The Arnold Classic 2025 is one of the most important bodybuilding events of the year and is the first big test on the way to Mr. Olympia for many athletes.
In Columbus, Ohio, the best bodybuilders in the world will compete to secure the coveted title.
Particularly exciting: Which stars will dominate the stage? Can a newcomer surprise you?
In this article, you will find out everything about the participants, the date, the venue and how you can follow the event live. We will also clarify whether a visit to the Arnold Expo is worthwhile.
When is the Arnold Classics 2025?
The Arnold Classic 2025 will take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
The event traditionally spans several days and includes not only bodybuilding competitions, but also the Arnold Sports Festival Expo, where fitness and supplement brands present their latest products.
What is the schedule of the bodybuilding competitions?
Friday, 28.02.2025
- Arnold Classic Physique Prejudging (12:30pm - 1:30pm)
- Fitness International Prejudging (12:30pm - 1:30pm)
- Wellness International Prejudging (12:30pm - 1:30pm)
- Wellness International Finals (7:00pm - 9:30pm)
- Fitness International Finals (7:00pm - 9:30pm)
- Arnold Classic Men's Open Prejudging (7:00pm - 9:30pm)
- Arnold Classic Physique Finals (7:00pm - 9:30pm)
Saturday, 01.03.2025
- Pro Wheelchair Prejudging & Finals (10:00am - 11:00am)
- Arnold Mens physique Prejudging (11:00am - 12:00pm)
- Bikini International Prejudging (11:00am - 12:00pm)
- Arnold Mens physique Finals (7:00pm - 10:00pm)
- Arnold Classic Men's Open Finals (7:00pm - 10:00pm)
- Bikini International Finals (7:00pm - 10:00pm)
Which bodybuilding competitions are taking place?
- Arnold Classic
- Classic Physique
- Mens Physique
- Bikini International
- Wellness International
- Fitness International
- Pro Wheelchair
- Arnold Amateur
Where will the Arnold Classic 2025 take place?
The Arnold Classic 2025 will be held in Columbus, Ohio, USA, as every year. The event will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, one of the largest venues in the city, which hosts both the competitions and the Arnold Expo.
Venue & Event Locations
The main locations of the event are:
- Battelle Grand Ballroom (Greater Columbus Convention Center) - Hosts the Men's Open and Classic Physique Grand Finals.
- Arnold Expo Stage (Expo Hall, Columbus Convention Center) - Prejudging and various fitness competitions.
- Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds - Hosts various strength events including strongman and powerlifting.
Why is Columbus, Ohio the home of the Arnold Classic?
The choice of Columbus as the host city was inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. In the 1970s, he won the Mr. World competition in this city, organized by Jim Lorimer, an influential bodybuilding promoter. Schwarzenegger and Lorimer became close friends and together founded the Arnold Classic, which was first held in Columbus in 1989.
Columbus has been the event's unwavering home ever since, despite many offers to move it to larger cities. The city has established itself over the years as a real center for bodybuilding and fitness.
Arnold Classic 2025 Participants - Who will be on stage?
Arnold Classic Men´s Open Participant
- Samson Dauda
- Derek Lunsford
- Andrew Jacked
- James Hollingshead
- Akim Williams
- Brandon Curry
- William Bonac
- Justin Rodriguez
- Patrick Moore
- Carlos Thomas Jr.
- Jonathan Delarosa
- Shaun Clarida
Classic Physique Participant
- Mike Sommerfeld
- Wesley Vissers
- Michael Daboul
- Lucas Funk
- Logan Franklin
- Gabriel Zancanelli
- Ji Hoon Bang
- Adejoh Franklyn Audu
- Junior Javorski
- Osmar Alanis
- Jeremiah Willies
- Matthew Greggo
Mens Physique Participant
- Diogo Montenegro
- Erin Banks
- Ali Bilal
- Alessandro Cavagnola
- Vitor Chaves
- Rhyan Clark
- Emmanuel Costa
- Guilherme Gualbarto
- Jason Huynh
- Rafael Oliveira
- Sidy Pouye
- Dmytro Voievodchuk
Bikini International Participant
- Lauralie Chapados
- Maria Acosta
- Vania Auguste
- Maureen Blanquisco
- Jordan Brannon
- Ariana Brothers
- Tameika Carter
- Aimee Delgado
- Jasmine Gonzalez
- Ashlyn Little
- Anastacia Spragans
- Angelica Teixeira
Wellness International Participant
- Isabelle Nunes
- Elisa Alcantara
- Eduarda Bezerra
- Sandra Colorado
- Lili Dong
- Kassandra Gillis
- Hye Yoon Kim
- Lisa Meiswinkel
- Audrea-Ann Roy
- Sina Maria Teresa
- Brenda Victoria Reyes Villa
- Simara Walter
Fitness International Participant
- Ariel Khadr
- Jaclyn Baker
- Rene Brosch
- Tiffany Chandler
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Michelle Gales
- Andrea Glass
- Minna Pajulahti
- Michaela Pavleova
- Kristin Pope
- Amber Steffen
- Tamara Vahn
Pro Wheelchair Participant
- Harold Kelley
- Gabriele Andruilli
- James Berger
- Bradley Betts
- Rajesh John
- Jason Metcalf
- Kyle Roberts
- Kevin Secundino
- Steve Suppes
How can I watch the Arnold Classic?
The 2025 Arnold Classic will be made available worldwide to fans who want to watch the event live. Here are the best ways you can watch the mega event from the comfort of your own home:
1. Arnold Sports Festival Livestream
The Arnold Sports Festival offers a live stream of the competitions, which is available on the official website or via the Arnold Sports app. Here you can experience the highlights of the Men's Open, Classic Physique and other bodybuilding categories live. The live stream is offered for a fee.
2. Pay-Per-View Streaming
For detailed and exclusive coverage, you can also watch the event via pay-per-view platforms. This option offers access to all competitions and exclusive interviews.
3. YouTube & Social Media
Many fans and media partners stream highlights and interesting moments from the Arnold Classic on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Some athletes and fitness influencers also offer exclusive insights into their preparations and competition days.
4. TV-Transmission
Depending on your region, there may also be TV channels broadcasting the event. If you live in the US, keep an eye out for announcements.
5. On-site experience in Columbus
For those who want to experience the Arnold Expo and competition up close, special on-site tickets are available. You can experience the event and the expo for yourself, which features a variety of brands, athletes and fitness expos.
6. Bei American Supps auf Instagram
On our Instagram account we will keep you updated on which athlete won.
All Arnold Classic winners of the last years
1989 - Rich Gaspari
1990 - Mike Ashley
1991 - Shawn Ray
1992 - Vince Taylor
1993 - Flex Wheeler
1994 - Kevin Levrone
1995 - Michael Francois
1996 - Kevin Levrone
1997 - Flex Wheeler
1998 - Flex Wheeler
1999 - Nasser El Sonbaty
2000 - Flex Wheeler
2001 - Ronnie Coleman
2002 - Jay Cutler
2003 - Jay Cutler
2004 - Jay Cutler
2005 - Dexter Jackson
2006 - Dexter Jackson
2007 - Victor Martinez
2008 - Dexter Jackson
2009 - Kai Greene
2010 - Kai Greene
2011 - Branch Warren
2012 - Branch Warren
2013 - Dexter Jackson
2014 - Dennis Wolf
2015 - Dexter Jackson
2016 - Kai Greene
2017 - Cedric McMillan
2018 - William Bonac
2019 - Brandon Curry
2020 - William Bonac
2021 - Nick Walker
2022 - Brandon Curry
2023 - Samson Dauda
2024 - Hadi Choopan
