With just over five weeks until the 2024 Arnold Classic, competitors have begun eying final preparations for the big event. Taking to Instagram, Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, Marcello De Angelis, and Rafael Brandao showed off their contest prep progress.
The Men’s Open class has seen seismic power shifts lately, with Derek Lunsford earning the sport’s most prestigious title last November after defeating Hadi Choopan in a close battle for gold. While Choopan’s sportsmanship was questioned in defeat, he later made amends with Lunsford publicly.
Eager to bounce back from the loss, Choopan entered the nearing Arnold Classic, where he will face Samson Dauda who trailed behind him in third place at the last Olympia. Notwithstanding, Dauda is still a notable favorite to win the 2024 Arnold Classic since he will take to the stage as the defending champion after defeating Nick Walker last year.
Aside from the top two heaviest hitters, the lineup will feature a stable of Brazilian stars, including former 2022 Arnold Classic South America winner Rafael Brandao and the surging Men’s Open prospect Marcello De Angelis.
Hadi Choopan Shows Off Thick Back With Back Double Biceps Pose in Update
It appears the former Mr. Olympia took the time to add some extra mass to combat the size of the reigning champion, Samson Dauda. Known for his unmatched conditioning levels, Choopan always brings intensity to the stage. Fans expect an unforgettable display given that Choopan is carrying a chip on his shoulder fresh off of a title loss.
“7 weeks out my brothers 🙅🏽🙅🏽🙅🏽” Choopan posted.
Samson Dauda Showcases Significant Progress Weeks from 2024 Arnold Classic
While the story last year was Samson Dauda’s lack of back detail, that has changed. Aiming to make his weak points strengths, Dauda intends to make a statement against Choopan in March.
Boasting more muscle mass than any of his contemporaries, Dauda has been labeled the uncrowned Mr. Olympia by prominent voices of the sport such as bodybuilding veteran Shawn Ray. Dauda also enters this competition having gained considerable momentum thanks to consecutive victories at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro and the EVLS Prague Pro.
“Bodybuilding in 2024 let’s get it started 🔥” shared Duada.
Marcello De Angelis Flaunts Capped Shoulders and Thin Waist in Latest Update
Perhaps the most aesthetic man on the roster, Horse M.D.’s combination of physical attributes could spell trouble for the leading frontrunners. He has already tested his resolve against Dauda in third place in the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro.
De Angelis is also trained by Milos Sarcev, who oversees Dauda’s prep and career. Sporting classic lines, deep muscle separation, and a tight waist, counting out De Angelis could lead to the downfall of many top-tier threats on stage.
Rafael Brandao Looking Massive in Prep for 2024 Arnold Classic
Due to an unforeseen health battle with Dengue fever, Rafael Brandao was forced to take some time off in 2023. The hiatus was a challenging reality to accept considering Brandao secured a tenth-place finish against the ultra-stacked 2022 Mr. Olympia lineup.
As one of the most famous Brazilian bodybuilders in the IFBB Pro League, fans are thrilled to welcome Brandao back to the premier event, hosted by bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Judging by these physique updates, the top Pros plan to bring all-time bests to the stage in March. Aside from those already mentioned, fans expect a solid showing from Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera. However, as of this writing, he has yet to be fully confirmed for the event as he navigates visa issues.
The 2024 Arnold Classic will take over Columbus, Ohio from February 29 to March 3, inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Ohio Expo Center. Schwarzenegger revealed that the livestream will be free to all viewers.
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