who won arnold classic 2026
Chinedu Andrew "Andrew Jacked" Obiekea won the Men's Open division at the 2026 Arnold Classic. This prestigious bodybuilding event, held in early March 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, drew massive crowds and top IFBB pros competing for a record $750,000 prize. Nick Walker took second, with Hadi Choopan in third after intense confirmation rounds.
Event Highlights
The Arnold Classic 2026, part of the Arnold Sports Festival, showcased elite physiques across divisions over two days—prejudging Friday, finals Saturday. Andrew Jacked's victory marked a career peak, beating favorites like Walker and Choopan in a razor-close call that sparked online debates. Attendees raved about the expo's energy, honoring legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger himself.
Full Division Winners
Here's the complete lineup of champions from all major categories:
| Division | Winner |
|---|---|
| Men’s Open | Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) |
| Classic Physique | Wesley Vissers |
| Men’s Physique | Brandon Hendrickson |
| Bikini | Aimee Delgado |
| Fitness | Michelle Fredua- Mensah |
| Wellness | Rayane Fogal |
Top 9 Men's Open Placements
- 1st: Andrew Jacked
- 2nd: Nick Walker
- 3rd: Hadi Choopan
- 4th: Martin Fitzwater
- 5th: Brandon Curry
- 6th: Rafael Brandao
- 7th: Mohamed Foda
- 8th: Akim Williams
- 9th: Hassan Mostafa
Trending Discussions
Forums and YouTube lit up post-event. Some called it bodybuilding's "biggest robbery" if Jacked hadn't edged out Walker, praising his conditioning but questioning scorecards. Others hailed Hendrickson's repeat in Men's Physique and Vissers reclaiming Classic. As of mid-March 2026, clips from finals are still viral, fueling hype for upcoming shows like Detroit Pro.
"Andrew Jacked wins the 2026 Arnold Classic and takes home a record $750K prize."
TL;DR: Andrew Jacked dominated Men's Open at Arnold Classic 2026, grabbing the top trophy and massive payout amid fierce competition and fan buzz.
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