The Men’s Physique division stepped onstage for prejudging at the 2026 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. The lineup featured several international contenders. As a result, the judges quickly began sorting through the field.

Next, Brandon Hendrickson 🇺🇸, Andrei Deiu 🇷🇴, Vitor Chaves 🇧🇷, and Emanual Hunter 🇺🇸 drew immediate attention during the early comparisons. Each athlete brought strong conditioning and balanced structure. Because of that, the judges kept returning to them throughout prejudging.

Meanwhile, the panel rotated athletes through multiple callouts to determine the order of the lineup. These comparisons allowed the judges to evaluate proportions, stage presence, and muscular balance. Consequently, the field gradually separated into distinct groups.

Finally, the repeated comparisons pointed toward a tight race at the top. The judges clearly focused on four athletes as the leading contenders. As a result, the battle for the Arnold Classic title appeared to sit between Hendrickson, Deiu, Chaves, and Hunter.

2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Prejudging Report

The judges assembled the opening comparison featuring the most competitive physiques in the lineup. This group typically signals the athletes fighting for the top positions. Because of that, the crowd watched closely as the athletes stepped forward.

Next, the panel called Vitor Chaves 🇧🇷, Andrei Deiu 🇷🇴, Brandon Hendrickson 🇺🇸, and Emanual Hunter 🇺🇸 to center stage. Each competitor displayed strong symmetry and stage confidence. As a result, the judges spent significant time comparing them.

Meanwhile, the panel rotated the athletes through several poses to assess conditioning and proportions. These repeated looks suggested that the four competitors stood at the front of the lineup. Consequently, the first callout became the main focus of prejudging.

First Callout

Second callout

Next, the judges turned their attention to the rest of the lineup. This comparison helped determine the athletes competing for the middle placements. As a result, another group stepped forward.

Then, the panel called Dilson Silva 🇧🇷, Paul Gustave 🇫🇷, Benquil Marigny 🇫🇷, Emmanuel Oliveira Da Costa 🇵🇹, and Burak Ozkul 🇹🇷 for the second comparison. Each competitor displayed solid conditioning and structure. However, they stood just outside the leading group.

Finally, the judges used this callout to evaluate the depth of the lineup. While these athletes impressed the crowd, the spotlight remained on the first group. Consequently, the battle for the title continued to center on the leading four.

Second Callout

Brandon Hendrickson’s championship résumé adds pressure to the Arnold Classic lineup

Brandon Hendrickson 🇺🇸 entered the contest with one of the strongest résumés in the division. His experience continues to shape the Men’s Physique category. Because of that, many fans viewed him as a major threat.

Next, Hendrickson previously captured the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique title in 2016. In addition, he holds three Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique championships 🏆🏆🏆. These achievements place him among the most successful athletes in the division’s history.

Meanwhile, the judges kept him alongside the other leading contenders during comparisons. His conditioning and stage presence remained competitive with the rest of the top group. Consequently, Hendrickson stayed firmly in the title conversation.

Furthermore, Andrei Deiu 🇷🇴 delivered one of the sharpest physiques onstage during prejudging. His aesthetics and conditioning stood out in every comparison. Because of that, the judges consistently placed him in the center.

Next, Vitor Chaves 🇧🇷 also impressed with balanced proportions and confident posing. His structure allowed him to match the division’s top contenders. As a result, he remained in the leading comparisons throughout prejudging.

Meanwhile, Emanual Hunter 🇺🇸 added depth to the battle with his muscular frame and strong stage presence. His performance kept the judges rotating the athletes repeatedly. Consequently, the contest developed into a close four-man showdown.

Final callout 

The judges concluded prejudging by recalling the top contenders for the final callout. This moment usually signals the athletes fighting for the title. Because of that, the audience closely watched the stage.

Next, the panel brought back Brandon Hendrickson 🇺🇸, Andrei Deiu 🇷🇴, Vitor Chaves 🇧🇷, and Emanual Hunter 🇺🇸. The judges once again rotated them through several comparisons. As a result, the four competitors stood clearly ahead of the rest of the field.

Finally, the repeated comparisons suggested a tight race heading into the evening show. Each athlete displayed strong conditioning and stage presence. Consequently, the winner will likely emerge from this group.

Final Callout

2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Results

2026 Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Schedule

Here is the key schedule for IFBB Pro bodybuilding divisions.

Friday — March 6

• Arnold Classic Physique prejudging

• Fitness International prejudging

• Wellness International prejudging

• Men’s Open Arnold Classic prejudging

Saturday — March 7

• Pro Wheelchair competition

• Men’s Physique prejudging

• Bikini International prejudging

• Men’s Open Arnold Classic Finals

• Men’s Physique finals

• Bikini finals

2026 Arnold Classic Preview

• 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open – Top 5 Predictions and Preview
• 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Classic Physique – Top 5 Predictions and Preview

2026 Arnold Classic Live Coverage

• How to Watch the 2026 Arnold Classic – Full Live Stream Guide and Schedule Preview
• Watch 2026 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic Live Stream (Preview)
• 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Prejudging Report

Overall, the 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique prejudging narrowed the competition to four clear contenders. Brandon Hendrickson 🇺🇸, Andrei Deiu 🇷🇴, Vitor Chaves 🇧🇷, and Emanual Hunter 🇺🇸 dominated the comparisons and returned for the final callout. Meanwhile, the second callout helped sort out the remaining placements in the lineup. Ultimately, the finals confirmed Andrei Deiu 🥇 as the Arnold Classic champion after a close battle with Hendrickson and Chaves. 🏆