Tag: arnold classic
Arnold Classic Moments: The History Of Arnold Classic Champions Part 2 (2005-2018)
Shawn Ray continues his breakdown of every Arnold Classic champion up to 2017.
ARNOLD CLASSIC MOMENTS – is a special video series commemorating the 30 year anniversary of one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions in the world. Legendary bodybuilders tell their personal moments in the Arnold Classic and share the oral history of what makes this specific competition rise above the rest – making a lasting impression for years to come. Each new moment airs every Thursday.
Shawn Ray returns for part two of this two part video special recounting and breaking down every single Arnold Classic champion from 1989 to the present. This second installment covers the latter half of the event’s long and prestigious history – specifically 2005 to 2017.
With the sport further evolving, these later years of the Arnold Classic competition is most notable for how it lead the charge towards changing how the world looked at mass monsters and judged physiques.
Not only did Cedric McMillan’s work on stage lead the way for the introduction of the Classic Physique division (mostly because of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments about Cedric’s physique and how he should have won) – but the competition also changed policy to put scored judging on the actual art of the posing routine. This brings back the artistry behind posing and will perhaps further change the way we see routines in future years.
See the complete evolution and rundown of the best champions the Arnold Classic had to offer in the full video above!
2022 Arnold Classic Analysis: Terrence Ruffin Vs Ramon Rocha Queiroz Battle For First
Terrence Ruffin stays strong front and center as Ramon Rocha Queiroz seemingly edges out Breon Ansley at the 2022 Arnold Classic pre-judging.
Friday afternoon held the day one pre-judging at the 2022 Arnold Classic, with the Classic Physique division taking center stage of the group. This year’s lineup was certainly stacked – with many pointing out that the roster included basically all top tier athletes from the Olympia minus Chris Bumstead. Many were excited to see how top competitors Terrence Ruffin and Breon Ansley would compare. Others were excited for relative newcomers and rising stars Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Rocha Queiroz. Ultimately, the Classic Physique comparison round ended with a strong face-off between returning champ Terrence Ruffin and Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
In what might come as a surprise to longtime fans fo the Arnold Classic, the pre-judging round for Classic Physique was relatively short. In total there were only three callouts. And most notably, the final callout did not involve any shifting of athletes. Each competitor stayed in their exact spot as they were originally called out.
Typically, head judge Steve Weinberger likes to keep both the athletes and the audience off balance by swapping competitors around. He also often will push the final callout with multiple posing rounds. This time he kept it short and sweet.
So what does that tell us? Perhaps that the judges feel confident in who will be landing in the top positions. Terrence Ruffin and Ramon Rocha Queiroz stood squarely in the center of the four person callout. While that leaves no room for a direct center athlete – it’s clear that these two were battling for first place. Ruffin in particular looked to be the absolute standout.
2022 Arnold Classic Pre-Judging: The Top 4 Standout Competitors
The final callout also seemed to match up with how the individual posing rounds were perceived. Terrence Ruffin was the first to pose – setting the standard that all other competitors needed to match up towards. Ruffin is the returning champion, so there was already some weight behind him starting first with posing routines. In addition to this, the moment he stepped on stage, he showcased an incredible package.
Urs Kalecinski also turned some heads upon stepping onto the stage for his posing routine. Urs has been gaining a lot of hype due to his physique updates on social media leading into the show. He’s a relative newcomer – but he did not disappoint. At first, it seemed that he would perhaps be impressive enough to land a first place spot. Though the final callouts seem to indicate he might be pushed down somewhere closer to third or fourth.
Ramon Rocha Queiroz, on the other hand, seemed to bring a wonderful package but one that was falling a little short. Originally, upon his individual routine, we had him placed closer to the bottom fo the top 5 pack. All of that changed upon seeing him standing next to his fellow competitors. Not only did he stand out among the other athletes on stage – he was placed by the judges right in the middle next to Terrence Ruffin. He was also never moved from that spot – despite being put through two complete rounds of posing.
Breon Ansley continues to bring a solid physique. Upon seeing his individual posing routine, we could see him easily landing a second place spot. But there is a world of difference between individual rounds and the comparison rounds. Ramon, perhaps using his height to his advantage, kept drawing eyes closer to his overall package in the final callout.
That being said, a lot can change in the six or so hours between the pre-judging and the finals. Each of these competitors will reflect on the callouts, review video if possible, and determine how they can improve ever so slightly to change the outcome of the final results. All four of these competitors have a chance to re-arrange what we saw in the final callout this afternoon.
One competitor that we see staying in place is Terrence Ruffin. Unless he makes some sort of fatal mistake leading into the finals, he brought a near perfect package. We predict that he will land the first place spot and the rest will battle for second. While Ramon Rocha Queiroz seems a shoe-in currently for second, we can see a scenario where Breon Ansley creeps up above him to grab that second place spot.
Only time will tell – and Generation Iron will continue to provide updates, analysis, and result updates later tonight when we return for the 2022 Arnold Classic finals!
Arnold Classic Moments: The History Of Arnold Classic Champions Part 1 (1989-2004)
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Shawn Ray breaks down every single Arnold Classic champion in part 1 of this 2 part special.
ARNOLD CLASSIC MOMENTS – is a special video series commemorating the 30 year anniversary of one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions in the world. Legendary bodybuilders tell their personal moments in the Arnold Classic and share the oral history of what makes this specific competition rise above the rest – making a lasting impression for years to come. Each new moment airs every Thursday.
Shawn Ray is not only a legendary bodybuilding competitor with many titles under his belt – he is also a walking encyclopedia of bodybuilding history and knowledge. That’s why for this special 2 part episode of Arnold Classic Moments, Shawn gives us a year by year look at each Arnold Classic champion starting from 1989 through to 2004.
Not only does this act as a look back at the evolution of the Arnold Classic itself – but also the evolution of bodybuilding physiques and what constituted a champion in each decade.
There were ups and downs, near misses and redemptions, and even a sneak peak at young athletes who would eventually become repeat Mr. Olympia winners. Brush up on your bodybuilding history in the full video above!
How To Watch The 2022 Arnold Classic Event
A complete guide on how to watch the 2022 Arnold Classic. Including Pro Bodybuilding, Strongman, Slap Fight Championships & More.
The 2022 Arnold Classic and Arnold Sports Festival takes place on March 4-5, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. The event is one of the largest pro bodybuilding competitions second only to the Mr. Olympia. It is also one of the biggest sports festivals in the world featuring 60+ sporting events. As for the pro bodybuilding competition specifically – divisions will be split up across both days with the Men’s Open pre-judging on Friday and the Finals on Saturday. Not able to make it to Ohio in person? Here’s our complete guide on how to watch the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The Arnold Classic is considered by many to be the official start of the IFBB Pro and NPC bodybuilding season. While there are occasionally competitions that crop up earlier, the floodgates open up after the Arnold Classic’s early March event date. Being the second largest pro bodybuilding competition – it’s also seen as a predictor of what we might expect later in the year at the Olympia 2022.
Also of note is that the Arnold Classic has switched up their scheduling a bit compared to previous years. Typically, the pre-judging and the finals for Men’s Open occur in the same day. This year, the event seems to be following a similar format to the Mr. Olympia – with the pre-judging capping off Friday night followed by the finals on Saturday.
While seemingly insignificant, this provides a different timing between the two rounds of the competition. After pre-judging, competitors often adjust as much as they can based on the scoring of the comparison rounds in the hopes of locking in the best possible result. With 24 hours between rounds instead of just 5 or 6 – the tactic on how to improve in that time period changes. Giving more room for improvement… or a stumble.
How To Watch The Arnold Classic 2022
Unlike previous years, the 2022 Arnold Classic will be a pay-per-view event on FanMio for $24.99. This price gets you entire access to the event including not only the Pro Bodybuilding competition but also Strongman, the newly announced Slap Fighting Championships, and many more of the 60+ events. Once purchased, The PPV can also be watched on any device and screencast onto your television via devices such as Roku, Chromecast, or other major streaming services.
You can buy the PPV event via FanMio at their official website right here.
2022 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Line Up
Unfortunately, many elite competitors announced that they will no longer be able to compete at the 2022 Arnold Classic. This includes Cedric McMillan, Nathan De Asha, Mohamed Shaaban, Akim Williams and Rafael Brandão.
That being said, there is still an exciting lineup with a guaranteed new champion – as 2021 champ Nick Walker is not competing. Here’s the current line up as it stands now:
Brandon Curry (USA)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brazil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Arnold Classic 2022 Schedule
The 2022 Arnold Classic PPV live stream is including a lot of options for events to watch over the course of the entire weekend. You can see the full schedule on their official website. We’ve broken down the highlights and key events below:
FRIDAY
12pm-2pm (EST): Classic Physique, Fitness, & Figure Pre-Judging
3pm-7pm (EST): Arnold Strongman Classic Events
5:30pm-7:30pm (EST): Arnold Strongwoman Classic Events
7pm-9:30pm (EST): Classic Physique, Fitness, and Figure Finals + Men’s Open Pre-Judging
SATURDAY
10am-12pm (EST): Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness Pre-Judging
12pm-1pm (EST): Pro Wheelchair Pre-Judging and Finals
2pm-7pm (EST): Arnold Strongman Classic Events and Finals
2pm-5pm (EST): Slap Fighting Championships
5pm-7pm (EST): Arnold Strongwoman Classic Events and Finals
7pm-10pm (EST): Men’s Physique, Wellness, Bikini, and Men’s Open Finals
SUNDAY
3pm-5pm (EST): Arnold Showcase Seminar (Post-Produced)
What To Expect
Of the nine competitors lined up for the 2022 Arnold Classic Men’s Open – two have previously one the prestigious title. Brandon Curry won not only the 2019 Arnold Classic but later went to be the 2019 Mr. Olympia champion. William Bonac is a two-time Arnold Classic champion – earning his titles in 2018 and 2020.
As it stands now, Brandon Curry is the favorite to take the prize this year – but Bonac has proven himself to be a true threat in every show he competes in. But with his sixth place finish at last year’s Mr. Olympia has many questioning what kind of shape we may see Bonac in. As it stands now – he might come back with a vengeance showing miraculous improvement. Or will he show that his prime years are starting to fade.
That being said, we can’t count out other competitors on this list from rising tall and causing an upset. Relative newcomer Brett Wilkin has been catching a lot of hype based on his physique updates on social media. Regan Grimes has also been turning heads especially with his announcement last year of working with Milos Sarcev as his coach. Steve Kuclo, a consistent bodybuilder with an impressive physique, is also predicted by many to get into the top 3 or at least the top 5. Only time will tell.
Generation Iron will be providing complete coverage of the event including pre-judging reports and analysis, breaking news, and final results. Make sure to check out our official coverage page right here for updates.
Arnold Classic Moments: How The Arnold Classic Stopped Ronnie Coleman From Quitting Bodybuilding
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ARNOLD CLASSIC MOMENTS – is a special video series looking back at the history of one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions in the world. Legendary bodybuilders tell their personal moments in the Arnold Classic and share the oral history of what makes this specific competition rise above the rest – making a lasting impression for years to come. Each new moment airs every Thursday.
Ronnie Coleman is one of the most legendary bodybuilders of all time. He is known as setting the impossible new standard for what a mass monster should look like and won eight Mr. Olympia titles over his entire career (a world record tied only with Lee Haney). But Ronnie Coleman wasn’t born a Mr. Olympia champion – he struggled and learned how to improve – landing low placings until he unlocked his true potential.
Part of these struggles involved a moment where he thought he would stop competing. The Arnold Classic changed all of that and led him on a path to the champion we know and love today.
In this installment of Arnold Classic Moments, Ronnie Coleman himself recounts a serious injury right before the Mr. Olympia… and the recovery that lasted months right up to the Arnold Classic. Landing low at competitions in between, such as the Iron Man competition, Ronnie believed that it was time for him to give up bodybuilding. Then he stepped onto the Arnold Classic stage and everything changed. Hear the full story from the man himself in the video above.
Arnold Classic Moments: Rich Gaspari & The First Ever Arnold Classic Victory
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The moment Rich Gaspari won the first ever Arnold Classic.
ARNOLD CLASSIC MOMENTS – is a special video series commemorating the 30 year anniversary of one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions in the world. Legendary bodybuilders tell their personal moments in the Arnold Classic and share the oral history of what makes this specific competition rise above the rest – making a lasting impression for years to come. Each new moment airs every Thursday.
Rich Gaspari is a legendary name for many reasons. He landed in second place multiple years in the Mr. Olympia and is considered one of the top uncrowned champions in that competition. He started Gaspari Nutrition – which changed the game for supplements in bodybuilding.
He is also the first ever Arnold Classic champion – winning the original contest when he was only 25 years old. It’s a stellar accomplishment that can never be taken away from him and an integral part of the epic history of the Arnold Classic.
To this day and for that very reason – Rich Gaspari has been constantly involved with the Arnold Classic Ohio competition and expo. He has nurtured the Arnold Classic Amateur – a testament to his own historical underdog status and his keen ability to sniff out future champions before the rest of the pack. He has consistently been a presence in the Arnold Classic over the past three decades.
So to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Arnold Classic – Rich Gaspari retells in vivid detail the moments leading up to his unforgettable victory. Transporting us all back to a very different time and revealing intimate details that make for a fascinating story. Watch the full oral history of the first ever Arnold Classic win above.
Hardcore Truth: Johnnie O. Jackson’s Arnold Classic 2022 Predictions
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth on who has the best shot for top placings at the Arnold Classic 2022.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down the Arnold Classic 2022 lineup and predicts who will land the top 5 placings.
After a wild and confusing two years, the Arnold Classic has returned to its traditional date with a full fledged weekend of competition in 2022. The Arnold Classic 2022 will be held in Columbus, Ohio on March 3-6 and kick off the bodybuilding season with a bang. There’s quite a stacked lineup, with some unfortunate last minute dropouts. That’s why Johnnie O. Jackson decided to dedicate this week’s episode of Hardcore Truth to breaking down the competitor lineup and predicting who will take the top five spots. Let’s jump into it.
The Arnold Classic 2022 Will Be A Battle Between Brandon Curry and William Bonac
Johnnie O. Jackson isn’t just a couch critic giving his unsolicited opinions on the Arnold Classic, he’s a pro bodybuilder and powerlifter with first hand experience in the sport. His critical eye is able to break down the finer details of what we can expect from the top competitors going into the Arnold Classic 2022. And it’s that level of insight that predicts Brandon Curry will likely win first place.
But it won’t be a clear and easy victory. Johnnie O. Jackson sees William Bonac as the biggest threat to Curry’s throne. Bonac seems to have a fire in his stomach after his somewhat lackluster placing at sixth place at the Mr. Olympia 2021. Jackson believes it’s this fire in combination with his impressive physique that might up the ante for the Arnold Classic.
Of course, Brandon Curry is a former Mr. Olympia champion and also placed second at the Olympia 2021. He’s seen constant improvements each year with hardly any setbacks. So Johnnie O. Jackson still gives the tip of first place to Curry at this moment. But the beauty of a live competition is that anything can happen – and the truth is that these two competitors are going to have a battle for the ages.
Akim Williams, Brett Wilkin, and Steve Kuclo To Likely Round Out The Top 5
Beyond the top two placing, Johnnie O. Jackson predicts that Akim Williams will likely rise up to earn third place in the competition. Williams has had an explosive couple few years bringing him into the conversation of threats for both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. With the current lineup as it stands – Jackson sees a clear path to third place for Williams.
Another notable bodybuilder turning heads is Brett Wilkin. A relative rookie in the sport, he has been shocking fans and experts alike with his physique updates. Based on what he’s seen, Johnnie O. Jackson believes that Wilkin can earn a solid fourth place spot. This nothing to slouch at – as it will put him truly in the spotlight for the rest of the season. He has some impressive potential to possibly be a future champion one day.
And bringing up the rear of the top five is Steve Kuclo. Kuclo has been a consistent and solid competitor over his entire career. His recent placings in 2021 seem to indicate that he can bring a powerful package to the Arnold Classic 2022.
Wrap Up
Johnnie O. Jackson goes into more detail about each competitor than we can cover here in this article. That’s why you should make sure to watch or listen to the full episode of Hardcore Truth above. Do you agree with Jackson’s predictions? Let us know by leaving your thoughts in the comments of the video or on our social channels!
Brett Wilkin Shares Physique Update 4 Weeks Out Of Arnold Classic
Brett Wilkin could be in for a big year on the bodybuilding stage.
Each year, there are different bodybuilders that step up and make a name for themselves. This season, it could be Brett Wilkin that is emerging as a threat. As the 2022 Arnold Classic quickly approaches, Wilkin shared a physique update where he is looking massive preparing for the competition.
Wilkin has a chance to compete for gold at this year’s Arnold Classic. It is a stacked field but he will be one of the athletes to watch. He remains a dark-horse in the competition but has a chance to make some big strides at the second biggest show of the year.
“Man in the mirror.
Focused on whooping this ass day in and day out.
4 weeks to go until the @arnoldsports, and I’m making sure to bring a show!”
Brett Wilkin earned his Pro Card in 2018 as a Classic Physique competitor. He did not compete in an IFBB show until 2019 after he made a move to 212. Wilkin would not last in 212 either and eventually landed in Men’s Open. When Wilkin made the move to Open bodybuilding, it was unknown how he would compete but he quickly showed his potential.
During the 2021 Chicago Pro, Wilkin went toe-to-toe with some of the top competitors in the world. He finished second at the competition and officially burst onto the scene. Now, he will continue to make improvements in order to take another step forward.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Rafael Brandão has withdrew his name from the event but there will be a stacked lineup appearing on stage. Brandon Curry has been highlighted as the favorite to win the event but Wilkin could be in line for a top-three finish. After looking at his recent physique update, it would not be surprising to see.
This could be the start of a successful year for Brett Wilkin. There is no doubt that eyes will be on the young bodybuilder when the Arnold Classic comes around in March.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Regan Grimes Looks Incredible 12 Weeks Out From 2022 Arnold Classic
Regan Grimes gives update 12 weeks out from Arnold Classic.
12 weeks out from the 2022 Arnold Classic, Regan Grimes has dropped a new update. The Men’s Open Bodybuilder is showing some great developments ahead of the show, one that he could possibly win.
It appears that Regan Grimes has really turned a corner in his career. From ending up in 15th place at the Olympia, Grimes has been looking pretty impressive. He’s been winning shows and improving his physique and presence on stage. With his new coach Milos Sarcev helping him, Grimes has become a top contender in the Men’s Open division.
Regan Grimes is looking to take his game to the next level. Obtaining a new coach has really helped him build up his physique. Milos Sarcev has clearly made a major impact on his career. Grimes has always had the elements of a high level champion but was missing certain elements. Sarcev is helping to bring those elements to light.
Not only has Regan Grimes been training with Milos Sarcev, he’s also been training with legends like Jay Cutler and Iris Kyle. Training with such high level veterans has clearly given Grimes an edge.
12 Weeks Out
Now ahead of the 2022 Arnold Classic Regan Grimes has revealed a physique update. From what we can see in this latest post is that Grimes has a well balanced physique and all the goods needed to be a potential dark horse in the division.
DAY ONE – I am unofficially 12 weeks out from the 2022 Arnold Classic?? I did apply to compete at the 2022 Arnold Classic; hopefully when the list comes out on the 15th, I’m on it!! Here is the starting point 280+lbs this morning. This first photo was taken after the crazy leg workout today, I could barely pose but practice starts now! Every single day. ?? Swipe to see some clips from the workout!
It’s clear that Regan Grimes has all the tools necessary to take his game to the next level. From this latest update you can already see signs of improvement from his last show. With Milos Sarcev by his side Grimes is already showing some great developments from his physique to his presentation. Can he win at the 2022 Arnold Classic? We’ll have to wait and see, but his chances are definitely favorable.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Arnold Classic Raises Classic Physique Prize Money Higher Than Olympia
The Arnold Classic raises prize money higher than the Olympia.
The Arnold Classic has raised the prize money for the Classic Physique. This change comes as a major surprise particularly since the payout is higher than that of the Olympia.
Bodybuilding has notoriously paid out a relatively light amount to competitors seeking glory. While winning a show may grant a person prestige, it certainly never paid out as much as it could. As a result many bodybuilders have had to take jobs that pay out far less than effort required. This meant bodybuilders would often train hard and push themselves to the brink while receiving very little money in return.
But now it appears the Arnold Classic is addressing that very issue. According to Terrence Ruffin, the Arnold Classic will indeed be paring out far more than even the Olympia for the Classic Physique division.
According to his recent Instagram post, Terrence Ruffin confirmed that the prize money for taking first in the Classic Physique division has gone from $7,000 to $60,000. Talk about a massive upgrade. Finally it appears that the competitors are getting what they deserve. Ruffian’s post details the increase in prize money with the following.
Guess the cats out of the bag lol. I’ll be defending my title at the 2022 Arnold Classic. I want to give a special thanks to @schwarzenegger and the entire @arnoldsports team. I made it clear that I had no intentions of doing the show if the prize money stayed the same as this year. Thankfully they saw the value that Classic Physique brings and stepped up to the plate. From 7k to 60k for first place is a huge win for the division.
It’s clear that the show runners at the Arnold Classic are trying to set a new precedent. They are trying to pay the athletes what they deserve. It’s about time that these athletes earn a prize more fitting for the amount of dedication they put into their preparation.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.