2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Prejudging Report & Analysis
The highly anticipated 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open division took center stage on Friday night, showcasing some of the most elite physiques in the sport. As one of bodybuilding’s most prestigious events, the competition was fierce, with athletes battling for dominance in front of an eager audience.
Reigning Arnold Classic champion Hadi Choopan opted not to defend his title, leaving the field open for a new victor. However, all eyes were on Samson Dauda, the reigning Mr. Olympia, who has ascended to the pinnacle of the bodybuilding hierarchy. Dauda claimed his first Olympia victory in 2024, overcoming both Choopan and 2023’s Olympia champion, Derek Lunsford, who finished third in his title defense.
The prejudging round saw Dauda and Lunsford positioned in the center during the initial callout, signaling the marquee showdown that fans and judges alike anticipated. Their commanding presence onstage underscored the intense rivalry between them. Andrew Jacked and former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry also delivered impressive showings, solidifying themselves as top contenders. As the judges shuffled the lineup, it became evident that the battle for third place would be just as contentious, with Jacked and Curry being repositioned strategically to determine who held the edge.
A critical fifth callout saw veteran competitor William Bonac and Shaun Clarida placed in the center, potentially vying for the final spot in the coveted top five. The judges then called back Dauda, Lunsford, and Jacked for a climactic fifth and final comparison, emphasizing the significance of their physiques in this year’s title race.
With prejudging officially concluded, the stage is now set for an electrifying final showdown on Saturday night. The judges’ comparisons and strategic callouts provide key insights into how the competition is shaping up. Stay tuned for a full breakdown and analysis of the final results from the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open.
Full 2025 Arnold Classic Prejudging Callout Recaps & Analysis
First Callout
Derek Lunsford
Akim Williams
Brandon Curry
Andrew Jacked
Samson Dauda
William Bonac
Second Callout
Husameddin Elisawi
Shaun Clarida
Patrick Moore
Justin Rodriguez
Carlos Thomas Jr.
James Hollingshead
Third Callout
Derek Lunsford
Brandon Curry
Andrew Jacked
Samson Dauda
Fourth Callout
Akim Williams
Shaun Clarida
William Bonac
James Hollingshead
Fifth Callout
Derek Lunsford
Samson Dauda
Andrew Jacked
2025 Arnold Classic Results & Schedule
Friday
Prejudging (12:30pm-1:30pm)
Classic Physique
Fitness
Wellness
Finals (7pm-9:30pm)
Classic Physique
Fitness
Wellness
Men’s Open — Prejudging
Saturday
Prejudging (10am-Noon)
Men’s Physique
Bikini
Pro Wheelchair — Finals
Finals (7pm-10pm)
Men’s Open
Men’s Physique
Bikini
