Andrew Jacked Wins Arnold Classic
Nigerian bodybuilder Chinedu “Andrew Jacked” Obiekea took the 2026 Arnold Classic Open division title, earning a record $750,000 prize. He bested top competitors including Nick Walker, who placed second, and Martin Fitzwater, who finished fourth amid sportsmanship controversy. The win marks a breakthrough moment for Nigerian representation in elite bodybuilding [] [].
Andrew Jacked’s victory at the 2026 Arnold Classic marked the largest prize payout in bodybuilding history, totaling $750,000 for the Men’s Open title, plus an additional $10,000 for winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, bringing his total winnings to $760,000. This record-setting prize underscores the growing prestige and financial rewards in the sport’s elite competitions. Jacked’s win came after a strong competitive field including former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan and 2021 Arnold Classic winner Nick Walker, who finished second. Jacked’s combination of muscle fullness, symmetry, and refined posing was decisive, with judges favoring his impeccable conditioning and stage presence over the other top contenders. This triumph is a historic breakthrough for Nigerian and African bodybuilding, making Jacked only the second Nigerian and third African athlete to win the Arnold Classic. His journey from military officer and engineer in Nigeria to global bodybuilding star highlights his unique path and rising influence in the sport. Post-competition, Jacked emphasized mental focus and self-belief, revealing he avoided social media distractions to concentrate on delivering the best version of himself on stage. His win at the Arnold Classic solidifies his position as a serious contender for upcoming Mr. Olympia titles and cements his status in the top tier of professional bodybuilding. The event also featured controversy around Martin Fitzwater’s sportsmanship, who despite placing fourth faced criticism, though he remained a notable competitor in the lineup. Meanwhile, Nick Walker’s self-coached comeback was widely discussed after his second-place finish, signaling his renewed form and competitiveness in the division.
