2025 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Results — Derek Lunsford Reigns Supreme
Derek Lunsford Claims the 2025 Arnold Classic Men's Open Title in a Heated Showdown Against Samson Dauda!
The 2025 Arnold Classic, featuring some of the biggest names in Open Bodybuilding, wrapped up on March 1 in Columbus, OH. In a highly competitive battle, Derek Lunsford emerged victorious, etching his name in Arnold Classic history. Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked rounded out the podium with second and third-place finishes, respectively.
From the outset of prejudging, it was evident that this was shaping up to be a razor-thin three-way contest between Andrew Jacked, reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda, and Derek Lunsford. Dauda brought an improved, fuller package compared to his Olympia showing, presenting a well-rounded and aesthetic physique. However, his biggest challenge came in the form of two drastically different yet equally dangerous opponents—Lunsford’s dense muscle maturity and Jacked’s towering structure and shape.
During both prejudging and the finals, Lunsford looked colossal, showcasing muscle fullness, deep separation, and next-level conditioning. His time spent refining his physique under the guidance of Chris Aceto clearly paid dividends. His leg development, once a concern, looked dialed in, while his upper body size, particularly his arms and chest, appeared significantly enhanced. This created a balanced, symmetrical, and aesthetically dominant look, allowing him to edge out Dauda.
2025 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Results:
Samson Dauda took a significant gamble by stepping onto the Arnold Classic stage as the reigning Mr. Olympia, opting for minimal time off between competitions. His muscular density, commanding stage presence, and razor-sharp side poses made him a formidable opponent. Having claimed victory at the Arnold Classic in 2023, he came in determined to reclaim the throne.
However, Derek Lunsford, the 2023 Mr. Olympia runner-up, came with something to prove. His granite-hard conditioning, improved proportions, and undeniable muscle detail carried him through the final callouts, ultimately securing him the Arnold Classic championship on his debut appearance. The battle for bronze saw Andrew Jacked hold his own, delivering a flawless combination of height, shape, and round muscle bellies.
Final Standings & Prize Money:
🥇 Winner — Derek Lunsford ($500,000)
🥈 Second Place — Samson Dauda
🥉 Third Place — Andrew Jacked
🏅 Fourth Place — Brandon Curry
🏅 Fifth Place — William Bonac
🏅 Sixth Place — Akim Williams
🏅 Seventh Place — Shaun Clarida
🏅 Eighth Place — James Hollingshead
🏅 Ninth Place — Carlos Thomas Jr.
🏅 Tenth Place — Patrick Moore
Final Thoughts
With just ten elite athletes in the Open division, the 2025 Arnold Classic delivered a spectacle of mass, symmetry, and peak conditioning. Lunsford’s blend of freaky muscle detail and crisp separation proved to be the winning formula, while Dauda and Jacked solidified their status as top-tier threats on the pro bodybuilding circuit.
This year's Arnold Classic set the stage for a thrilling road to the next Mr. Olympia showdown, where these elite competitors will clash once again. What are your thoughts on the results of the 2025 Arnold Classic?
