"Derek's ruggedness secured him the victory!" Says Steve Weinberger

The Arnold Classic 2025, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions, took place in Columbus this year and brought fans a thrilling spectacle. The main Open Bodybuilding category featured the absolute top of the bodybuilding world, but only one winner could stand on top. The contest was a dramatic battle between three elite competitors - defending Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda, the aesthetically perfect Andrew Jacked and the precision-prepared Derek Lunsford. In the end, it was Lunsford who showed the best combination of sculpting, symmetry and presentation to secure a well-deserved victory.

In addition to the main title, prestigious individual awards were also presented to highlight the exceptional aspects of the contestants.

TheEd Corney Best Poser Award went to Derek Lunsford, who dazzled with his precise and dynamic posing. The Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award went to Samson Daud, who displayed impressive muscle mass and impressive physical dominance.

From my perspective, the Samson has better aesthetics, size and presentation. Derek has a perfectly sculpted physique. I thought Samson won because Phil Heath on the stream said exactly what I thought. Personally, I prefer size and aesthetics over sculpting, but of course I understand why Derek won. His legs were pulverized and overall, the sculpting fit right with his bulk. Plus he has one of the best backs and glutes in bodybuilding, cor now that he's tightened it up.

After the competition, head judge Steve Weinberger commented on the result.

"It was very close last night, and it was very close this morning, but the reason Derek won was because of the great sculpting he came to the podium with."

What's in store for Mr. Olympia 2025?

The Arnold Classic 2025 has shown us that the competition between elite bodybuilders is becoming increasingly heated. So Mr. Olympia 2025 promises to be a thrilling battle - will it be decided once again by physique or will the dominance of size and aesthetics return? And can the current champion bring the perfect combination of all these factors to the stage? Who knows... But one thing is for sure - we have a lot to look forward to!