Guy Cisternin's prediction for Arnold Classic UK 2026: Will anyone stop Andrew Jacked and Wesley Vissers?

The prestigious Arnold Classic UK 2026, which will take place on 27-29 March in Birmingham, UK, is fast approaching. Fans and pundits alike are already speculating eagerly about who will take home the title from Europe. Even former top professional Guy Cisternino had his say, revealing his picks for the winners in the Men's Open and Classic Physique categories in a recent edition of the Bro Chat podcast. How does he think it will turn out?

Men's Open: The clear favorite and the controversial Fitzwater

In the royal Men's Open, all eyes are on Chinedu Andrew "Jacked" Obieke after recent events. The latter shocked the world at the Arnold Classic in Ohio by beating both Nick Walker and Hadi Choopan to win gold. Jacked has huge momentum at the moment and even four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler is predicting that he will get the Sandow statue this year. Cisternino totally agrees with this trend and picks Jacked as the clear winner in the UK as well.

Cisternino puts the legendary Brandon Curry in second place. The 2019 Mr. Olympia champion continues to show that he is a force to be reckoned with by the elite, plus many fans feel that he should have finished higher in both the last Olympia and Ohio.

The situation surrounding Martin Fitzwater, who Cisternino picks to finish third, is particularly interesting. Although Fitzwater had a great fourth place in Ohio, he faced a huge wave of criticism after the competition for unsportsmanlike conduct towards his opponents. The controversy even cost him all his sponsors. It will be very interesting to see how this pressure will affect his current form.

Guy Cisternin's full prediction for the Men's Open:

1. Andrew Jacked (Winner)
2. Brandon Curry
3. Martin Fitzwater
4. Akim Williams
5. Blessing Awodibu
6. Abou Kanate
7. Hassan Mostafa

Classic Physique: The Rematch Everyone's Waiting For and Sam Sulek

The Classic Physique category promises an epic battle in Birmingham. Mike Sommerfeld, who bitterly disappointed in Ohio when he failed to make the weight limit, has another chance for a rematch. But standing in his way is the legendary Wesley Vissers. "The Dutch Oak" took home his second Arnold title from Ohio and we must remember that he dominated the UK back in 2024. Cisternino has no doubt that Vissers will confirm his role as world number one this time too.

Internet sensation Sam Sulek will also attract huge attention. After his recent professional debut at the Arnold Classic in Ohio, where he finished eighth, he is set for a quick return to the podium. Cisternino expects to be able to move up slightly and finish sixth in a packed field.

Guy Cisternino's full prediction for Classic Physique:

1. Wesley Vissers (Winner)
2. Mike Sommerfeld
3. Kim Angel
4. Andrea Mammoli
5. Jorge Herrera
6. Sam Sulek
7. Luis Roberto Valenzuela Ramos
8. Vahid Badpei
9. Paul Kanu
10. Angelo Rossi

In conclusion

If Andrew Jacked and Wesley Vissers can confirm their dominance on British soil, they will take another huge step towards this year's Mr. Olympia (which takes place September 24-27 in Las Vegas). It will be interesting to see if they defend their positions or if we will see some unexpected twist.

How do you see it? Do you agree with Guy Cisternin's predictions or do you think there will be a surprise at the Arnold Classic UK? Let us know in the comments!