Arnold Classic Final Prep
With the 2026 Arnold Classic just three days away, Men's Open frontrunner Martin Fitzwater shared his final chest workout as he sharpens his physique for competition. His approach emphasizes focused pressing movements and muscle engagement—critical preparation for one of bodybuilding's marquee events.
The Arnold Classic stands as the second most prestigious title in professional bodybuilding, surpassed only by the Mr. Olympia contest. Founded in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer, the event has become a cornerstone of the sport, with past champions including legends like Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and five-time winner Dexter Jackson. For its 50th anniversary, the 2026 Arnold Classic has raised the stakes with a record-setting prize purse of $1.5 million. The winner of the Men's Open division will take home an unprecedented $750,000, the largest single prize in the history of professional bodybuilding. Martin "The Martian" Fitzwater is a relative newcomer who has seen a meteoric rise. After earning his professional status in 2020, he stunned the bodybuilding world in 2024 by placing fourth in his Mr. Olympia debut and winning the EVLS Prague Pro. Before committing to bodybuilding full-time, Fitzwater built a powerful athletic base in Wyoming. He was a three-time state champion in shot put and a two-time champion in discus, and also earned All-State honors in football. Fitzwater faces a stacked lineup of elite competitors in Columbus. The field includes former Mr. Olympia and 2024 Arnold Classic champion Hadi Choopan, 2021 winner Nick Walker, and top contender Andrew Jacked.
