Lee Priest is opening up on the 2025 Arnold Classic. On December 29, 2024, via YouTube, Priest discussed Samson Dauda’s chances of success. He also predicted Shaun Clarida to upset a few contenders when they battle on stage in Columbus, Ohio from February 27 to March 2.
Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped a bomb during the finals of the 2024 Arnold Classic won by Hadi Choopan. He announced that in 2025, the Arnold Classic Men’s Open winner would earn a staggering $500,000 purse. This calculated decision sent shockwaves through the community, prompting Mr. Olympia to follow suit with their own prize money increase.
Samson Dauda claimed gold at the 2024 Mr. Olympia and plans to continue his dominance by winning the upcoming Arnold Classic. The competitor list was revealed. After Derek Lunsford lost his title to Dauda, he will seek revenge at his first AC contest in addition to going after the huge purse. With preparations heating up, Priest offered his two cents on some of the biggest threats headed to the prestigious competition.
Lee Priest Discusses 2025 Arnold Classic Lineup, Says Samson Dauda Would Have Entered Regardless of Prize Money
Simply put, Priest believes Dauda will win the 2025 Arnold Classic ‘if he’s in shape.’ He adds that even without the historic prize money, Dauda would still compete at this event.
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“If he’s in shape [Samson Dauda wins].”
“No [if the prize wasn’t $500K the lineup would be different]. You’d probably still have Samson because he likes to compete in a lot of shows. You’d probably have Samson but I don’t think you’d have some of the others there.”
Aside from Dauda, Priest is curious how Akim Williams and Carlos Thomas Jr. will fare given their impressive mass.
“Who I want to see do well at the Arnold is if they come in shape, I want to see Akim come in like he did in his last show, if not better and Carlos Thomas Jr., if he can keep that mass and come in hard, I’d like to see what he can do there.”
He also believes Shaun Clarida, a former two-time 212 Olympia winner, has the potential to ‘upset a few people too.’
“Clarida could upset a few people too,” Priest adds. “I don’t care. I hate that people say that [base predictions on Olympia performances].
That’s an old show. That’s history that’s gone. This is next year and anything can happen. We are not judging them on what they did in their last shows.”
This wasn’t the first time Lee Priest gave his thoughts on the Men’s Open lineup. He predicted Englishman James Hollingshead to surprise on stage, naming him as his dark horse ahead of the contest. The 2025 Arnold Classic is not one to miss as it will set the tone for the rest of the 2025 bodybuilding season. Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the action.
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