The Columbus Convention Center, in the Estados Unidos, is preparing to welcome the elite of world bodybuilding between the 5th and 7th of March, consolidating the start of the high-level competitive season. The event organizers confirmed the participation of 77 athletes distributed across seven professional categories, with a significant contingent of 14 representatives from Brasil confirmed on the official lists. The competition maintains its tradition of offering high financial prizes and guaranteeing winners direct qualification for the Mr. Olympia, the most important tournament on the calendar.
This year’s edition stands out for the high selectivity of invitations, a rigorous criterion that considers the performance history and media relevance of the competitors on the international stage. Brasil, which has already accumulated 13 titles over the 37 previous editions of the festival, seeks to expand its legacy with established names and new promises in the sport. The absence of Ramon Dino, one of the country’s main names, was confirmed as a strategic decision to focus exclusively on preparing for the Olympia, changing the dynamics of the Classic Physique category.
Brazilian protagonism in the main categories
Rafael Brandão assumes the role of main national representative in the Open Bodybuilding division, the heaviest and most prestigious category of the event. The athlete seeks to surpass previous performances and present significant physical evolution to face world-class opponents. Seu challenge includes direct confrontations with veterans and champions who dominate the circuit, requiring impeccable conditioning and dense muscle volume to guarantee positions at the top of the table.
In the Classic Physique category, Matheus Menegate carries the responsibility of representing the green and yellow flag on a stage historically dominated by big stars. The Brazilian will face renowned competitors such as Wesley Vissers and the North American Sam Sulek, promising intense battles based on symmetry and classic aesthetics. The Men’s Physique division also has a strong national presence, casting Vitor Chaves, Emmanuel Costa, Dilson Espindola and Lucas Viudes for the dispute.
The Pro Wheelchair category will have Gorila Albino as the representative of Brasil, facing international opponents in a division that is growing in visibility and technical level. Nas female categories, the highlight falls on the Wellness, where Rayane Fogal and Giselle Machado are strong candidates for the title, maintaining Brazilian hegemony in the sport. The women’s list is completed with the presence of Isamara Santos, reinforcing the national team in Ohio.
International clashes and favorites for the title
The Open Bodybuilding division promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend, with the confirmed presence of Hadi Choopan, from Irã, who seeks to reaffirm their dominance after their recent title at Olympia. Ele will have as his main rival the American Brandon Curry, a former champion who brings experience and muscular volume to the stage. Outros names like Anthony Williams, Martin Fitzwater, Mohamed Foda and Hassan Mostafa complete a diverse and highly competitive lineup.
In the access divisions and specific categories, the competition remains fierce with athletes from more than 20 countries, including representatives from Alemanha, Reino Unido, China and Egito. The Bikini category features stars like Ashley Kaltwasser and Lauralie Chapados, who face frequent duels for the league’s most coveted trophies. No Fitness, the British Michelle Fredua-Mensah and the North American Amber Steffen lead the bets, bringing complex choreographic routines combined with an athletic physique.
Logistics and event structure
Arnold Classic maintains its reputation not only for the athletes on stage, but for the complex organization that involves prizes in excess of 500 thousand dollars. Competitors face significant logistical challenges, including international travel, final diet adjustments and controlled dehydration protocols to reach peak performance at the exact time of judging. The official broadcast of the event will take place via streaming, allowing fans around the world to follow the previews and finals in real time.
Judging criteria continue to evolve, with referees prioritizing harmony between muscle volume, extreme definition and stage presentation. Athletes’ preparation in the final weeks involves meticulous carbohydrate and sodium manipulation strategies, overseen by elite coaches like Hany Rambod and Chris Aceto. The event in
