Andrew Jacked is making a strategic shift. The bodybuilder announced he is no longer chasing size.

"The goal isn’t the size game anymore, but rather a prettier, crispy, conditioned edifice,” Andrew Jacked captioned an Instagram post that showed him kicking off a series of chest workouts.

“Whilst achieving that, we are also fixing all lagging parts, trusting the process and my team, and passionately enjoying this sport to da max, regardless of the results, which, of course, can’t define who I’m gonna be, ’cause the future is already decided and planned out,” Jacked explained through his post.

Going into the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Jacked was not a fan favourite to perform better against the likes of Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Nick Walker.

However, the narrative quickly shifted as the contest progressed. Jacked, as true to his name, delivered the best physique of his career and firmly entered the title conversation, clinching third place by defeating former Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda.

The change is clear. In the last few years, he's finished within the top five, but hasn't been able to win the competitions outright. He had two 3rd-place performances at the Arnold Classic (2023 and 2025), top fifth-place finishes at Mr. Olympia (2023 and 2024), before a career-best third place in 2025. But he's ready now.

Back in December, Mr. Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy spoke candidly about Jacked. “If this guy adds five pounds of muscle and he comes in peeled… I don't see anybody beating him,” said

Now, Jacked intends to enter the 2026 Arnold Classic, which is scheduled to take place in March, where a $750,000 prize awaits the new champion.

And Chris Aceto Believes Andrew Jacked Can Take the Arnold Classic Trophy Home

While having a conversation with the RX Muscle- Truth in Bodybuilding, Aceto explained, "Yeah, [training with Kamal Elgargni] through the Arnold. So that will be interesting to see how that all plays out. He's looking freaky right now. He has a winner's mindset."

This year, the Arnold Classic will feature returning champion Hadi Choopan, current Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda. With a clear intent to get past these legends, Jacked has found new motivation to win.

"He's focused, which means for him, he's all-in on him. I'd be surprised if he scrolled through Instagram in the last week to see what someone else looks like,” said Aceto.

Do you think Jacked can win? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Suryakant Das