Tag: 2021 Arnold Classic
Arnold Classic 2021 Preview: Men’s Open Lineup Breakdown And Predictions
Who are the names to watch for in the Arnold Classic 2021?
The Arnold Classic 2021 is just days away. It will take place on Saturday in Columbus, OH after being pushed back due to COVID-19. There are four total divisions that will be on display during the event — Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Fitness, and Bikini.
To begin, we will break down the Men’s Open division. This is a deep group this year but there have been some changes to the lineup. Cedric McMillan was forced to withdraw with an injury while Lionel Beyeke will not be able to travel to the event because of restrictions.
Most recently, Roelly Winklaar was left off the competitors list. It is rumored that he will not be participating because of an undisclosed medical issue. Even with the lack of these big names, there are plenty others that will make the event exciting and a bit unpredictable.
Below, we will be breaking down the Men’s Open division. Here is the full lineup and some analysis about the competitors at the Arnold Classic 2021.
Arnold Classic 2021 Men’s Open
William Bonac
Maxx Charles
Seung Chul Lee
Mohamed El Emam
Steve Kuclo
Hassan Mostafa
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Justin Rodriguez
Iain Valliere
Nick Walker
Akim Williams
William Bonac
On paper, William Bonac is in the best position heading into the Arnold Classic. He is the reigning champion from 2020 and has another title in 2018. Sandwiched inn-between is a second-place finish in 2019. Bonac also finished second in the Olympia in 2019. To summarize, he has seen plenty of success at the biggest shows. Bonac knows the Arnold Classic well and the judges have shown that they like him on stage. Will he be victorious again? It would not be surprising to see another top-two finish from Bonac on Saturday.
Maxx Charles
Maxx Charles has put together an impressive career. He is still performing at a high level and this includes a fourth-place finish at the Tampa Pro this year. This will be Charles’ fifth appearance at the Arnold Classic. In 2017, he placed third and marked his best finish at the event. Charles can improve upon what was an eighth place finish in 2020.
Seung Chul Lee
Seung Chul Lee is looking to make a name for himself on the biggest stage. This will be his debut in the Arnold Classic after placing 12th in the 2020 Olympia. The big events have not been kind to newcomers when looking at the history. Lee could change the course with a strong performance in Columbus on Saturday.
Mohamed El Emam
Mohamed El Emam has built plenty of noise and hype around himself this year. He placed top five in three major competitions this year in America. The Russian bodybuilder has built the necessary experience to compete in a competition like the Arnold Classic. El Emam has been hard at work training for the Arnold Classic, both in the gym and in his diet plan. During the 2021 season, El Emam has competed against other top competitors in the country and he saw what he needed to do to stack up.
Steve Kuclo
Steve Kuclo finished fourth in last year’s Arnold Classic and it might be difficult to improve with the lineup this year. At the Texas Pro, Kuclo finished second and could be better conditioned heading into Saturday. If this is the case, Kuclo has a chance to sneak into the top five but if not, he could struggle to place in the top half. Kuclo has competed in the last three Arnold Classic events, with last year being his highest finish.
Hassan Mostafa
Hassan Mostafa is another competitor making his debut at the Arnold Classic 2021 this year. Mostafa has appeared on stage many times this year looking for qualification to the Olympia. He has come on over the last two years and become a staple at competitions. Mostafa has all the makings of a successful bodybuilder and this is the year that he can show it off on the biggest stages.
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Sergio Oliva Jr. is one of the dark-horse competitors in this event. Oliva won the New York Pro back in 2017 but there has not been that dominant victory since. After a difficult year filled with different issues that held him out of competition, Oliva is set to return in Columbus and could make an impact. He placed fifth in the Arnold Classic in 2020 and has a chance to be a top-three finisher this year.
Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez appeared in his first and only Arnold Classic back in 2018, where he finished seventh. Since then, he has appeared in two Olympia’s and notched two second-place finishes in 2020. Rodriguez is beginning to hit his stride and that makes him a dark-horse contender in this year’s show. With a stacked lineup like this, it will be difficult for Rodriguez to crack the top five but there is a chance if he comes in with the right conditioning.
Iain Valliere
It has been quite the year for Iain Valliere. He is the only athlete this year to win competitions in back-to-back weeks. It began when he finished first at the Tampa Pro and followed it up with topping Kuclo at the Texas Pro. Valliere is qualified and will be competing in the Olympia this year. This is his first appearance in the Arnold Classic and a top-five finish would be impressive. This all depends on conditioning but Valliere has certainly built up plenty of momentum heading into the biggest competitions of the year.
Nick Walker
Nick Walker is one of the biggest up-and-comers in the sport and is getting plenty of attention as the potential winner of the show. Walker has shown off his crazy physique and size on social media leading up to the event. Walker was victorious at the New York Pro and will have a chance to show off at the two biggest events of the year. At his height, Walker has incredible mass. He is preparing for his first Arnold Classic and a win would be extraordinary. This is a difficult feat for any competitor but Walker has what it takes to be a top-three finisher at worst.
Akim Williams
Akim Williams has all the tools to win this show. He is coming into his own after being an underrated competitor for a few years. After a win at the Puerto Rico Pro, Williams will have another chance to compete at the Olympia, where he placed sixth in 2020. Williams has what it takes to finish higher this year and potentially win the Arnold Classic 2021. He has incredible size and a small waist. His overall physique is impressive and if conditioned, Williams will be difficult to beat. He might not have the experience, competing in just two Arnold Classics with no higher than a seventh-place finish, but he has all the physical tools.
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Roelly Winklaar Allegedly Out Of Arnold Classic 2021
There have been rumors that Roelly Winklaar will not compete at the 2021 Arnold Classic.
Roelly Winklaar was set to be one of the biggest names on stage on Saturday at the 2021 Arnold Classic but that might not be the case. Winklaar is allegedly going to miss the contest with an undisclosed medical issue.
On Tuesday, a list of competitors was released on the official website of the Arnold Classic. Winklaar was not one of the athletes listed. This event will take place on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Winklaar has not yet officially said that he is out but an Instagram post on Tuesday could be telling.
“As the saying goes: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”.I believe there’s a higher purpose and a far bigger reason for everything in life. Notwithstanding that, I am far from done ? @yamamotonutrition“
Roelly Winklaar officially joined the list of competitors for the Arnold Classic on June 29, along with New York Pro winner Nick Walker. With less than a week until competition, Winklaar appears to be out and there has not been a replacement named.
Winklaar is now the third name to withdraw from the competition. 2017 AC champion Cedric McMillan pulled out of the competition with an injury while Lionel Beyeke was forced to dropout because of travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
Over the years, Winklaar has put together an impressive career with 11 total victories. He has appeared in the Arnold Classic five times and is a nine-time Olympia competitor.
Winklaar is qualified to compete in this year’s Olympia. He will look to return to the biggest stage after a difficult year. Winklaar pulled out of the 2020 Arnold Classic to train for the 2020 Olympia. He was forced to miss that as well after testing positive for COVID. Winklaar was able to return during the Chicago Pro, where he placed fifth, and finished second to Nathan De Asha during the Europa Pro.
As of now, there are still 11 names set to compete on Saturday. Here is the full lineup as of Tuesday afternoon:
William Bonac
Maxx Charles
Seung Chul Lee
Mohamed El Eman
Steve Kuclo
Hassan Mostafa
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Justin Rodriguez
Iain Valliere
Akim Williams
Nick Walker
We will have to wait and see if Winklaar is able to get healthy in order to step on the biggest stage in 2021. The Olympia is set for Oct. 7-10 in Orlando.
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2021 Arnold Classic: How To Tune In, Competitors To Watch
Here is how to tune in to the 2021 Arnold Classic and the athletes to keep an eye on.
The bodybuilding season is approaching some of the biggest events of the year. It begins with the 2021 Arnold Classic, which will take place on Sept. 25 in Columbus, OH. If you are not able to be there in person, it is important to know how to watch the show from the comfort of your own home.
The Arnold Sports Festival will be providing a free webcast for those who cannot be there. The prejudging webcast begins at 10 A.M. and the finals webcast will begin at 6:30 P.M. The commentators are unknown at this time but it is likely that Arnold Schwarzenegger and 2017 Arnold Classic Champion Cedric McMillan will be involved — whether it is on commentary or on stage.
The 2021 Arnold Classic will feature four divisions. This is a condensed version of the show that was pushed back because of COVID-19. The 2020 show featured eight divisions. In 2021, expect some of the top competitors from Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Bikini, and Fitness to be present.
Below, you can find the full list of competitors along with the biggest names to keep an eye on once the event begins.
2021 Arnold Classic: Athletes To Watch
Men’s Open
William Bonac is the clear name to watch heading into Columbus. He is the reigning champion after winning his second Arnold Classic in 2020 — 2018 was his first victory. Bonac has competed in every Olympia since 2014 with a second-place finish in 2019. The lineup is missing two big names with McMillan withdrawing with an injury and Lionel Beyeke dealing with travel restrictions.
Bonac will have to deal with the likes of Iain Valliere and Steve Kuclo. Valliere has been dynamic in 2021 so far with victories at the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro in consecutive weekends. He has been training heavy in the gym but has been able to keep his incredible physique in competition shape. Kuclo, who finished second to Valliere in the Texas Pro, will enter with experience at the Arnold Classic and with six Olympia appearances under his belt.
Akim Williams and Hassan Mostafa are other impact performers. Williams picked up a victory and Olympia qualification during the Puerto Rico Pro. Mostafa is currently second in the points standings with an eye on the biggest competition of the year.
Complete Roster
William Bonac
Maxx Charles
Mohamed El Emam
Steve Kuclo
Seung Chul Lee
Hassan Mostafa
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Justin Rodriguez
Iain Valliere
Nick Walker
Akim Williams
Roelly Winklaar
Classic Physique
Alex Cambronero is one of the returning champs from the 2020 Arnold Classic. He has a chance to be the first repeat champion in the Classic Physique division here in 2021. Cambronero switched to Classic Physique from 212 after a successful run in that division. Cambronero finished fourth in last year’s Olympia.
One of the competitors who bested Cambronero at the 2020 Olympia was Terrence Ruffin. He finished second to Chris Bumstead. Ruffin finished second to Cambronero at the Arnold Classic last season so this storyline is one to keep an eye on heading into the event. Courage Opara is a dark-horse contender for the title this year after finishing in the top three in each of the last two years.
Complete Roster
Alex Cambronero
Deontrai Campbell
Jarek Crew
Logan Franklin
Bryan Jones
Fabian Mayr
Courage Opara
Terrence Ruffin
Tony Tavares
Dani Younan
Bikini
Elisa Pecini has been a force in the Bikini division for years now. She is coming off a victory at the 2020 Arnold Classic and 2019 Olympia Bikini. She finished sixth at the Olympia last year but will look to return to dominance. Jennifer Dorie seems to be her biggest competition, along with Lauralie Chapados. Dorie finished second at the 2020 Olympia and Chapados won the Chicago Pro this year.
Ashley Kaltwasser and Breena Martinez have both been on stage this season which will help moving forward. The Bikini division is extremely competitive and that makes for an entertaining show in Columbus.
Complete Roster
Romina Basauldo
Lauralie Chapados
Jennifer Dorie
Jasmine Gonzalez
Ashley Kaltwasser
Jourdanne Lee
Priscilla Leimbacher
Breena Martinez
Gabriella Messias
Elisa Pecini
Fitness
Missy Truscott is the reigning Olympia and Fitness International champion. Who did she defeat in both? That would be Oksana Grishina and Whitney Jones. This makes for a must-see division at the Arnold Classic.
Grishina has totaled 13 victories from 2011-2017 before taking some time off. Jones finished third in the Olympia and won the 2018 and 2019 Mr. Olympia and 2018 Figure International competition. There is a strong chance that this group finishes at the top in this event but there are other names to watch, such as Aurika Tyrgale.
Complete Roster
Jaclyn Baker
Darrian Borello
Amanda Ciani
Oksana Grishina
Whitney Jones
Sally Kendall-Williams
Ariel Khadr
Minna Pajulahti
Missy Truscott
Aurika Tyrgale
Generation Iron will have full coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Nick Walker Provides Physique Update Ahead Of 2021 Arnold Classic
Nick Walker looks insane in preparation for the 2021 Arnold Classic.
Nick Walker is primed and ready for some of the biggest events of the year. He won the 2021 New York Pro back in May and this gave him qualification to the 2021 Olympia. Before Walker has a chance to compete at the biggest event of the year, he will be on stage at the 2021 Arnold Classic.
The Arnold Classic will take place on Sept. 25 in Columbu, Ohio. We are about four weeks out from the competition and Walker gave a physique update ahead of the event.
“4 weeks out New York proVs4 weeks out Arnold classic
Changes have been made.”
It has been almost four months since Nick Walker was walking across the stage of the New York Pro as a winner. As crazy as he looked during that event, Walker has added visible size. His back and arms have been pumped up ahead of the Arnold Classic. This is in attempt to pick up another victory and the lineup will pose a great challenge.
There are some big names set to compete in Columbus. Walker will go up against the likes of Maxx Charles, Iain Valliere, Akim Williams, and more.
Nick Walker has been giving frequent updates of his progress on Instagram. In his pictures, the poses are similar and they are taken with great lighting. Walker is looking to continue to be one of the up-and-coming stars in the sport of bodybuilding for years to come. He picked up a victory in the New York Pro and will now compete for the first time in the Arnold Classic and Olympia.
Three short days ago, Walker shared a post where his goals are simple — “I’m coming to win.”
We will be seeing more of Nick Walker over the next four weeks leading up to the Arnold Classic in Columbus. At this point, Walker will enter the competition as one of the favorites and there is still some more time to progress. It will be a must-watch event and Walker wants to take home the victory.
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Cedric McMillan Withdraws From 2021 Arnold Classic
Cedric McMillan will miss the event while still recovering from injuries.
Cedric McMillan was forced to miss the 2020 Olympia because of different injuries and operations. He was expected to make his return during the 2021 Arnold Classic in September in Columbus, Ohio. McMillan recently announced that his plans for a return will have to be put on hold.
McMillan shared a post on Instagram detailing his most recent setback. He is still recovering from surgery to repair a broken hand. McMillan received this operation back in February and has been unable to train. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait to see McMillan back on stage.
“Just wanted to let everybody know I won’t be able to compete at the Arnold this year as I’m still recovering and the docs were like “uhh nope Mr McMillan”, this is the first year I’ve missed since my first one in 2013. I can’t wait to get back on that stage. But guess what, I will be there as part of the broadcast team!,” Cedric McMillan wrote.
“Hopefully me and Arnold can call the show together, that would be an honor for me. I hope to help bring a different feel and experience to all of you that will be watching the show online. Pray for me that I don’t say to many curse words haha”
The Arnold Classic has an impressive lineup for the event and McMillan was set to be one of the biggest names. This also impacts McMillan’s status for the 2021 Olympia. It is now likely that he will have to miss his second-straight competition unless he receives a special invitation and can accept it.
Cedric McMillan last competed during the 2020 Arnold Classic, where he placed sixth. His last victory came during the 2019 Romans Muscle Fest Pro Men’s Bodybuilding. McMillan has competed in each Arnold Classic since 2013 with his best finish coming in 2018 when he placed third.
McMillan did not provide any specific details on his latest setback but it is likely that he will not be back on stage for awhile. Fans are hoping that he can get healthy and back to competing soon enough.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Responds After ‘Screw Your Freedom’ Comments
After making comments about anti-maskers, Arnold Schwarzenegger has responded once again.
There has been plenty of backlash against Arnold Schwarzenegger since his recent comments about anti-maskers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Screw your freedom” is the phrase that has not been received well from many. Schwarzenegger continued by calling people who do not wear masks “schmucks.”
Different companies and individuals have commented and began taking action following these comments. Schwarzenegger himself recently responded following his comments in a recent column with The Atlantic.
“I’ll admit, calling people schmucks and saying “Screw your freedom” was a little much, even if I stand by the sentiment. But there is nothing that I’m more passionate about than keeping America great, and it’s the only subject that can make me lose my temper,” Schwarzenegger wrote.
Arnold Schwarzenegger knew that he would receive backlash for his comments but did not exactly take them back. He continued discussing responsibilities that Americans should have.
“But some of the responses really worried me. Many people told me that the Constitution gives them rights, but not responsibilities. They feel no duty to protect their fellow citizens.”
“That’s when I realized we all need a civics lesson. I can’t help but wonder how much better off we’d be if Americans took a step back from politics and spent a minute thinking about how lucky we are to call this country home. Instead of tweeting, we could think about what we owe to the patriots who came before us and those who will follow us.”
On Monday, REDCON1 CEO Aaron Singerman announced that his company will no longer be sponsors of the Arnold Classic. Mutant Nutrition will replace REDCON1 as spoors at the event this year. Executives of the event have confirmed that there is no sponsorship issue with the Arnold Classic.
Senior event manager Brent LaLonde recently spoke with Generation Iron’s Edwin Mejia Jr. and assured that the Arnold Classic events will continue to be first-class events with many sponsors continuing to work with the brand. They are also offering for REDCON1 athletes to still participate in the event.
“We are appreciative of all of the companies and people that are working with us to support the athletes and fans that are looking forward to being in Columbus,” executives of the Arnold Classic have said.
“As always, Arnold will personally pay for the travel of athletes. If REDCON1 won’t supper their efforts to compete in the Arnold Classic, we will make sure they have the chance to be onstage. This show isn’t political.”
Along with REDCON1’s decision to withdraw as a sponsor, Brian Shaw has recently taken down posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his gym. Many took offense to Schwarzenegger’s comments about freedom in America, especially with him finding great success in many areas after coming from Austria. This is something that Schwarzenegger addressed as well.
“I am an immigrant. This country gave me everything. I often tell people not to call me self-made; I prefer to call myself American-made. My success would have been impossible without the principles of the United States and the generosity of Americans.”
Generation Iron will continue to provide updates as more news come out involving this story. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Header photo credit: Gage Skidmore
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