Arnold Classic 2025 | Main Favorites Men's Open Bodybuilding

Author: Ondra Marienka

27.02.2025

4 minuty čtení

The Arnold Classic 2025 is fast approaching - this time the prestigious event will take place in Columbus, Ohio, from February 27 to March 1, 2025. This year, the men's scene will bring together twelve of the best talents from around the world to battle it out for the title, the coveted Mr. Olympia qualification and an impressive $500,000 prize purse.

This competition is one of the most prestigious bodybuilding meets and has been part of the IFBB Pro League calendar since 1989. This year, the excitement and anticipation will once again be felt on the scene as the winner will not only receive a huge cash prize, but will also secure an important point to prepare for the upcoming Mr. Olympia.

Main favourites

Samson Dauda

Samson Dauda enters the 2025 Arnold Classic with enormous confidence and is currently in great form. After triumphing over such opponents as Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, he became the nineteenth winner of the legendary Sandow Trophy. This time around, Dauda is expected to showcase an even more elaborate posing routine, especially in his back pose, which could give him a clear advantage over the competition.

Derek Lunsford

Derek Lunsford is looking to come back stronger than ever after a less than satisfactory performance at the last Mr. Olympia. He has struggled with a lack of leg volume in the past, which has affected the overall symmetry of his body. Working closely with renowned trainer Chris Aceto, who has had success with legends like Jay Cutler and Shawn Rhoden, Lunsford has been working hard to improve his fitness and overall appearance. If he can beat Dauda, he could become the favorite to win the title.

Andrew Jacked

Andrew Jacked is still a mystery to many as he doesn't talk much about his preparations on social media. He secured his third title at the recent Texas Pro 2024, but hasn't reached the expected peak on the Olympia stage. Despite the initial complications with the musical accompaniment during the posing session, Jacked is determined to show that he will arrive this year with an absolutely perfect package that will surprise not only his fans, but his opponents as well.

Akim Williams

Akim Williams is constantly pushing the boundaries of his presentation - from his massive and meticulously crafted biceps, to his impressive legs and carefully crafted back profile. After a ninth place finish at Mr. Olympia 2024 and wins at smaller competitions such as the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and Bigman Spain Pro, Williams is expected to offer a perfectly balanced and strong performance this year that will put him among the competition's top favorites.

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Dark Horses

Brandon Curry

Although Brandon Curry finished ninth on the last Olympia stage, his history at the Arnold Classic speaks for itself. He has already won the title in 2019 and 2022, proving he can raise the bar after setbacks. He prepared right here in the U.S. this year, which could give him the edge he needs to showcase his fullest body.

Shaun Clarida

Shaun "The Giant Killer" Clarida is looking to live up to his name by taking on the toughest of opponents. After a solid fight at the EVLS Prague Pro 2024, where he faced a pair of favorites, Clarida, led by experienced trainer Stefan Kienzel, is preparing to make his way to the finals despite his lighter weight.

William Bonac

Veteran William Bonac, who has already dominated the Arnold Classic scene twice (in 2018 and 2020), still shows no signs of fatigue. Despite finishing seventh last time out at Mr. Olympia 2024, he's constantly working to improve his muscle bulk and definition. With his balanced strength and precise posing technique, Bonac still has a real chance to surprise his opponents and climb the podium once again.