Nigerian-born powerhouse Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) claimed the prestigious 2026 Arnold Classic title on Saturday night, capping off a dominant weekend at the 38th Arnold Sports Festival. Representing the UAE, Jacked impressed the judges and audience alike, earning Best Poser honors and taking home a prize package worth approximately $750,000–$760,000.
The multi-sport festival, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, drew over 20,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The event showcased bodybuilding, strongman competitions, and one of the world’s largest fitness expos.
Men’s Open Final Standings:
- Andrew Jacked (UAE/Nigeria)
- Nick Walker (USA)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Martin Fitzwater (USA)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
In an emotional moment, Schwarzenegger personally presented Jacked with the oversized winner’s check, celebrating his victory in front of the cheering crowd.
Other Division Champions:
- Classic Physique: Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
- Men’s Physique: Brandon Hendrickson (USA)
- Bikini International: Aimee Delgado (USA)
- Wellness International: Rayane Fogal (Brazil)
- Fitness International: Michelle Fredua-Mensah (UK)
- Pro Wheelchair: James Berger (USA)
The festival also honoured bodybuilding legends including Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Lee Haney, and Kai Greene, while Dexter Jackson received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Arnold Strongman Classic
In the separate strongman competition, Mitchell Hooper (Canada) defended his title for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming the event’s status as the ultimate test of strength and spectacle.