Arnold Classic is considered the second most prestigious event for bodybuilding after the Crown Jewel, Mr. Olympia, and the excitement for the 2026 Arnold Classic is higher than ever. What was started in 1989 by the legend himself, will now celebrate its 38th anniversary.

Going to take place in Ohio once again, it is considered the largest multisport championship, even ahead of the Olympics, where 20000 athletes from more than 80 countries compete.

And now the wait is over as the Official Arnold Classic Lineup For 2026 for all the divisions is announced on Friday afternoon. But out of all divisions, fans are waiting to see how bodybuilders from the men’s physique division would perform this year.

Men’s Classic Physique Lineup and Community Reactions

The lineup couldn't be more exciting than this.

1. Nam Tran Quang

2. Emanuel Hunter

3. Vitor Chaves

4. Andrei Deiu

5. Benquil Marigny

6. Brandon Hendrickson

7. Edvan Palmeira

8. Alessandro Cavagnola

9. Emmanuel Jesus Oliveira da Costa

10. Burak Ozkul

11. Dilson Espindola Silva

12. Paul Gustave

Just a few hours after the lineup went live on the official Instagram of Arnoldsport on Friday, the community went bonkers and flooded the post with over 600 comments now. From Andrei Deiu, the professional Romanian bodybuilder and fitness model, commenting, “Can't wait,” to IFBB pro Dilson Espindola writing, “It will be a huge pleasure to be going up on this stage. It's going to be a great show. Let’s go”. And the streak didn't end there.

Iranian Pro bodybuilder Vahid Badpei commented, "For the amazing, this competition is". Spanish pro bodybuilder Kim Angel wished everyone and gave this bold statement: "I wish you all a great preparation. Only 85 days left to give the best of ourselves and deliver an spectacular show to our amazing audience. See you on stage".

Everyone is excited, and it is evident through their comments what they really feel about the event.  

The Prize Money Difference  

The Prize money for the 2026 Arnold Classic, particularly for the Men’s Physique winner, got a significant increase from last year and now has gone up $100,000, still lower than the Men’s open winner, which is $750,000.

The $650,000 gap is too much considering the effort these athletes put in each year. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section.

Written by

Amanjeet Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das