Talks of who might be entering the 2025 Arnold Classic are heating up as the organization plans to release the competitors list imminently. In a recent YouTube video shared on December 12, 2024, Dennis James and Milos Sarcev suggested Hadi Choopan could end up competing in Columbus, Ohio, setting the stage for a rematch with reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia is still etched into everyone’s memories thanks to stunning performances turned in by Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan. In the finals, fans were kept on the edges of their seats as many were unsure if Choopan would prevail against Dauda’s newfound conditioning levels.
When the dust settled, Dauda became the 19th athlete to earn the coveted Sandow trophy, leaving Choopan in the runner-up position. Since Choopan won the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK competitions against Dauda, questions surrounding whether he’ll enter next year’s events are heating up.
Dennis James, Milos Sarcev Hint Hadi Choopan Might Jump into 2025 Arnold Classic and Discuss If He Can Win Back Mr. Olympia Title
According to Dennis James, he wouldn’t be surprised if Hadi Choopan jumped into the 2025 Arnold Classic.
“I wouldn’t be surprised [if Hadi Choopan’s recent updates are current],” said Dennis James.
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“If this is now, that’s ridiculous,” says Milos Sarcev.
He adds that Choopan might have a new fire lit under him after coming up short to Dauda at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
“With Hadi, I think if he comes up short that just fuels another fire. I think with Hany retiring I think he’s just… I don’t know. I think he wants to go for another one,” shares James.
“He’s been like this before. Maybe he’s jumping into the Arnold,” suggests James.
“Speaking of that, he should,” replied Sarcev. “He looks out of this world.”
“I think so too. Maybe he’s doing the Arnold! I don’t know,” James shared.
Dennis James mentions that after Choopan lost his Olympia title, he looked ready year-round for bodybuilding contests.
“Remember last year after he lost the Olympia he looked fucking like he was ready all year,” James shared. “He did the Arnold, he won the Arnold and between the Arnold and the Olympia, he didn’t get off the gas.”
When asked if Choopan can win back the Mr. Olympia title, Milos Sarcev didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“Of course [Hadi Choopan can win the Olympia again] man,” says Sarcev.
However, Sarcev believes Dauda would likely have to come into Olympia off for Choopan to capitalize.
“Does Samson have to come in off?” asks James.
“Probably. Samson is formidable opponent. He has everything. Size, thickness, shape, small waist, V-taper, presentation, everything, but he doesn’t have that granite hard look that Hadi does.”
Lastly, Sarcev pointed out that Choopan is great at creating the illusion of a bigger physique on stage, highlighting that Dauda outweighs him by 60-70 pounds yet that didn’t matter in two out of their three affairs in 2024.
“Hadi creates the illusion of the size, you pointed it out to me Dennis before. It’s a 60-70-pound difference between them but you don’t see this in many poses,” shares Sarcev.
If Dauda isn’t at his best, Dennis James believes Choopan can regain the Sandow trophy.
“Samson, he’s got to be at least as good or better. He can’t get any worse. When you’re at the top now, they are going to judge you by your last show.
So now he’s doing the Arnold, which I think he will be great at the Arnold. I think he’s going to battle a little bit with Andrew but he’s still superior to Andrew I think unless Andrew makes some drastic changes which I don’t think he has the time to,” explains Dennis James.
Dauda has already committed to the Arnold Classic in March and extended an open invite to Choopan and Derek Lunsford to join him. Previously, Dennis James and Milos Sarcev suggested that Lunsford compete in Columbus, Ohio because it would be his ultimate chance to redeem himself after coming in off at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Choopan expressed disappointment with the judging at the 2024 Olympia recently. With a bad taste lingering in his mouth, perhaps he’ll give the Arnold Classic Ohio contest another go. Fortunately, the competitors list will be out soon which will mark an end to all of the speculation.
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