Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath is assessing the Men’s Open lineup for the nearing 2025 Arnold Classic. On February 25, 2025, he revealed his dark horses, confident William Bonac and Shaun Clarida could shake up the event. In addition, he predicted Samson Dauda and Derek Lunsford would fight for first and second place.
The 2025 Arnold Classic is almost here and talks about who could leave with gold are heating up. While fans have largely centered their discussions around Dauda and Lunsford, this invite-only event features a star-studded lineup of talent.
Andrew Jacked, who recently took fifth place at the 2024 Olympia, will be back in action. If he can bring a package comparable to what he displayed in his third win at the Texas Pro, the judges will have a tough task determining the placings. Also, William Bonac has won the Arnold Classic twice during his career and could leave the world in shock if he nails his peak.
Meanwhile, former two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida will aim to earn his first Arnold Classic title. He took fifth at this event in 2023 and has proven his ability to stand against top names in the Open class. In his last Open appearance, he finished third behind Chris Bumstead and Martin Fitzwater at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. Now, with the Arnold Classic approaching, Phil Heath gave fans the inside scoop on who he sees making statements.
Phil Heath Previews 2025 Arnold Classic, Gives Advice to William Bonac, Says Shaun Clarida Coming for ‘Pure Vengeance’
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In a recent YouTube video, Heath confirmed that Samson Dauda and Derek Lunsford will likely fight for the top two spots on the Arnold Classic stage.
“Everybody is going to be talking about the top two guys, which in my opinion, would be Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda and also Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford, but let’s talk about some guys outside of that top two.”
As for who could pull off big upsets, Heath pointed to Andrew Jacked and William Bonac.
“We got Andrew Jacked and we got another guy that gets pushed to the side sometimes but is definitely a formidable force and that is William Bonac.
Those two individuals are quite different. Not just in size, but also in height. With William being much much shorter than Andrew Jacked whereas Andrew has some similarities to let’s say a Samson Dauda in height and in width.”
He adds that Jacked and Bonac share similar skin texture and each boasts exceptional muscularity.
“Those two guys have extreme levels of musculature, of course, but what I find interesting is that their skin texture is almost identical,” explains Heath.
Heath’s advice to William Bonac? Come in ‘ultra-peeled.’
“My suggestion [to Bonac] is just come in ultra-peeled. Let the natural genetics that he has, the roundness, to just push the body to that next level.”
He isn’t underestimating Shaun Clarida either heading into the second biggest event of the year, especially given his ability to dry out and come in proper condition.
“The Giant Killer, that is Shaun Clarida. He is a champion. He is a guy that is on a mission and within the past week, we’ve been able to see in my opinion, one of the best videos leading up to the 2025 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic.”
“Every time I see Shaun, I think to myself, where is he going to put more muscle? He finds a freakin way every damn time. He’s weighing in around 188 pounds, he walks you through his posing. I mean this guy is literally he could just pull water for two days and be ready for a show.”
He believes Clarida will live up to his ‘Giant Killer’ nickname when the curtains rise in Columbus.
“He is coming with a pure vengeance okay? This guy said giants will fall when he gets ready for the Arnold Classic and I believe him.”
Bodybuilding veterans haven’t been shy about their picks and predictions. Names such as Dennis James, Chris Cormier, and Milos Sarcev have all backed Dauda to pick up his second Arnold Classic title this weekend.
Don’t miss the 2025 Arnold Classic from February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the action!
RELATED: Phil Heath Reveals He Will Join Commentary Team for 2025 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from Phil Heath’s YouTube channel below:
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