Bodybuilding fans were abuzz about the comparison between 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2022 Mr. Olympia winner Hadi Choopan in the final callout of pre-judging for the 2024 edition of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH.
The 2024 Arnold Classic final occurred on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the Battelle Grand Ballroom in front of a sold-out crowd. The Men’s Open competitors were introduced and compared to confirm the judges’ decision. Choopan was awarded the title of 2024 Arnold Classic champion.
[Related: 2024 Arnold Classic Results — Live Updates & Winners]
[Related: Wesley Vissers Wins 2024 Arnold Classic Physique]
2024 Arnold Classic Roster
- Akim Williams
- Antoine Vaillant
- Justin Rodriguez
- Rafael Brandao
- Jon Delarosa
- Samson Dauda
- Hadi Choopan
- James Hollingshead
- Horse Marcello De Angelis
- Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi
The callouts for the final featured the following athletes:
Callout One
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
Callout Two
- Antoine Vaillant
- Jon Delarosa
- Rafael Brandao
- Akim Williams
- James Hollingshead
Callout Three
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
- Rafael Brandao
- Akim Williams
The two favorites kicked off the first callout in another head-to-head. The commentary team felt Choopan’s conditioning was the difference maker and predicted Choopan would take the title from the defending champion.
Dauda and Choopan were called out again in a third callout with the other top contenders, Brandao and Williams, who filled out well overnight from pre-judging.
Before the final results were announced, Dauda was awarded the Ed Corney Best Poser award, and Choopan was awarded the Franco Columbu Most Muscular award.
2024 Arnold Classic Results
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
- Rafael Brandao
- Jon Delarosa
- James Hollingshead
- Akim Williams
Choopan won $300,000 and was presented the trophy by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The champion will return at the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024. He will be considered the top contender to reigning Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford.
Before the fans went home, Schwarzenegger announced the prize money for the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open champion would increase to $500,000.
2024 Arnold Classic Results
- Diogo Montenegro Wins 2024 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique
- Lauralie Chapados Three-Peats at the 2024 Bikini International
- Francielle Mattos Wins 2024 Wellness International
- Ariel Khadr Wins 2024 Fitness International
- Rajesh John Wins Arnold Classic Wheelchair
Featured image: @arnoldsports on Instagram | @gilcoproductions on Instagram
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