The 2026 Arnold Sports Festival has taken over Columbus, Ohio, from March 5-8. Hours before competitors step onstage, Jeremy Buendia appeared in a YouTube video on March 5 to share his top three Men’s Open picks.
Bragging rights, an Olympia qualification, and a massive $750,000 cash prize await the next Arnold Classic Open champion. We’ve had a clear idea of the favorites ahead of the show: second and third place Olympia finishers Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea stand out.
Jacked had a dominant trial run at the Romania Pro, so any last-minute peaking issues he’s likely resolved. It’s not a two-man contest; fans expect Nick Walker to turn in a bounce-back performance after falling to sixth at the Olympia. Martin Fitzwater has also been counted out ahead of the event, which is surprising considering he beat Samson Dauda at the recent Prague Pro.
Derek Lunsford has opted not to defend his crown this year, leaving the door open for a new titleholder to emerge. The lineup is loaded with former champs. Choopan won the contest in 2024, Walker in 2021, and former Olympia champ Brandon Curry secured Arnold Classic gold twice throughout his career, back in 2019 and 2022.
The bodybuilding community sees a handful of contenders flying under the radar. Brazilian star Rafael Brandao claimed bronze at the Arnold Classic in 2024; he’s promised he’ll be more shredded than ever. Meanwhile, Mo Foda and Akim Williams could give the roster trouble, thanks to their thick muscle and granite conditioning.
Jeremy Buendia’s Top 3 Men’s Open Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Find his picks from the OlympiaTV YouTube video below:
- Winner — Hadi Choopan
- Second Place — Andrew Jacked
- Third Place — Nick Walker
Each of Buendia’s picks has faced adversity en route to the Arnold Classic. Political unrest has ravaged Choopan’s home country of Iran, leading to widespread protests against the government controlled by the Islamic Republic. Jacked has faced constant physique criticisms, with many calling for him to improve his glute and hamstring detail.
As for Walker, he opted to navigate this prep without a coach. He made this decision after firing Kyle Wilkes post-Olympia. With fans beginning to doubt “The Mutant,” he faces immense pressure to come out on top.
The 2026 Arnold Classic promises to be a historic event. Don’t miss Fitness Volt‘s full coverage from March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
Get Ready With Us For The 2026 Arnold Classic!
- How To Watch The 2026 Arnold Classic (Free Livestream Online)
- 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Preview and Contenders to Watch
- 2026 Arnold Classic Physique Preview and Contenders to Watch
Watch the full video from the OlympiaTV YouTube channel below:
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