Dauda Picks Arnold Classic Top Four
Former Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda shared his picks for the top four contenders at the 2026 Arnold Classic and discussed possibly competing before the next Olympia. Dauda's preparation and commentary highlight the strategic planning required at bodybuilding's elite level. The 2026 Arnold Classic is building significant buzz in the bodybuilding community.
- Samson Dauda won the Arnold Classic in 2023, which was a career-defining victory for the British bodybuilder. - In the 2025 Arnold Classic, Dauda placed second, losing the title to Derek Lunsford, who will not be competing in the 2026 event, guaranteeing a new champion will be crowned. - The 2026 Arnold Classic features a record-breaking total prize purse of $1.5 million, with the Men's Open winner set to receive $750,000. - This top prize is a significant increase from the $500,000 awarded in 2025 and surpasses the prize money of the most recent Mr. Olympia competition. - Top contenders expected to compete in the 2026 Men's Open include Hadi Choopan, who won the title in 2024, and Andrew Jacked, who placed third in 2025. - Dauda himself is the reigning Mr. Olympia champion, having won the title in 2024. - The Arnold Classic is widely considered the second most prestigious title in professional bodybuilding, after the Mr. Olympia.
