Bodybuilding Crowned
What happened
Nigerian athlete Andrew Jacked claimed the 2026 Arnold Classic title, earning a record $750,000 prize plus $10,000 for best posing.
Why it matters
Jacked's victory marks a significant step in his career, considering he finished third at the Arnold Classic last year. Before dedicating himself to bodybuilding, the Nigerian athlete was a kickboxer, engineer, and military officer. His bodybuilding breakthrough came in 2021 after winning the EBBF Ajman Bodybuilding and Physique Contest in the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 Arnold Classic significantly upped the stakes, offering a record $750,000 prize for the Men's Open division. This increase is part of a trend, with Arnold Schwarzenegger boosting the prize money multiple times since 2020. The total purse for the event reached $1.5 million. Andrew Jacked's impressive back width gave him a decisive advantage, especially in rear poses. He also won an additional $10,000 for the Ed Corney Best Poser Award. Nick Walker secured second place and $10,000 for the Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award. The Arnold Classic, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, has grown into a major multi-sport event. Over 20,000 athletes participated in the 38th annual festival in Columbus, Ohio. The event included bodybuilding, strongman contests, and a fitness expo.
Key numbers
- Nigerian athlete Andrew Jacked claimed the 2026 Arnold Classic title, earning a record $750,000 prize plus $10,000 for best posing.
- His bodybuilding breakthrough came in 2021 after winning the EBBF Ajman Bodybuilding and Physique Contest in the United Arab Emirates.
- The 2026 Arnold Classic significantly upped the stakes, offering a record $750,000 prize for the Men's Open division.
- This increase is part of a trend, with Arnold Schwarzenegger boosting the prize money multiple times since 2020.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Bodybuilding Crowned?
Nigerian athlete Andrew Jacked claimed the 2026 Arnold Classic title, earning a record $750,000 prize plus $10,000 for best posing.
Why does Bodybuilding Crowned matter?
Jacked's victory marks a significant step in his career, considering he finished third at the Arnold Classic last year. Before dedicating himself to bodybuilding, the Nigerian athlete was a kickboxer, engineer, and military officer. His bodybuilding breakthrough came in 2021 after winning the EBBF Ajman Bodybuilding and Physique Contest in the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 Arnold Classic significantly upped the stakes, offering a record $750,000 prize for the Men's Open division. This increase is part of a trend, with Arnold Schwarzenegger boosting the prize money multiple times since 2020. The total purse for the event reached $1.5 million. Andrew Jacked's impressive back width gave him a decisive advantage, especially in rear poses. He also won an additional $10,000 for the Ed Corney Best Poser Award. Nick Walker secured second place and $10,000 for the Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award. The Arnold Classic, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, has grown into a major multi-sport event. Over 20,000 athletes participated in the 38th annual festival in Columbus, Ohio. The event included bodybuilding, strongman contests, and a fitness expo.
