The 2026 Arnold Classic returns to Columbus, Ohio, from March 5-8. This preview will take a detailed look at the top Classic Physique contenders and dark horses capable of pulling off upsets.
The annual Arnold Classic started back in 1989 and quickly turned into one of the greatest bodybuilding events of the year. With Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s star power behind it, it’s become a celebration among fans of the sport. This competition is invite-only and features 12 athletes from the Classic Physique division.
From prejudging analysis to a breakdown of the finals, Fitness Volt will have live coverage spanning the entire weekend. Join us for an unforgettable experience as the best bodybuilders in the world wage war for onstage glory.
2026 Arnold Classic Physique Competitor List
- Wesley Vissers
- Matheus Menegate Piccioli
- Sam Sulek
- Mike Sommerfeld
- Andrea Mammoli
- Paul Kanu
- Hang Niu
- Gabriel Zancanelli
- Ethan Gohari
- Jorge Herrera
- Vahid Badpeei
- Joaquim Camps Angel
Top Contenders to Watch
Mike Sommerfeld
Mike Sommerfeld stands tall as the on-paper favorite. He’s coming off two consecutive runner-up finishes at the Mr. Olympia in 2024 and 2025, making him more motivated than ever to close the door on his rivals. In October, he narrowly lost to Ramon Rocha Queiroz by one point in Las Vegas.
Sommerfeld is the reigning Arnold Classic champion. He won the event back in 2025, defeating an elite lineup en route to gold. He took out Logan Franklin and Matt Greggo to secure the title. Should he extend his reign, Sommerfeld will have even more momentum heading into the Mr. Olympia this September.
Wesley Vissers
Redemption has defined Vissers’ latest prep. In 2024, he cemented himself as an Arnold Classic champ, showcasing dry conditioning and striated delts. However, in 2025, things fell apart for Vissers. He became sick before the Arnold Classic, which affected his performance. As a result, he settled for fifth place.
Despite the setback, he pushed on, earning silver behind Matt Greggo at the Detroit Pro. Looking ahead, Vissers understands that if he wants to win another major show, he’ll have to improve his leg width and fullness to stand a shot.
Andrea Mammoli
Mammoli is another top-tier contender to keep an eye on. He’s playing with house money; Mammoli doesn’t have to concern himself with qualifying for the Mr. Olympia. He put forth an impressive season in 2025, claiming gold at back-to-back contests (Tsunami Nutrition Showdown France Pro and Koloseum Italy Pro). However, when he battled on the Olympia stage, he got lost in the shuffle, falling to 16th place. Eager to make a statement, he’s more dangerous than ever.
Matheus Menegate
Menegate had a strong season in 2025. He battled against a stacked roster at the Tampa Pro to nail down second place. He held his own against surging contender Niall Darwen. What makes Menegate so threatening is his ability to adapt. When he made his way to the 2025 Texas Pro, he dominated it with an all-time best look.
Menegate thrived at the Mr. Olympia. Judges took a solid look at his physique and awarded him for his non-stop progress. He secured seventh place, proving he could easily shake up the Arnold Classic if he brings his A-game.
Dark Horses
Sam Sulek
Although it’s his Pro debut, Sam Sulek has quickly garnered attention in the IFBB Pro League. His conditioning levels are off the charts, thanks to consistent heavy-duty training sessions. Sulek earned his IFBB Pro card at the Arnold Amateur last year, which qualified him to compete at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
Fans are eager to see how he compares with other Pro-level talents. Sulek has coached himself heading into the contest, which he says has led to a less stressful prep. With a breakout performance, Sulek could emerge as the next C-Bum-level star in Classic Physique.
Hang Niu is an honorable mention as well. He picked up gold at the 2025 Fitworld Pro and Utah Cup Pro. After his fifth-place finish at the Tournament of Champions Pro, he found himself tied for 16th at the Mr. Olympia. Ethan Gohari also has steam – he recently earned titles at the Steve Karr Las Vegas Pro and the Atlantic Coast Pro.
How to Watch
The 2026 Arnold Sports Festival is free, as long as you sign up on the ArnoldSports.com website. Prejudging for Classic Physique will kick off on Friday, March 6, at the Arnold Expo stage inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Finals will conclude later that evening at the Battelle Grand Ballroom. The livestream will allow you to witness the Arnold Classic, Arnold Amateur, the Arnold Strongman Classic, and more.
Tickets, which include VIP, Ultimate Expo, and three-day passes, are available via the Arnold Sports Festival ticket portal. For everything else, our dedicated team at Fitness Volt will have extensive coverage throughout the special weekend. Don’t miss it!
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