Contenders gear up for the 2024 Arnold Classic Physique, slated from February 29 to March 3 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio. This preview highlights the Classic Physique division, spotlighting both seasoned contenders and promising debutants eager to leave their mark.
As the 35th annual Arnold Classic approaches, excitement mounts with seven bodybuilding divisions set to captivate audiences. Among them, Classic Physique garners significant attention, propelled by notable figures like Chris Bumstead, Breon Ansley, Urs Kalecinski, and Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
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In the 2023 Arnold Classic, Rocha Queiroz emerged victorious. Also, he defeated ‘The Miracle Bear.’ With new regulations, Kalecinski aims to capitalize on changes. Furthermore, these regulations involve height and weight. Additionally, fresh talent debuts. Notable newcomers include Eric Brown Jr., Darren Farrell, Damien Patrick, Antoine Loth, and Emanuele Riccotti.
2024 Arnold Classic Physique Full Competitors List
- Breon Ansley
- Eric Brown Jr.
- Michael Daboul
- Darren Farrell
- Urs Kalecinski
- Antoine Loth
- Courage Opara
- Damien Patrick
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Emanuele Ricotti
- Wesley Vissers
(Note: Terrence Ruffin has confirmed that he will not be competing)
2024 Arnold Classic Contenders Preview and Analysis
Ramon Rocha Queiroz
As the reigning 2023 Arnold Classic champion, Ramon Rocha Queiroz enters this contest with a massive target on his back. Queiroz raised gold above his head in Ohio last time and presented one of his best career packages. Known as Ramon Dino, his aesthetics, tight waist, and full biceps make him difficult to stand against.
In his last competition, Queiroz faced off against Chris Bumstead in the finals of the 2023 Olympia. Bumstead’s posing and conditioning carried him to victory, but the gap between the two is closing fast, according to IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion. If Queiroz secures a second AC title, he will be one step closer to stopping Bumstead in October.
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Urs Kalecinski
Germany’s Urs Kalecinski, a modern icon of aesthetics, is on the hunt for the greatest victory of his career. At the 2023 Arnold Classic, Kalecinski demonstrated his prowess by challenging Queiroz and leveraging his expert posing skills for an advantage over his competitors. Despite battling food poisoning just five days prior to the competition, Kalecinski’s remarkable performance underscored his resilience and determination.
Benefiting from the new height and weight regulations, Kalecinski has utilized his time away from the spotlight to refine his taper, mass, and balance. Following a significant victory at the 2023 Texas State Pro, Kalecinski has gained momentum and now sets his sights on rival Queiroz in the imminent showdown.
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Breon Ansley
Known as ‘The Black Swan,’ Breon Ansley boasts the most accolades of any Classic Physique competitor on this roster. Continuously improving with age, Ansley aims to capitalize on the new height/weight regulations. With two Classic Physique Olympia titles and a 2018 Arnold Classic win under his belt, Ansley, mentored by bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier, is poised for gold contention.
Despite placing fourth in his last Mr. Olympia appearance behind Urs Kalecinski, Ramon Queiroz, and Chris Bumstead, Ansley remains a formidable force. If he brings his best to the stage, this Classic Physique star could potentially leave Ohio as a two-time champion.
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Michael Daboul
Following dominant victories at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro and New York Pro, Michael Daboul’s prowess as a Pro bodybuilder is undeniable. Renowned for his dry conditioning, Daboul showcased his talent at the Olympia, securing sixth place. In his last Arnold Classic appearance in 2022, he claimed fifth place before later clinching gold at the Arnold Classic UK.
Daboul remains a wildcard in this competition, armed with ample mass and his trademark conditioning. With the potential to effortlessly break into the first call-out, he possesses the discipline required to emerge victorious at prestigious events like the Arnold Classic, as demonstrated by his past success at the Arnold UK.
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Wesley Vissers
Wesley Vissers emerges as another formidable contender from the Classic Physique division, poised to leave a mark in Ohio. Also, this event marks Vissers’ second appearance at the Arnold Classic, with his debut in 2019 resulting in a 10th place finish. Since then, Vissers has remained focused on refining his physique.
In the past year, Vissers secured victory at the 2023 Europa Pro, earning a qualification for the Olympia where he claimed seventh place. Continuing his momentum, Vissers triumphed at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, further solidifying his status as a top contender in this year’s Arnold Classic.
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2024 Arnold Classic Physique Dark Horse
Courage Opara
Courage Opara emerges as a dark horse contender for the 2024 Arnold Classic, showcasing glimpses of greatness on esteemed stages like the Olympia. With superior shape, balance, and conditioning, Opara has the potential to surprise his peers.
Opara enters the 2024 Arnold Classic with significant momentum following his recent victory at the 2023 San Antonio Pro. Renowned for his completeness and posing abilities, fans anticipate Opara to make a solid push for the first call-out.
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The 2024 Arnold Classic is set to captivate Columbus, Ohio from February 29 to March 3. Don’t miss the action, as the winner of Classic Physique will undoubtedly enter the 2024 Olympia show in October as a frontrunner alongside Chris Bumstead.
For live coverage, tune in to the free live stream, courtesy of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, stay updated with the latest results and coverage on Colosseum Strength!
Overview
Contenders prepare for the 2024 Arnold Classic, highlighting the Classic Physique division. The event, set from February 29 to March 3 in Ohio, features both seasoned athletes and promising newcomers. Moreover, Notable figures like Chris Bumstead and Breon Ansley draw attention. With new regulations in place, such as height and weight restrictions, and fresh talent debuting, anticipation for the competition is high. Tune in for updates and live coverage courtesy of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s free live stream.
Featured Image @2024 Arnold Classic Physique, @breonma_, @ramondino, @the.miraclebear (Instagram)