When was the first Arnold Classic?
The first Arnold Classic was staged in 1989, and it’s been held annually ever since, usually on the first weekend in March, though Covid upended that for two years. It was preceded by the Pro World Championships, launched in 1979 and also promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, the pair promoted six Mr. Olympia contests in Columbus: 1976-79, ’81, ’86.
The first international Arnold Classic was held in Spain in 2011, followed by Brazil in 2013 and Australia in 2015.
Why Columbus, Ohio?
Arnold Schwarzenegger won the 1970 Pro Mr. World at the Veteran’s Memorial in Columbus, Ohio, defeating Sergio Olivia for the first time (two weeks before Arnold beat Sergio in the 1970 Mr. Olympia). There he began a friendship with that show’s promoter, Jim Lorimer, that later, after Arnold retired, led to them co-promoting pro contests in Lorimer’s Ohio hometown. (Jim Lorimer died in 2022 at 96.)
From 1970 to 2014, the Veteran’s Memorial auditorium was the closest thing bodybuilding had to a classic venue, its Wrigley Field or Boston Garden, home to six Mr. Olympias and 26 Arnold Classics. In 2015 it was demolished to make way for a true Veteran’s Memorial, including a grove, reflecting pool, and museum. Since then the Arnold has been held in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
How are Arnold Classic competitors selected?
The Arnold Classic is an invitational. A select few IFBB Pro League competitors are invited by the the promoters to compete in this prestigious event. The lineup of those who have agreed to compete is typically announced in December for the following March’s contest.
How many Arnold Classic competitors are there?
In the men’s open contest, there have been as many as 19 (1992), but in recent years the average is 13. Due to five competitors dropping out, 2022 was the smallest lineup with only nine competitors. There will be 10 competitors in 2023.
Who has the most Arnold Classic entries?
Sticking to only the prestigious American contest, Dexter Jackson competed in 17 Arnold Classics, a record of longevity and excellence that may never be broken. “The Blade” landed in the top five in all but his first one, and was in the top three 10 times.
Who has the most Arnold Classic wins?
Again looking at only the Columbus contest, Dexter Jackson has five Arnold Classic victories, another record that seems safe for the foreseeable future. Flex Wheeler has four. Kai Greene and Jay Cutler have three. Cutler is the only champ to win three in a row.
Who are the youngest and oldest Arnold Classic winners?
The youngest was Shawn Ray who was 25 in 1991. Nick Walker was the second youngest at 26 when he won in 2021.
The oldest was Dexter Jackson, who won his fifth A.C. title at 45 in 2015. He was also second at 50 in his 17th and final Arnold in 2020.
By the way, The Barbell‘s study concluded that the average age of Arnold Classic winners is 32.3.
How many Arnold Classic champs have also won the Mr. Olympia?
Only four of the 20 Arnold Classic champs are among the 17 Mr. Olympia winners. It took awhile to happen. Ronnie Coleman, then the reigning Mr. Olympia, was the first in 2001. Jay Cutler won the Olympia four times after winning the Arnold three times (2002-04). Dexter Jackson won the 2008 Mr. Olympia after winning three Arnolds (2005-06, 2008) and before winning two more (2013 and 2015). Brandon Curry won the 2019 Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia and won the Arnold again in 2022.
As for the other Mr. O’s of the Arnold Classic era, Lee Haney and Dorian Yates never entered the Arnold. Phil Heath competed in three American Arnolds and finished second twice: 2008 and 2010 (when many thought he should’ve won). The late Shawn Rhoden entered two, placing second in 2014. So far, Big Ramy has been in only one, 2020, finishing third months before winning his first Olympia. But he is competing in the 2023 Arnold Classic.
What other events are part of the Arnold Classic?
The Ms. International (women’s bodybuilding) was held with the Arnold Classic from 1989-2013. The Fitness International was launched in 1994 and has been a popular part of the Arnold ever since. Other categories in 2023 are: Bikini International, Wellness International, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, and Pro Wheelchair, as well as the popular Arnold Strongman Classic, which has been staged every year since 2002. The Arnold Amateur (bodybuilding) and numerous other amateur sport and fitness championships are part of the broader Arnold Sports Festival.
Who are the Arnold Classic winners?
There have been 19 over the 35-year history of the Arnold.
1989 – Rich Gaspari
1990 – Mike Ashley
1991 – Shawn Ray
1992 – Vince Taylor
1993 – Flex Wheeler
1994 – Kevin Levrone
1995 – Michael Francois
1996 – Kevin Levrone
1997 – Flex Wheeler
1998 – Flex Wheeler
1999 – Nasser El Sonbaty
2000 – Flex Wheeler
2001 – Ronnie Coleman
2002 – Jay Cutler
2003 – Jay Cutler
2004 – Jay Cutler
2005 – Dexter Jackson
2006 – Dexter Jackson
2007 – Victor Martinez
2008 – Dexter Jackson
2009 – Kai Greene
2010 – Kai Greene
2011 – Branch Warren
2012 – Branch Warren
2013 – Dexter Jackson
2014 – Dennis Wolf
2015 – Dexter Jackson
2016 – Kai Greene
2017 – Cedric McMillan
2018 – William Bonac
2019 – Brandon Curry
2020 – William Bonac
2021 – Nick Walker
2022 – Brandon Curry
2023 – Samson Dauda
For all the Arnold records, check out: Arnold Classic Record Book
