All-Time Arnold Classic Winners: The Complete List of Open Bodybuilding

In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger shocked the bodybuilding world by defeating then-Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva at the Mr. World contest in Columbus, Ohio. Consequently, Schwarzenegger went on to win that year’s Mr. Olympia title. Shortly after, he proposed a partnership with promoter Jim Lorimer, which they agreed upon once his competitive career ended. Furthermore, here are the All-Time Arnold Classic Open Winners: The Complete List which will discuss and covers the each Winner.

By 1989, this handshake agreement had transformed into the Arnold Sports Festival (ASF). This event has since hosted the Arnold Classic bodybuilding contest, the Arnold Strongman Classic, and many other sporting events. Moreover, the ASF expanded internationally, with versions now held in countries like Australia, Brazil, Spain, and South Africa.

Additionally, the Arnold Classic USA has been held annually in Columbus, Ohio, since its inception. It has become one of the most prestigious bodybuilding contests, ranking just behind the Olympia. Winning the Arnold Classic catapults bodybuilders to elite status, with many of the greatest competitors in history having their names etched in its legacy.

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The Arnold Classic has produced numerous iconic bodybuilding champions. Below is a list of Colosseum Strength All-time Open Bodybuilding winners through the years:

All-Time Arnold Classic Winners Of Open Bodybuilding

1989: Rich Gaspari
1990: Mike Ashley
1991: Shawn Ray
1992: Vince Taylor
1993: Flex Wheeler
1994: Kevin Levrone
1995: Mike Francois
1996: Kevin Levrone
1997: Flex Wheeler
1998: Flex Wheeler
1999: Nasser El Sonbaty
2000: Flex Wheeler
2001: Ronnie Coleman
2002: Jay Cutler
2003: Jay Cutler
2004: Jay Cutler
2005: Dexter Jackson
2006: Dexter Jackson
2007: Victor Martinez
2008: Dexter Jackson
2009: Kai Greene
2010: Kai Greene
2011: Branch Warren
2012: Branch Warren
2013: Dexter Jackson
2014: Dennis Wolf
2015: Dexter Jackson
2016: Kai Greene
2017: Cedric McMillan
2018: William Bonac
2019: Brandon Curry
2020: William Bonac
2021: Nick Walker
2022: Brandon Curry
2023: Samson Dauda
2024: Hadi Choopan

Rich Gaspari (1989)

The 1989 Arnold Classic was a turning point in bodybuilding history. It captured the spotlight, even without the participation of Mr. Olympia Lee Haney. Rich Gaspari emerged as the inaugural champion, considered by many the most competitive bodybuilder of his era. He stood alongside Lee Labrada as a force to be reckoned with.

Furthermore, the contest was broadcast on NBC, with Arnold Schwarzenegger serving as the commentator. This helped bring a new level of visibility to the sport. Gaspari’s victory added to the prestige of the Arnold Classic, marking the beginning of its evolution into one of bodybuilding’s premier events.

In conclusion, Gaspari’s win in 1989 set a high standard. It also solidified his place in bodybuilding history. The Arnold Classic would go on to grow and thrive, becoming a major fixture in the sport.

The 1989 Arnold Classic

Rich Gaspari
Robby Robinson
Gary Strydom

Mike Ashley (1990)

The 1990 Arnold Classic was a controversial event. Initially, Shawn Ray claimed the title but was stripped of it after failing a drug test. As a result, Mike Ashley was named the new champion, with every other competitor moving up one spot.

Following the disqualification of Ray, the event was thrown into chaos. This decision added a layer of drama that would mark the competition’s legacy. Ashley’s victory was unexpected but well-deserved, given the circumstances.

In the end, the controversy only fueled the excitement surrounding the Arnold Classic. Mike Ashley’s victory was pivotal, as it highlighted the event’s rising influence. It would go on to become even more prestigious in the years that followed.

The 1990 Arnold Classic Open Winners

Mike Ashley
Mike Christian
Andreas Munzer
Shawn Ray

Shawn Ray (1991)

In 1991, Shawn Ray returned with a vengeance. Motivated by the controversy of the previous year, he was determined to reclaim the title. His victory was dominating, and it silenced any doubts about his abilities.

Ray’s performance in 1991 left no room for argument. He thoroughly outperformed the competition and secured his place as one of bodybuilding’s top stars. Renel Janvier took second, with Vince Taylor securing the third spot.

Ultimately, Ray’s win proved that he could overcome adversity. It cemented his place in Arnold Classic history. His dominance in 1991 set the stage for his future successes.

The 1991 Arnold Classic Open Winners

Shawn Ray
Renel Janvier
Vince Taylor

Vince Taylor (1992)

Vince Taylor had an extraordinary season in 1992. Having already won the Iron Man Pro the week before, he entered the Arnold Classic with confidence. Taylor’s victory was clear and decisive, as he claimed the title over Mohammad Benaziza.

The competition in 1992 was fierce, but Taylor’s consistency and conditioning won the judges over. Benaziza, competing in his final season, took second place. The late Sonny Schmidt rounded out the top three with a strong performance.

In conclusion, Taylor’s win marked another milestone in his career. It was not just a victory; it was a statement. He would go on to achieve even greater success in future competitions.

The 1992 Arnold Classic Open Winners

Vince Taylor
Mohammad Benaziza
Sonny Schmidt

Flex Wheeler (1993, 1997, 1998, 2000)

Flex Wheeler’s 1993 debut at the Arnold Classic was legendary. He shocked the bodybuilding world by defeating the defending champion, Lee Labrada. Wheeler’s symmetry and posing were unmatched, and his performance earned him widespread acclaim.

Wheeler’s success didn’t stop there. He went on to win the Arnold Classic three more times—1997, 1998, and 2000. In 1997, his victory over Nasser El Sonbaty was hard-fought, with Wheeler’s aesthetics taking the edge.

Ultimately, Wheeler’s dominance at the Arnold Classic became a defining part of his career. He proved himself to be one of bodybuilding’s greatest athletes. His four titles made him a true icon in the sport.

The 1993 Arnold Classic Open Winners

Flex Wheeler
Lee Labrada
Vince Taylor

The 1997 Arnold Classic Open Winners

Flex Wheeler
Nasser El Sonbaty
Mike Francois

The 1998 Arnold Classic

Flex Wheeler
Nasser El Sonbaty
Vince Taylor

The 2000 Arnold Classic

Flex Wheeler
Chris Cormier
Kevin Levrone

Kevin Levrone (1994, 1996)

Kevin Levrone’s rise to prominence was undeniable. In 1994, he won four major contests, including the Arnold Classic. His victory secured his position as one of bodybuilding’s most promising athletes.

Levrone’s second Arnold Classic victory came in 1996. He defeated a competitive field, with Flex Wheeler finishing second. Paul Dillett took third, rounding out the top three in what was a tightly contested battle.

In the end, Levrone’s wins in 1994 and 1996 marked key moments in his career. They demonstrated his consistency and versatility. His legacy in the Arnold Classic was well-established, and he would continue to be a dominant figure in the sport.

The 1994 Arnold Classic

Kevin Levrone
Vince Taylor
Porter Cottrell

The 1996 Arnold Classic

Kevin Levrone
Flex Wheeler
Paul Dillett

Mike Francois (1995)

The 1995 Arnold Classic marked a historic moment for Columbus, Ohio. Mike Francois, a local athlete, won the title, ending a six-year drought for a hometown champion. His victory was unexpected, as he defeated the overwhelming favorite, Flex Wheeler.

Francois’ success did not stop in Ohio. He followed up his Arnold win by capturing the San Jose Pro Invitational title. However, his performance at the Olympia that year was less impressive, where he finished in seventh place.

In the end, Francois’ win was a defining moment for both him and the Arnold Classic. It demonstrated that local athletes could succeed at the highest level. His victory remains a notable chapter in the event’s history.

The 1995 Arnold Classic

Mike Francois
Flex Wheeler
Charles Clairmonte

Nasser El Sonbaty (1999)

Nasser El Sonbaty’s 1999 Arnold Classic victory marked the culmination of a long journey. After finishing as the runner-up for two consecutive years, El Sonbaty finally claimed the title. This was his only victory of the season, and it would turn out to be the final win of his career.

The competition was fierce, with Kevin Levrone and Chris Cormier finishing in second and third place, respectively. El Sonbaty’s win solidified his place as one of the greats in bodybuilding.

In the end, El Sonbaty’s triumph in 1999 was both a personal victory and a key moment in Arnold Classic history. It also served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the event, where any athlete could emerge victorious.

The 1999 Arnold Classic

Nasser El Sonbaty
Kevin Levrone
Chris Cormier

Ronnie Coleman (2001)

The 2001 Arnold Classic was a historic moment in bodybuilding. It was the only time the reigning Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman, competed in the event. Coleman added the Arnold title to his already impressive list of accolades, claiming first place and the coveted Hummer prize.

Chris Cormier took second, while Dennis “The Menace” James finished third. Despite his victory, Coleman’s participation in the Arnold Classic that year would later be seen as a mistake, as he barely retained his Olympia title in a controversial decision over Jay Cutler.

In the end, Coleman’s 2001 Arnold victory was significant. It marked a rare instance of the Mr. Olympia champion also winning the Arnold Classic. The event would continue to grow in prestige following Coleman’s win.

The 2001 Arnold Classic

Ronnie Coleman
Chris Cormier
Dennis James

Jay Cutler Dominates (2002, 2003, 2004)

Jay Cutler’s dominance began in 2002 when he won the Arnold Classic. After a close loss to Ronnie Coleman at the 2001 Olympia, Cutler returned to Ohio determined to establish himself as the next great champion. He went on to win the Arnold Classic two more years in a row, securing his place as one of bodybuilding’s most successful athletes.

In 2004, Cutler completed his three-peat victory, becoming the first man to win the Arnold Classic three times consecutively. Afterward, he shifted his focus to the Olympia, which he would eventually win in 2006. Chris Cormier, however, was a constant runner-up, finishing second in each of Cutler’s victories.

In the end, Cutler’s reign over the Arnold Classic was unmatched. His three consecutive wins cemented his legacy. The Arnold Classic would continue to serve as the launching pad for his future successes.

The 2002 Arnold Classic

Jay Cutler
Chris Cormier
Dexter Jackson

The 2003 Arnold Classic

Jay Cutler
Chris Cormier
Markus Ruhl

The 2004 Arnold Classic

Jay Cutler
Chris Cormier
Dexter Jackson

Dexter Jackson (2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015)

Dexter Jackson’s Arnold Classic career was nothing short of legendary. He won his first title in 2005, and then backed it up with a victory in 2006. Though he finished second in 2007, he bounced back in 2008 with another win, further solidifying his place in bodybuilding history.

Jackson’s dominance continued, with a fourth victory in 2013, tying him with Flex Wheeler for the most Arnold Classic wins. In 2015, he claimed his fifth title, setting a new record and further cementing his legacy as one of bodybuilding’s greatest athletes.

In the end, Jackson’s success at the Arnold Classic was remarkable. His ability to remain competitive across multiple decades set him apart. His five victories remain a testament to his consistency and excellence in the sport.

The 2005 Arnold Classic

Dexter Jackson
Chris Cormier
Gustavo Badell

The 2006 Arnold Classic

Dexter Jackson
Branch Warren
Victor Martinez

The 2008 Arnold Classic

Dexter Jackson
Phil Heath
Kai Greene

The 2013 Arnold Classic

Dexter Jackson
Ben Pakulski
Toney Freeman

The 2015 Arnold Classic

Dexter Jackson
Branch Warren
Justin Compton

Victor Martinez (2007)

Victor Martinez pulled off an upset in 2007, stopping Dexter Jackson’s streak of two consecutive Arnold Classic titles. Jackson, the favorite, settled for second, while Toney Freeman rounded out the top three. Martinez’s victory was a game-changer, earning him the title that year.

In the same year, Martinez would finish second at the Mr. Olympia, just behind Jay Cutler. His Arnold Classic win was the highlight of his year, marking him as a serious threat in the bodybuilding world.

Martinez’s 2007 win shook up the competition. It was a powerful statement, signaling that a new wave of top contenders was emerging.

The 2007 Arnold Classic

Victor Martinez
Dexter Jackson
Toney Freeman

Kai Greene (2009, 2010, 2016)

Kai Greene surprised everyone in 2009. Though Victor Martinez was the favorite after recovering from a leg injury, Greene’s massive improvements took him to the top. Branch Warren, another strong contender, finished in third place. Greene’s win marked the beginning of his dominance in Columbus.

The 2009 Arnold Classic

Kai Greene
Victor Martinez
Branch Warren

The 2010 Arnold Classic

Kai Greene
Phil Heath
Branch Warren

Greene continued his reign in 2010, winning a second consecutive Arnold title. Despite a fierce challenge from Phil Heath, Greene’s conditioning and symmetry earned him the victory. Branch Warren, as before, finished third.

The 2016 Arnold Classic

Kai Greene
Cedric McMillan
Josh Lenartowicz

After taking a break from the Olympia, Greene made a victorious return to the Arnold Classic in 2016. He earned his third title, despite not competing in that year’s Olympia. It was a stunning comeback that showcased his unrivaled physique.

Branch Warren (2011, 2012)

Branch Warren broke through in 2011 after two years of third-place finishes. His win was hard-earned, as he outperformed Dennis Wolf and Victor Martinez to claim his first Arnold Classic title. His relentless work ethic and condition helped him take the top spot.

The 2011 Arnold Classic

Branch Warren
Dennis Wolf
Victor Martinez

The 2012 Arnold Classic

Branch Warren
Dennis Wolf
Evan Centopani

Warren followed up his 2011 victory with another in 2012, showcasing incredible resilience. Despite a quadriceps injury, he powered through to take the title. Dennis Wolf and Evan Centopani rounded out the top three, but Warren’s recovery made his win even more remarkable.

Warren’s consecutive victories were a testament to his determination. His 2012 win was one for the history books, showing that even after setbacks, the champion spirit can shine through.

Dennis Wolf (2014)

Dennis Wolf finally claimed his Arnold Classic title in 2014, after years of near-misses. His performance was the best of his career, stunning fans and judges alike. Wolf defeated Shawn Rhoden and Cedric McMillan to claim the prestigious prize.

Wolf’s victory solidified his status as one of bodybuilding’s elite. It also marked the end of his reputation as the “best to never win a major show.” His Arnold Classic win changed that narrative, making 2014 a defining year.

After this triumph, Wolf went on to place fourth at the Mr. Olympia that same year, continuing his rise in the sport.

The 2014 Arnold Classic

Dennis Wolf
Shawn Rhoden
Cedric McMillan

Cedric McMillan (2017)

Cedric McMillan’s 2017 Arnold Classic victory was one of the most emotional in recent years. Fans had long hoped for McMillan to win, and he finally delivered. Dallas McCarver took second place, while Maxx Charles finished third.

McMillan’s victory was special. It wasn’t just a win for him, but for the fans who supported him through thick and thin. Arnold Schwarzenegger even joined him on stage for a few poses, making it a memorable moment in Arnold Classic history.

McMillan’s 2017 win marked the pinnacle of his career. It remains one of the most heartwarming moments in the sport.

The 2017 Arnold Classic

Cedric McMillan
Dallas McCarver
Maxx Charles

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William Bonac (2018, 2020)

William Bonac stunned the bodybuilding world in 2018. He defeated Dexter Jackson and Cedric McMillan to win his first Arnold Classic title. His conditioning and size were on full display, marking a major achievement in his career.

The 2018 Arnold Classic

William Bonac
Dexter Jackson
Cedric McMillan

The 2020 Arnold Classic

William Bonac
Dexter Jackson
Mamdouh Elssbiay

Bonac came back in 2020 to defend his title. He triumphed again, defeating Dexter Jackson and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. This victory solidified his place as one of the sport’s top athletes. It also marked Jackson’s final Arnold appearance.

Bonac’s back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2020 cemented his legacy in the sport. His consistency and excellence in Columbus made him one of the most successful bodybuilders of his generation.

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Brandon Curry (2019, 2022)

Brandon Curry made a huge statement in 2019. After placing fifth at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, he stormed to victory in Columbus, defeating William Bonac. This win marked his breakthrough moment in the sport.

The 2019 Arnold Classic Open

Brandon Curry
William Bonac
Luke Sandoe

The 2022 Arnold Classic Open

Brandon Curry
William Bonac
Steve Kuclo

Curry returned in 2022 to defend his title. He triumphed once again, beating William Bonac and Steve Kuclo. His performance was impeccable, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with in bodybuilding.

Curry’s back-to-back wins showed his dominance. His Arnold victories solidified his status as one of the top bodybuilders in the world.

Nick Walker (2021)

Nick Walker broke onto the scene in 2021 with a dominating win. After winning the New York Pro earlier in the year, Walker took the Arnold Classic title in his debut. He defeated Iain Valliere and Steve Kuclo to claim the victory.

Walker’s 2021 win marked the beginning of his rise to stardom. Fans and judges alike were impressed by his size and conditioning. He quickly became a major name in bodybuilding.

His win in 2021 was a statement, establishing Walker as one of the sport’s future stars.

The 2021 Arnold Classic Open

Nick Walker
Iain Valliere
Steve Kuclo

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Samson Dauda (2023)

Heading into the 2023 Arnold Classic, Nick Walker was the favorite. However, Samson Dauda stole the show with a stunning performance. He brought his best look to the stage, and the judges rewarded him with a career-defining victory.

Dauda’s victory was a huge upset, and his physique was on point. The win marked the beginning of what could be a spectacular career.

Dauda’s 2023 Arnold Classic triumph was one of the biggest moments in recent bodybuilding history. Fans will remember it as the night when an underdog became a champion.

The 2023 Arnold Classic Open

Samson Dauda
Nick Walker
Andrew Jacked

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Hadi Choopan (2024)

Hadi Choopan claimed the 2024 Arnold Classic Men’s Open title, marking his first victory at this prestigious event. The Iranian bodybuilder, known as “The Persian Wolf,” showcased exceptional conditioning and symmetry, earning him the top spot. With his victory, Choopan solidified his reputation as one of the top competitors in the sport.

Samson Dauda, the 2023 Arnold Classic champion, took second place in 2024. The UK competitor showed significant improvements in his physique, reinforcing his position as a top contender in the bodybuilding world. His impressive conditioning helped him maintain a strong presence on stage.

Rafael Brandao from Brazil rounded out the top three, delivering a performance that showcased his muscle density and stage presence. His consistent conditioning throughout the competition earned him a well-deserved place on the podium, securing third in a highly competitive field.

The 2024 Arnold Classic Open

Hadi Choopan (Iran)
Samson Dauda (UK)
Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
Jonathan Delarosa (USA)
James Hollingshead (UK)
Akim Williams (USA)
Antoine Vaillant (Canada)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Horse Marcello De Angelis (Brazil)
Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi (USA)

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Overview

In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger made history by defeating Sergio Oliva at the Mr. World contest in Columbus, Ohio. Soon after, he partnered with Jim Lorimer, leading to the creation of the Arnold Sports Festival (ASF) by 1989. The ASF now hosts events like the Arnold Classic bodybuilding contest and Arnold Strongman Classic, with global editions in countries like Australia and Brazil. Additionally, the Arnold Classic USA, held annually in Columbus, is one of bodybuilding’s most prestigious contests, ranking just behind the Olympia. Winning the Arnold Classic elevates competitors to elite status, and many of the sport’s greatest bodybuilders have cemented their legacy here. For a comprehensive look at the champions, the “All-Time Arnold Classic Winners: The Complete List of Open Bodybuilding” showcases the full history of winners.

Featured Image – All-Time Arnold Classic Winners: The Complete List of Open Bodybuilding – Credit: @Arnolsports (Instagram)& @Arnold Sports Festival (Youtube)