This year, the Arnold Classic is set to be historic, all because of its lineup containing some of the biggest bodybuilders. With the event approaching, Erin Banks went on YouTube to explain who he thinks will win the trophy.

On February 17, 2026, Banks appeared on the Mens physique Radio, where he was asked about who he saw as the winner of the 2026 Arnold Classic Men's Physique.

In response, the 2022 Mr. Olympia winner said, “Brandon is winning it”.

Brandon Hendrickson won the Mr. Olympia Men's Physique 3 times: 2018, 2020, and 2021. In 2016, he also won the Arnold Classic Men's Physique.

Since then, the Chicago-born bodybuilder has not won any titles in the second-biggest bodybuilding competition. But with a consistent workout and fitness-focused approach, he looks to be in a better position for the competition.

Later, when Erin Banks was asked who could give a tough competition to Hendrickson, he said, “Vitor Chaves”, the 4× Pro winner.

Apart from Men’s physique prediction, veterans have also predicted the winner for the 2026 Arnold Classic Open.

Bodybuilding veterans' prediction for the 2025 Arnold Classic Open

Many bodybuilding legends and analysts have already chosen their favorite for the upcoming event.

For instance, Branch Warren thinks Hadi Choopan, Martin Fitzwater, and Andrew Jacked will fight for the title. But, according to King Kamali, Andrew Jacked will be the winner.

Not only veterans, the 2024 Mr. Olympia winner, Samson Dauda, picked his top 4 at the 2026 Arnold Classic during his appearance at the Fouad Abiad. His top 4 are:

• Hadi Choopan
• Andrew Jacked
• Nick Walker
• Martin Fitzwater.

Apart from that, Iain Valliere on his YouTube channel revealed, “The Arnold lineup is out, exciting. We have like six or seven of the top 10 from the Olympia. Andrew, Hadi, Nick, Martin, Tonio, Brandon Curry, right there. Akim Williams, Rafael Brandao, we got Anthony Williams”.

He added, “As of now, my predictions, this is so f****** boring, but I think I’m probably going to stay with them in the same order that they placed at the Olympia. I think it’s a very short turnover”.

So, that means, according to Valliere, the top 3 will be:

• Hadi Choopan: winner
• Andrew Jached: 2 nd place
• Martin Fitzwater: 3 rd place.

So, who do you think will win the trophy both for Classic Physique and Men’s Physique?

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das