 212 Olympia Kamal Elgargni has put him in a strong position in the lead-up to competing:
“Kamal knows what buttons to push to be able to keep him big when dieting or in this case, he’s been growing. The last two shows he’s added a little bit of muscle running into the show.”
As for Hadi Choopan’s chances of making it to the US, Aceto has serious doubts.
“Will he get a visa? I don’t think so. I don’t believe he would. I would love to see him in the show,” said Aceto.
“He’s never not gotten a visa,” replied Dave Palumbo.
“In prior years, we didn’t drop a Daisy Cutter out there,” explained Aceto. “Not like this [tensions weren’t like this around 2025 Mr. Olympia].”
Prominent voices in bodybuilding have gotten behind Jacked. Jay Cutler recently predicted that he had all the tools to win the 2026 Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia in the same season. Additionally, Lee Priest stated that if Jacked is ‘on,’ he can take home gold at the second biggest show of the year.
Jacked looks to be on track to display an all-time best physique. The 2026 Arnold Classic is set for March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
Watch the full video from the Rx Muscle – Truth in Bodybuilding YouTube channel below:
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