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Past Champions: Arnold Classic turns 35

by Shawn Ray
Arnold & The Master Blaster, Joe Weider
In 1989, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his partner, Jim Lorimer created the Arnold Classic. The first weekend in March would be the designated weekend that pro bodybuilders from around the world would selected to participate in what would become the sport’s second longest running Professional Contest in history!
Arnold & Jim

On a Handshake, Arnold and Jim would expand the idea of a Bodybuilding Weekend set in Columbus, Ohio where Arnold competed in 1975 at the Mr. Olympia contest promoter by Jim prior to a premature retirement so he could concentrate on Movies and Hollywood. This city would ultimately play host to the biggest Sports Extravaganza that would ultimately grow to be larger than the Olympic Games! A weekend that started with only Men & Women’s Pro Bodybuilding and 2000 fans blossomed into 11,000 athletes and 200,000 fans over a four day period!

The first Arnold Classic winner would be the 1989 Mr. Olympia 1st Runner up from New Jersey, Rich Gaspari who would receive his honors from the Late, Joe Weider, Arnold’s mentor.
Rich GASPARI 1989

The Arnold Classic weekend that started with the Men’s Pro Champion taking home $55,000.00 has ballooned to a first place prize in 2023 to $300,000.00! So many great past champions paved the way for this generous paid day to be created along with the hugely successful Expo that compliments all disciplines of physical fitness and fan experiences. Arnold has gone out of his way to be available and present personally presenting his trophy bearing his resemblance to the many past champions with his hands on approach to building up the bodybuilding community by giving back.
Shawn Ray 1991

Roll call on past champions include many Arnold Multi- Title winners like;
Flex Wheeler 4X Winner
Jay Cutler 3x Winner
Branch Warren 2X Winner
Kai Greene 2X Winner
Dennis Wolf 2014
Ronnie Coleman 2001
Dexter Jackson 4X Winner
Cedric McMillan 2017
Victor Martinez 2007
Brandon Curry 2X Winner
William Bonac 2018
Nick Walker 2021

This years Arnold Classic is celebrating 35 years and presenting divisions such as:
Fitness, Classic Physique, Wellness, Bikini and Wheelchair along with the Amateur Arnold taking place. The weekend’s highlights include, Dr Bob Goldman’s Hall of Fame Athlete Induction.
Dr Robert Goldman

Arnold Strongman contest is something to behold!!

The entire Arnold Classic Weekend Schedule can be found here:

The Arnold Sports Festival USA is held March 2-5, 2023 in Columbus, OH at the Columbus Convention Center.

https://www.arnoldsports.com/schedule/
Do t miss all the action in Columbus, Ohio and check back for Digital Muscle Media Videos & Interviews from the biggest event of the year!

This years Mens Pro Line-up:
2023 Competitors
William BonacShaun ClaridaSamson DaudaKamal ElgargniMamdouh “Big Ramy” ElssbiayChinedu Andrew ObiekeaPatrick MooreJustin RodriguezNick WalkerAkim Williams

Editor in Chief.

12x Olympia Top 5 Finalist, Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Inductee, International Master of Ceremonies, NPC Contest Promoter, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer, Fitness Journalist