The Arnold Classic was founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989 and has been held annually since then. The event, officially known as the "Arnold Sports Festival", is named after Bodybuilder Schwarzenegger and brings together various fitness cultures. In addition to bodybuilding, the focus is also on sports such as strongman, CrossFit, grappling, arm wrestling and many other disciplines.
The History of the Arnold Classic
After retiring from bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted to create an event that would connect the entire fitness world. The main venue is Columbus, Ohio, where the event is organized annually thanks to the support of his close friend Jim Lorimer, the city's former mayor. The city of Columbus is actively involved in the event and benefits from a significant economic boost every year.
In addition to Columbus, there is now another Arnold Classic in Birmingham, England. However, this is significantly smaller than the main event in Ohio.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and His Commitment
Arnold Schwarzenegger is personally present at every event. He awards the trophies to the winners, gives speeches and honors the participants and all those involved. This personal commitment makes the Arnold Classic a special experience for everyone involved.
Schedule of the Arnold Classic
The Arnold Classic takes place every year on the first weekend in March and lasts four days (Thursday to Sunday). In addition to the competitions, there is a huge expo hall in which manufacturers of fitness equipment, sportswear, energy, food, nutritional supplements such as creatine and other industry representatives present their products. There is something for everyone at the expo.
The Arnold Classic is one of the most prestigious events in bodybuilding – but how has the sport evolved over the years? Learn more about the evolution of bodybuilding and its defining athletes in Generation Iron: Generation Iron – The Bodybuilding Documentary.
Qualification for the Arnold Classic
Important to know: The Arnold Classic is an invitational competition. This means that not everyone can take part. Between October and November there is a window in which IFBB Pro athletes can apply online. The application includes personal data, participation in competitions and placements. Athletes like Urs Kalecinski, who have already achieved top 10 placements at the Mr. Olympia, have a better chance of being invited than someone who has just become an IFBB Pro.
Only a handful of the bodybuilder pros who apply will then be invited to the Arnold Classic in December.
Since the Mr. Olympia is not until October and participation in the Arnold Classic is not announced until mid-December, the preparation for the competition is usually very short (between 8-10 weeks). Most athletes prepare for a competition for around 16 weeks.
Categories of the Arnold Classic
The Arnold Classic only features selected categories of bodybuilding, including:
- Classic Physique
- Men's Physique
- Bikini
- Wellness
- Fitness
- Wheelchair Bodybuilding
Classes such as 212, Figure, Women's Physique or Women's Open Bodybuilding were abolished due to insufficient numbers of applicants.
The Peak Performances – Medals and Awards
The top 5 in each class will receive medals. In the Classic Physique category, the Best Poser Award will also be given.
Winners of the last years in the Classic Physique:
- 2024: Wesley Vissers
- 2023: Ramon (Dino) Queiroz
- 2022: Terrence Ruffin
- 2021: Terrence Ruffin
- 2020: Alex Cambronero
Urs Kalecinski competed in the Arnold Classic in 2023 and 2024. He finished second in 2023 and third in 2024. Both times he was awarded the Best Poser Award.
