The Arnold Classic is an annual multi-sport event that takes place in Columbus, Ohio, named after the legendary bodybuilder and actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The event features various competitions, including bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini competitions, as well as powerlifting, weightlifting, and combat sports.

The Arnold Classic attracts thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world, making it one of the largest fitness events globally. In addition to the competitions, the event also includes a massive expo featuring various fitness and nutrition companies showcasing their products and services. The Arnold Classic has become a staple in the fitness community, promoting health and wellness while celebrating the accomplishments of athletes at all levels.

The IFBB Pro League calendar boasts several elite bodybuilding competitions, and among them, the Arnold Classic holds the second-most prestigious position. This year’s event, held in Columbus, Ohio from March 2-5, featured seven divisions vying for the top prize.

Notably, the Men’s Open division received a significant boost in prize money, thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Arnold Sports promoters, who raised the total amount by $100,000. The winner of this division now takes home a whopping $300,000, along with the coveted gold medal and bragging rights. This prize money increase puts the Arnold Classic’s Men’s Open division on par with the renowned Mr. Olympia competition, which awards its Open winner $400,000.

The Arnold Classic drew an impressive number of participants from across the globe, with over 10,000 athletes representing 80 nations and competing in 60+ events throughout the weekend. When all is said and done, seven bodybuilding champions will be crowned. Comprehensive results for the 2023 Arnold Classic are available below.

Winners of 2023 Arnold Classic

1.     Men’s Open: Samson Dauda ($300,000)

2.     Classic Physique: Ramon Rocha Queiroz ($60,000)

3.     Men’s Physique: Erin Banks ($10,000)

4.     Bikini: Lauralie Chapados ($10,000)

5.     Fitness: Ariel Khadr ($25,000)

6.     Wellness: Kassandra Gillis ($7,000)

7.     Pro Wheelchair: Harold Kelley

Terrence Ruffin, who won the Arnold Classic title twice in the past, was not present in Ohio to defend his championship this year. Fans were eager to witness another anticipated battle between Urs Kalecinski from Germany and Ramon Rocha Queiroz from Brazil. Ultimately, Ramon Rocha Queiroz emerged as the winner, and Urs Kalecinski was presented with the Ed Corney Best Poser Award. After the event, fans were of the opinion that Ramon displayed the most conditioned physique of his career.

1.     Winner — Ramon Rocha Queiroz, $60,000

2.     Second Place — Urs Kalecinski, $30,000

3.     Third Place — Alex Cambronero, $20,000

4.     Fourth Place — Mike Sommerfield, $7,000

5.     Fifth Place — Courage Opara, $4,000

6.     Sixth Place — Junior Javorski, $2,000

 Best Poser Award — Urs Kalecinski

Arnold Classic Winner By Categories

 Men’s Physique

Erin Banks’ return to the stage has created a buzz among fans who eagerly await his performance. In the previous year, he achieved a rare feat by winning both the Arnold Classic and Olympia titles in the Men’s Physique category, a first in the sport’s history. Banks’ impressive physique, including his broad back, intricate muscle definition, and size, caught the attention of spectators during his previous performances. As a two-time Arnold Classic Men’s Physique champion, Banks is currently gaining momentum as he prepares to defend his title at the upcoming Olympia competition in November.

1.       Winner — Erin Banks, $10,000

2.       Second Place — Diogo Montenegro, $6000

3.       Third Place — Emanual Hunter, $4000

4.       Fourth Place — Vitor Chaves, $3000

5.       Fifth Place — Carlos DeOliveira, $1500

6.       Sixth Place — Edvan Ferreira Palmeira, $1500

Bikini

It is a challenging feat to remove a reigning champion in Bikini contests, as is the case with most competitions. The 2023 Arnold Classic was packed with skilled participants. Lauralie Chapados, the defending champion, was enthusiastic about securing another win. Moreover, Ashley Kaltwasser, a previous AC Bikini International winner, aimed to reclaim her title.

1.     Winner — Lauralie Chapados, $10,000

2.     Second Place — Maureen Blanquisco, $6,000

3.     Third Place — Jennifer Dorie, $4,000

4.     Fourth Place — Ashley Kaltwasser, $3,000

5.     Fifth Place — Romina Basualdo, $1,500

6.     Sixth Place — Ivanna Escandar, $1,500

Fitness

The Arnold Classic Fitness Category was first introduced in 1995 by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, and it has since become one of the most prestigious events in the fitness industry. Competitors from all over the world come to showcase their physique and fitness skills, and the winner of the competition is considered to be one of the most well-rounded and physically fit individuals in the world.

Winning the Arnold Classic Fitness Category is a major achievement in the fitness industry, and it requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and talent.

1.     Winner — Ariel Khadr, $25,000

2.     Second Place — Jaclyn Baker, $13,000

3.     Third Place — Michelle Fredua-Mensah, $8,000

4.     Fourth Place — Allison Kramer, $5,000

5.     Fifth Place — Terra Plum, $3,000

6.     Sixth Place — Tiffany Chandler, $2,000

Wellness

The 35th Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio featured a competition for wellness athletes, but the former champion Isabelle Nunes had to withdraw because of a knee injury. This gave a chance to top professionals like Kassandra Gillis, Angela Borges, Alexis Adams, and Rayane Fogel to showcase their skills. During the event, Angela Borges impressed the audience with her exceptional appearance, but ultimately, Kassandra Gillis emerged as the winner based on the judges’ evaluation.

1.     Winner — Kassandra Gillis, $7,000

2.     Second Place — Angela Borges, $4,000

3.     Third Place — Rayane Fogel, $3,000

4.     Fourth Place — Alexis Adams, $2,000

5.     Fifth Place — Marissa Andrews , $1,000

6.     Sixth Place — Andrea Hrenko, $1,000

Wheelchair Bodybuilding

During the 2022 Arnold Classic, Gabriele Andriulli caused a major upset by defeating the heavily favored Harold ‘King Kong’ Kelley, which surprised the world. Over the course of his career, Kelley had won an impressive five Wheelchair Olympia titles and five AC titles.

1.     Winner — Harold ‘King Kong’ Kelley

2.     Second Place — Tory Jones

3.     Third Place — Bradley Betts

4.     Fourth Place — Woody Belfort

5.     Fifth Place — James Berger

6.     Sixth Place — Tim Caldwell

So overall, the 2023 Arnold Classic proved to be another exciting and highly competitive event, with top athletes from around the world competing for prestigious titles and prizes. From bodybuilding to fitness, figure, and more, the winners of each division showcased incredible talent, dedication, and hard work. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances, and we look forward to seeing even more impressive displays of athleticism and strength in the years to come.