Peak week is here, and excitement is building for the 2026 Arnold Classic, taking place in Columbus, Ohio, from March 5-8. On March 4, renowned bodybuilder James Hollingshead shared his top ten predictions for the Men’s Open category ahead of the prestigious event.
As the competition approaches, Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea have emerged as fan favorites. Choopan, a three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up and the 2024 Arnold Classic champion, did not compete last year, which means he has not officially lost his title. On the other hand, Jacked has rapidly ascended in the IFBB Pro League, achieving a third-place finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, which marked the pinnacle of his career thus far. His recent victory at the Romania Pro suggests he is entering the Arnold Classic with considerable momentum.
Additionally, Martin Fitzwater is set to make an impact after securing fifth at the Olympia and then pulling off a surprising victory over Samson Dauda at the Prague Pro. Nick Walker, who dropped to sixth at the Olympia, aims to rebound and showcase an improved physique, although he has kept fans guessing about his recent updates.
Hollingshead’s top ten picks for the Men’s Open division are as follows:
1. Andrew Jacked
2. Martin Fitzwater
3. Hadi Choopan
4. Nick Walker
5. Mo Foda
6. Brandon Curry
7. Rafael Brandao
8. Akim Williams
9. Anthony Williams
10. Hassan Mostafa
While the spotlight shines on these four competitors, other athletes are also poised to make an impression. Rafael Brandao, the bronze medalist at the 2024 Arnold Classic, is a strong contender, as is former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry, who has twice won the Arnold Classic. Notably, Curry is the only competitor in the lineup to have defeated Choopan in a prior contest. Mohamed Foda and mass monster Akim Williams add further depth to a highly competitive field.
Hollingshead’s endorsement of Jacked aligns with sentiments from former four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler, who believes the Nigerian bodybuilder possesses “all the tools” to succeed at both the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia.
The stakes are high at this year’s event, with the Men’s Open winner set to take home a life-altering $750,000 prize. As the Arnold Classic unfolds, Fitness Volt staff will provide live coverage of all the action.