Arnold Classic UK underway
The Arnold Classic UK opened in Birmingham (March 27–29) with powerlifting featured as a marquee discipline and top strength athletes on stage this weekend ( ). Organizers note seven bodybuilding divisions are running alongside powerlifting, results are still being finalized, and the event is drawing strong attendance from UK strength fans ( ).
Mike Sommerfeld claimed the Classic Physique crown at the Arnold Classic UK in Birmingham. (generationiron.com) Michelle Fredua‑Mensah won the Fitness division, finishing ahead of Anna Fomina and Allison Kramer on the podium. (generationiron.com) Rayane Fogal took first place in Wellness, with Giselle Machado second and Wynter Addams third. (generationiron.com) James Berger won the Pro Wheelchair class in Birmingham. (fitnessvolt.com) Reports list the UK Men’s Open first-place purse at $250,000, compared with the $750,000 top prize awarded at the main Arnold Classic in Columbus earlier in March. ( ) Chinedu Andrew “Andrew Jacked” Obiekea won the Columbus Arnold Classic in March and collected the record $750,000 champion’s payout, a result noted by UK coverage given several Columbus competitors also entered Birmingham. ( ) Coverage and event listings show the Birmingham weekend combined the IFBB Pro lineups with a large expo footprint—organizers and trade reporting cite more than 500 exhibitor booths and a multi‑national field across the seven pro divisions. ( )
