Arnold Classic 2026 Preview: Hollingshead’s Top 10 Picks and Contenders

Peak week has begun and Arnold Classic 2026 is underway in Columbus, Ohio. James Hollingshead shared his top 10 Men’s Open picks on March 4 (ET), setting the stage for the March 5–8 (ET) competition that carries a $750, 000 purse for the Men’s Open winner.

Arnold Classic 2026 favorites and front‑runners

Hollingshead and much of the community have clustered around two primary favorites: Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea. Choopan arrives with a recent history that includes a victory at the Arnold Classic in 2024 and a third second‑place finish at Mr. Olympia. He did not compete last year and therefore did not lose his onstage Arnold title in direct competition.

Jacked’s profile has risen after a breakout showing at the 2025 Mr. Olympia that resulted in a third‑place finish, the best of his career to date. He comes into Columbus having won the Romania Pro, a recent competitive indicator noted in previews. Commentators within the sport have singled him out as a contender with growing momentum.

Hollingshead’s picks and notable names

Hollingshead listed a top 10 Men’s Open field ahead of the contest. Other athletes highlighted for strong chances include Martin Fitzwater, who placed fifth at Olympia before defeating Samson Dauda at the Prague Pro; Nick Walker, who fell to sixth at Olympia and has kept his prep under wraps; Rafael Brandao, the 2024 Arnold Classic bronze medalist; and Brandon Curry, a former Mr. Olympia who has twice won the Arnold Classic (2019 and 2022) and is the only competitor in the current lineup who has beaten Choopan head‑to‑head in a contest.

Additional names mentioned as legitimate threats are Mohamed Foda and Akim Williams, each noted for attributes that could affect placings on contest day. Public commentary has also included endorsements of Jacked’s potential to win both this event and Mr. Olympia in future seasons.

What to watch and forward look

The immediate indicators to monitor are recent contest form and any visible conditioning changes on stage during prejudging and finals. Jacked’s Romania Pro victory and his Olympia placement are tangible momentum signals; Choopan’s prior Arnold win and recent Olympia results are established performance markers. Nick Walker’s limited public updates make his condition unclear at this time, which elevates interest in his onstage presentation.

If Jacked’s momentum from recent wins holds into March 5–8 (ET), he may enter as the in‑form threat. If Choopan’s preparation matches his 2024 winning shape despite not competing last year, he remains a top contender. Outcomes will hinge on onstage conditioning during the event window.

• James Hollingshead released his top 10 Men’s Open picks on March 4 (ET).
• Favorites include Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea; prize for the Men’s Open winner is $750, 000 (USD).
• Watch recent contest form: Romania Pro, Prague Pro, and recent Olympia placings ahead of March 5–8 (ET).

The field now moves from previews into competition. With prejudging and finals scheduled across the March 5–8 (ET) event window in Columbus, outcomes will be decided onstage and measured against the recent competitive indicators outlined here.