The highly anticipated 2025 Arnold Classic goes down from February 27 to March 2 in Columbus, Ohio. James Hollingshead, who is competing at this event, discussed his expectations and Samson Dauda’s decision to enter in a YouTube video shared on December 18, 2024.
James Hollingshead took fifth place at the 2024 Arnold Classic (won by Hadi Choopan). Having added mass during his latest off-season, Hollingshead could pull off a dramatic upset on the horizon when it’s time to battle against the best.
However, if he hopes to leave Columbus, Ohio victorious, he’ll have to get through Samson Dauda, who is fresh off the biggest win of his career after securing his first Olympia title. That’s not all. Hollingshead will have to get past Derek Lunsford, Andrew Jacked, and many other notable bodybuilders.
James Hollingshead Discusses Samson Dauda’s ‘Ballsy’ Move to Compete at the 2025 Arnold Classic
In the IFBB AMA YouTube video, Hollingshead spoke about his decision to enter the 2025 Arnold Classic along with his expectations.
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“You know a lot of the time, we’re all suckers for bodybuilding. Sometimes we just leave a show like that [Arnold Classic] obviously, we always want to do well but even just getting a fucking medal in your hand, when you’re like a die-hard bodybuilder and you know you got that medal, sometimes that’s enough,” he shared.
James Hollingshead praised Samson Dauda, the reigning Mr. Olympia champion, for his decision to compete at the 2025 Arnold Classic, adding that ‘he’s got balls.
“That’s why I rate Samson though, because he’s got balls. Samson is a ballsy bodybuilder, he doesn’t give a shit. Bought a new house, big fuckin house, massive house,” said Hollingshead. “Yeah, he’s quite far, quite far, he’s like in the middle of nowhere on purpose because he likes to be on his own.”
Given the stacked lineup on deck for the Arnold, bodybuilding veterans have begun labeling their dark horses ahead of the event. Lee Priest named Hollingshead as one to watch out for, predicting that he could end up in the top three if he perfects his peak. He also compared him to former six-time Olympia winner Dorian Yates.
After claiming a top-five spot at the 2024 Arnold Classic, Hollingshead believes his time away from the stage could pay dividends when he steps up in Ohio. Don’t miss full coverage of the upcoming Arnold Classic, courtesy of our team at Fitness Volt.
Watch the full video from the IFBB AMA YouTube channel below:
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