Bodybuilders from the Open class will swarm Brazil for the 2024 Arnold Classic South America contest this weekend. In a recent interview, Nick Walker discussed the event and revealed who he believes will earn the victory.
The IFBB Pro League calendar is in full swing as competitors vie for their 2024 Mr. Olympia qualifications. The marquee event is set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada for its 60th anniversary from October 10-13. Rafael Brandao recently took third in the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and will have another chance to secure his entry for the biggest show of the year.
However, the lineup for the Arnold Classic South America is brimming with talent, including 2023 New York Pro winner Tonio Burton and rising Open star Vitaliy ‘Good Vito’ Ugolnikov, who intends to make a statement in his Pro debut. Breaking down the action is Nick Walker, one of the biggest stars in the sport.
Nick Walker Talks 2024 Arnold Classic South America, Backs Tonio Burton To Win
Before making his pick, Nick Walker underscored that Rafael Brandao presented his best package to date on the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio stage.
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“I’ve never seen them obviously, we’ve all never seen them sit next to each other. The one thing I said about Rafael because we’ve all seen him at the Arnold is that I think that was his best overall package to date. I don’t think it was his most conditioned package to date but I think as the overall, he was his best.”
Despite Brandao’s strong performance, Walker picked Tonio Burton to come out on top this weekend.
“Now if he can show up in better conditioning, have that size, the fullness, yeah… he can win right, but if Tonio just comes out of the woodworks here and chops everybody, I can see Tonio winning. For that reason, I’m going to pick Tonio to win,” said Nick Walker.
Walker credited Burton for his size and round muscle bellies.
“Tonio… he’s not a small guy,” adds Walker. “But he also just has very round muscle bellies. Look how round he looks.”
“I talk to Tonio a lot and I do now that they were pushing pretty hard.”
Nick Walker hasn’t been the only high-profile bodybuilder to assess the talent competing in Brazil this weekend. Former 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout recently previewed the event, labeling Rafael Brandao and Tonio Burton as clear frontrunners.
“He [Tonio Burton] flows very well. Pretty good calves, good sweep, small waist, and so, let’s see how they match up when they hit poses next to each other.”
Considering Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name is attached to this event, it carries extra prestige. With favorites and wildcards on deck for the 2024 Arnold Classic South America, fans anticipate a thrilling showdown in the Men’s Open class. Whoever emerges victorious will be qualified for the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition.
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