2025 Arnold Classic Men&#8217;s Open Official Results &#8211; Derek Lunsford Victorious

Derek Lunsford is the New 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open champion. After a grueling prejudging round on Feb. 28, he returned for the finals on March 1. Inside the Battelle Grand in Columbus, OH, he stepped on stage with confidence. Under the bright lights, he delivered a commanding performance.

As a result, he walked away with the Arnold trophy and a massive payday. With $500,000 in earnings, he secured the second-largest prize purse in bodybuilding history. In addition, the victory cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Moving forward, this win strengthens his case as a top contender for future titles.

Meanwhile, Samson Dauda fought hard but settled for second place. Throughout the show, he displayed his signature size and shape. Despite this, the judges favored Lunsford’s overall package. Even so, Dauda remains one of the most dangerous athletes in the division.

At the same time, Andrew Jacked secured a strong third-place finish. With his incredible structure, he impressed the judges once again. Over the course of the event, he showed why he belongs among the best. Looking ahead, his stock in the Men’s Open division continues to rise.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arnold Sports Festival presented by KSM-66 (@arnoldsports)

2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Official Results

Derek Lunsford
Samson Dauda
Andrew Jacked
Brandon Curry
William Bonac
Akim Williams

After pre-judging, three names stood above the rest. Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Andrew Jacked emerged as the frontrunners. By the time the finals began, Jacked lost ground and shifted into a battle for third with Brandon Curry. Meanwhile, Dauda and Lunsford squared off in a tense head-to-head showdown.

As the rounds progressed, the competition grew even closer. By the third round, seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, providing commentary, pointed out that Lunsford’s quads were beginning to fade. Alongside him, Nick Miller from Nick’s Strength and Power believed Dauda had the edge in most poses. Before the final decision, the competitors joined together for a dramatic pose-down, electrifying the crowd.

When the dust settled, Lunsford stood victorious. He capitalized on his Arnold Classic debut, securing the title and a record-breaking $500,000 prize. Dauda, despite falling short, delivered an impressive performance and will now refocus on defending his Olympia title. Jacked, needing a victory to qualify for Olympia, must now seek another pro show win before the September 14 deadline.

Winner — Derek Lunsford

Lunsford made a statement in his first Arnold Classic appearance. The 2023 Mr. Olympia champion proved his dominance by outlasting Dauda in a fierce battle. With this win, he regains momentum heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia, where he aims to reclaim his title.

His victory came with a historic payday. Lunsford secured the second-largest prize in bodybuilding history, taking home $500,000. His blend of conditioning, symmetry, and stage presence solidified his place as one of the sport’s elite.

Now, all eyes turn to Olympia. Lunsford’s performance at the Arnold Classic signals that he is still a major threat. If he brings the same level of conditioning later this year, a second Sandow trophy could be within reach.

Second Place — Samson Dauda

Dauda came into the Arnold Classic as the reigning Mr. Olympia. Many expected him to dominate, but Lunsford’s refined physique proved too much to overcome. Still, Dauda showcased his signature size and conditioning, keeping the battle close.

Judges saw the fight come down to the final round. Despite holding strong in most poses, Dauda couldn’t create enough separation. Ultimately, the panel leaned toward Lunsford’s overall package.

This loss fuels his next challenge. Dauda will now focus on defending his Olympia title later this year. With Lunsford closing the gap, his prep for the sport’s biggest stage just became even more critical.

Third Place — Andrew Jacked

Jacked came into the Arnold Classic looking for redemption. After placing fifth at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, he needed a strong finish to secure his 2025 qualification. While he impressed, he fell short of the victory he needed.

His battle for third was intense. Jacked initially contended for the top spot but gradually lost ground. In the end, he edged out Brandon Curry to claim third place on the podium.

Now, his path to Olympia remains uncertain. Without a win here, Jacked must compete in and win a pro show before September 14. The pressure is on, and he will need to bring his best in his next outing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arnold Sports Festival presented by KSM-66 (@arnoldsports)

Honors & Special Awards

Beyond the main event, top competitors earned special recognition. Lunsford claimed the Ed Corney award for best poser, securing an additional $10,000 prize. Meanwhile, Dauda earned the Franco Columbu Most Muscular award, also receiving a $10,000 payout. These honors highlighted their dominance in both presentation and physique.

A legendary figure in bodybuilding was also honored. Mike Katz, a former IFBB pro and star of Pumping Iron, received the 2025 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award. The moment took place during the Saturday night finals inside the Battelle Grand room.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arnold Sports Festival presented by KSM-66 (@arnoldsports)

For those who missed the action, full coverage remains available. Colosseum Strength continues to provide in-depth recaps of the Arnold Classic bodybuilding and strongman events. Fans can access reports, callout analysis, and exclusive breakdowns on their platform.

Exclusive Bodybuilding Content At Colosseum Strength

Continue

2025 Arnold Classic Live Coverage

Full 2025 Arnold Classic Prejudging Callout Recaps & Analysis at Colosseum Strength

With the 2025 Arnold Classic well underway, several divisions have already completed prejudging. Now, fans await the finals to see who takes home the titles. Below is a complete recap of each division’s callouts and analysis.

2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Official Prejudging Report & Analysis
Classic Physique Prejudging Report & Analysis
Men’s Physique Prejudging Report & Analysis
Bikini International Prejudging Report & Analysis
Wellness International Prejudging Report & Analysis
Fitness International Prejudging Report & Analysis

For full coverage, visit Colosseum Strength for exclusive breakdowns and expert analysis.

Overview

Derek Lunsford claimed victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic, earning a historic $500,000 prize. After a tough prejudging session, he dominated the finals, showcasing his impressive physique. Meanwhile, Samson Dauda finished second, with his size and conditioning still making a strong impression. However, Lunsford’s overall package edged him out. Andrew Jacked secured third, fighting hard but falling short of a win. Moving forward, Dauda will focus on defending his Olympia title, while Jacked must now win a pro show to qualify for Olympia 2025.

Featured Image –2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Official Results – Derek Lunsford Victorious– Credit: @Arnoldsports(Instagram)