At the 2026 Arnold Classic, Andrew Jacked claimed the Open Division title and a record $750,000 prize, defeating pre-show favorite Nick Walker and former champion Hadi Choopan. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Jacked, who had placed third at both the 2023 and 2025 editions of the event. Judges cited his proportions, aesthetics, stage presence, X-frame structure, and overall size as decisive factors in awarding him the top spot.
Andrew Jacked claimed the 2026 Arnold Classic title, overcoming past setbacks to defeat Walker and Choopan for a record $750,000 prize.
Pre-contest polling had favored Nick Walker, with 53% of fans predicting his win. Walker led through prejudging, while Choopan mounted a strong push during the finals, closing the gap considerably. Andrew Jacked entered the contest with only 22% of the fan vote, matching Choopan’s share. Despite the close contest, Jacked secured the title, with Walker finishing second and Choopan third.
Martin Fitzwater placed fourth, Brandon Curry fifth, and Raphael Brandal sixth. Walker received the Most Muscular award as a notable consolation. Jacked’s win was widely interpreted as a statement in favor of taller competitors in a sport often dominated by shorter, denser athletes such as Choopan and Walker.
The $750,000 prize was the largest cash award in bodybuilding history. The ceremony featured eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney and three-time world classic champion Kai Greene, who presented the award. Eduardo Bonado and IFBB Pro League officials were also present. Neither Derek Lunsford nor Samson Dauda competed at the event, leaving the field more open heading into the finals.
In Classic Physique, Wesley Vissers took first, followed by Matheus Menegate and Andrea Mammoli. Men’s Physique saw Brandon Hendrickson claim victory, his first full divisional win in approximately ten years, with Vitor Chaves and Emanual Hunter placing second and third.
Other division winners included Amy Delgado in Bikini, Michelle Fredua-Mensah in Fitness following her 2025 Olympia title, Rayane Fogal in Wellness for her first US win after a 2024 South American title, and James Berger in the 212 division.
The 2026 Arnold Classic concluded as one of the more contested editions in recent memory, reshaping expectations heading into the remainder of the competitive bodybuilding season.
