The Arnold Classic 2026 delivered one of the most exciting competitions in recent bodybuilding history. Held during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, the event crowned champions across seven professional divisions in the IFBB Pro League.
From the headline Men’s Open bodybuilding showdown to Classic Physique, Bikini, and Fitness, the 2026 Arnold Classic featured elite competitors battling for prestige, prize money, and qualification toward the Mr. Olympia stage.
The 2026 edition featured athletes from across the globe competing in multiple divisions, all hoping to secure one of the most respected titles in bodybuilding. With Olympia qualification and record-setting prize money on the line, the competition delivered unforgettable moments and new champions.
The biggest story of the event came in the Men’s Open division, where Andrew Jacked captured the 2026 Arnold Classic title.
Andrew Jacked defeated a stacked lineup that included Nick Walker and Hadi Choopan to secure the prestigious victory.
His performance featured elite conditioning, massive muscle density, and impressive symmetry that stood out during the final comparisons. The win also came with a historic $750,000 prize purse, the largest payout ever awarded in bodybuilding competition history.
The Classic Physique division crowned Wesley Vissers as the 2026 champion.
Vissers delivered a textbook classic physique look with aesthetic lines, tight conditioning, and balanced proportions. His victory marked another major milestone in his career and further strengthened his reputation as one of the top athletes in the division.
The Men’s Physique division saw a dominant performance from Brandon Hendrickson.
Hendrickson’s balanced upper body, narrow waist, and stage confidence helped him secure another Arnold Classic victory against a highly competitive field.
This category rewards both muscular development and performance ability, making it one of the most unique divisions in bodybuilding competitions.
Her conditioning and symmetry helped her stand out in a highly competitive field during the final comparisons.
Men’s Open Bodybuilding — Andrew Jacked
Classic Physique — Wesley Vissers
Men’s Physique — Brandon Hendrickson
Bikini International — Aimee Delgado
Fitness International — Champion crowned during the finals weekend
Wellness International — Champion crowned during the festival
Wheelchair Bodybuilding — Champion crowned during the finals
These champions earned their titles against some of the toughest competition in the IFBB Pro League.
Other divisions also received significant prize purses along with prestigious Arnold trophies presented during the awards ceremony.
Winning the Arnold Classic dramatically increases an athlete’s visibility in the bodybuilding industry and often leads to sponsorship opportunities, guest posing appearances, and improved Olympia prospects.
Winning an Arnold Classic title places athletes among the top competitors heading into the Mr. Olympia season.
Arnold champions frequently become favorites for Olympia success because the competition proves they can defeat elite athletes under intense judging scrutiny.
Momentum from this event often shapes the remainder of the professional bodybuilding season.
Andrew Jacked’s historic victory in the Men’s Open division, along with standout wins from Wesley Vissers, Brandon Hendrickson, and Aimee Delgado, made the event one of the most memorable Arnold Classics in recent years.
As the IFBB Pro League season continues, these champions will now set their sights on the ultimate goal of victory at the Mr. Olympia stage.
From the headline Men’s Open bodybuilding showdown to Classic Physique, Bikini, and Fitness, the 2026 Arnold Classic featured elite competitors battling for prestige, prize money, and qualification toward the Mr. Olympia stage.
Arnold Spotlight
The Arnold Classic remains one of the most prestigious competitions in professional bodybuilding. Founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the show continues to attract the world's best physiques and rising stars each year.The 2026 edition featured athletes from across the globe competing in multiple divisions, all hoping to secure one of the most respected titles in bodybuilding. With Olympia qualification and record-setting prize money on the line, the competition delivered unforgettable moments and new champions.
Overview of the 2026 Arnold Classic Competition
The 2026 Arnold Classic took place from March 5–8 in Columbus, Ohio, featuring seven professional divisions:- Men’s Open Bodybuilding
- Classic Physique
- Men’s Physique
- Fitness International
- Bikini International
- Wellness International
- Wheelchair Bodybuilding
Men’s Open Bodybuilding Champion
The biggest story of the event came in the Men’s Open division, where Andrew Jacked captured the 2026 Arnold Classic title.
Andrew Jacked defeated a stacked lineup that included Nick Walker and Hadi Choopan to secure the prestigious victory.
His performance featured elite conditioning, massive muscle density, and impressive symmetry that stood out during the final comparisons. The win also came with a historic $750,000 prize purse, the largest payout ever awarded in bodybuilding competition history.
Top 3 Men’s Open Results
- Andrew Jacked
- Nick Walker
- Hadi Choopan
Classic Physique Champion
The Classic Physique division crowned Wesley Vissers as the 2026 champion.
Vissers delivered a textbook classic physique look with aesthetic lines, tight conditioning, and balanced proportions. His victory marked another major milestone in his career and further strengthened his reputation as one of the top athletes in the division.
Top Classic Physique Results
- Wesley Vissers
- Matheus Menegate
- Andrea Mammoli
- Kim Angel
- Jorge Herrera
Men’s Physique Champion
The Men’s Physique division saw a dominant performance from Brandon Hendrickson.
Hendrickson’s balanced upper body, narrow waist, and stage confidence helped him secure another Arnold Classic victory against a highly competitive field.
Top Men’s Physique Results
- Brandon Hendrickson
- Vitor Chaves
- Emanual Hunter
- Andrei Deiu
- Dilson Espindola Silva
Fitness Division Champion
The Fitness International division highlighted the most athletic performances of the weekend. Competitors combined elite physiques with explosive routines that included flips, strength moves, and gymnastic elements.This category rewards both muscular development and performance ability, making it one of the most unique divisions in bodybuilding competitions.
Bikini Division Champion
The Bikini International title went to Aimee Delgado, who impressed judges with her balanced physique and confident stage presentation.Her conditioning and symmetry helped her stand out in a highly competitive field during the final comparisons.
Full List of Champions From the 2026 Arnold Classic
Here is the confirmed list of winners from the 2026 Arnold Classic across the major divisions.Men’s Open Bodybuilding — Andrew Jacked
Classic Physique — Wesley Vissers
Men’s Physique — Brandon Hendrickson
Bikini International — Aimee Delgado
Fitness International — Champion crowned during the finals weekend
Wellness International — Champion crowned during the festival
Wheelchair Bodybuilding — Champion crowned during the finals
These champions earned their titles against some of the toughest competition in the IFBB Pro League.
Prize Money and Awards for the 2026 Arnold Classic Winners
The 2026 Arnold Classic made headlines for offering the largest prize in bodybuilding history, with $750,000 awarded to the Men’s Open champion.Other divisions also received significant prize purses along with prestigious Arnold trophies presented during the awards ceremony.
Winning the Arnold Classic dramatically increases an athlete’s visibility in the bodybuilding industry and often leads to sponsorship opportunities, guest posing appearances, and improved Olympia prospects.
How Winning the Arnold Classic Impacts the Road to Mr. Olympia
Winning an Arnold Classic title places athletes among the top competitors heading into the Mr. Olympia season.
Arnold champions frequently become favorites for Olympia success because the competition proves they can defeat elite athletes under intense judging scrutiny.
Momentum from this event often shapes the remainder of the professional bodybuilding season.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Arnold Classic Champions
The 2026 Arnold Classic delivered unforgettable performances and crowned several new champions who will influence the bodybuilding landscape moving forward.Andrew Jacked’s historic victory in the Men’s Open division, along with standout wins from Wesley Vissers, Brandon Hendrickson, and Aimee Delgado, made the event one of the most memorable Arnold Classics in recent years.
As the IFBB Pro League season continues, these champions will now set their sights on the ultimate goal of victory at the Mr. Olympia stage.








