All-Time Bikini International Arnold Classic Champions

The Bikini International is one of seven championship events held during the Arnold Classic weekend in Columbus, Ohio. Since its debut in 2011, it has grown into one of the division’s most prestigious titles. Every year, the world’s top Bikini athletes compete for the crown. In this article, we will cover All-Time Bikini International Arnold Classic Champions and their victories.

Over the years, nine competitors have claimed victory at least once. Eight of them have also won the Bikini Olympia, solidifying their dominance in the sport. Most recently, Lauralie Chapados won her third consecutive Bikini International in 2024. Later that year, she captured her first Olympia title.

Now, the stage is set for the contest’s 15th edition. The 2025 Bikini International will take place from February 28 through March 1 in Columbus. As anticipation builds, here’s a look back at the champions who have defined this event.

All-Time Bikini International Arnold Classic Champions

Nicole Nagrani (2011)
Sonia Gonzalez (2012)
India Paulino (2013, 2016)
Ashley Kaltwasser (2014-15)
Angelica Teixeira (2017-18)
Janet Layug (2019)
Elisa Pecini (2020)
Jennifer Dorie (2021)
Lauralie Chapados (2022-24)

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Nicole Nagrani (2011)

From the start, Nicole Nagrani made history. She won the first-ever Bikini International title in 2011. Her victory cemented her as a pioneer in the division.

At that time, Sonia Gonzalez was the reigning Olympia champion. However, Nagrani outperformed her on the Arnold Classic stage. Her balance, conditioning, and poise secured the win.

Her victory marked a new era. She set the standard for future Bikini competitors. The Bikini International had officially become one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

2011 Roster:

Nicole Nagrani
Sonia Gonzalez
Nathalia Melo

Sonia Gonzalez (2012)

One year later, Sonia Gonzalez took her revenge. She entered Columbus determined to reclaim her spot at the top. Her improved conditioning and presence gave her the win.

Nicole Nagrani walked in as the reigning Olympia champion. However, she fell short of defending her Arnold Classic title. Instead, she dropped to third place, with India Paulino taking second.

Her victory was historic. She became the first Bikini competitor to win both the Olympia and the Arnold Classic. Her legacy in the sport was officially secured.

2012 Roster:

Sonia Gonzalez
India Paulino
Nicole Nagrani

India Paulino (2013, 2016)

By 2013, India Paulino was a rising star. She had already established herself as a top contender. That year, she finally reached the top, winning her first Bikini International title.

Three years later, she did the unthinkable. She became the first Bikini competitor to lose the title and reclaim it. Her 2016 victory proved her resilience and dominance.

Her achievements changed the division. She showed that a champion could bounce back and reclaim glory. Her performances cemented her place among the greatest.

2013 Roster:

India Paulino
Nathalia Melo
Nicole Nagrani

2016 Roster:

India Paulino
Justine Munro
Janet Layug

Ashley Kaltwasser (2014-15)

From the beginning, Ashley Kaltwasser was a different breed. She dominated the division with a combination of symmetry, conditioning, and confidence. Her first Arnold Classic win in 2014 made that clear.

She returned in 2015 even stronger. That year, she defended her title and became the first back-to-back Bikini International champion. Her precision and polish left no doubt about her dominance.

Her impact on the sport is undeniable. With 50 IFBB wins heading into 2025, she remains a record-breaker. Her Arnold Classic victories played a major role in shaping her legendary career.

2014 Roster:

Ashley Kaltwasser
Yeshaira Robles
Amanda Latona

2015 Roster:

Ashley Kaltwasser
Justine Munro
Janet Layug

Angelica Teixeira (2017-18)

By 2017, Angelica Teixeira had all the momentum. She was climbing the ranks and refining her physique. That year, she reached the top, winning both the Arnold Classic and the Olympia.

She returned in 2018 to defend her title. Once again, she left no room for debate. Her poised presentation and stage confidence secured her second straight Bikini International win.

Her back-to-back victories made a statement. She became a dominant force in the division. Future competitors would have to rise to her standard.

2017 Roster:

Angelica Teixeira
Courtney King
Jennifer Ronzitti

2018 Roster:

Angelica Teixeira
Janet Layug
Casey Samsel-Torres

Janet Layug (2019)

For years, Janet Layug was considered the best athlete without a major title. She had the look, the presence, and the fan support. However, she needed a big win to silence the critics.

In 2019, she finally delivered. She stepped on the Arnold Classic stage and left no doubt. Her balance of muscle tone and elegance earned her the Bikini International title.

Though she lost the Olympia later that year, her story didn’t end there. By the end of 2020, she captured the sport’s biggest prize—the Bikini Olympia crown.

2019 Roster:

Janet Layug
Elisa Pecini
Ashley Kaltwasser

Elisa Pecini (2020)

Elisa Pecini entered the 2020 Arnold Classic with a target on her back. As the reigning Olympia champion, expectations were sky-high. The competition was fierce, but she stayed composed.

This contest took place just as the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting events worldwide. Despite the uncertainty, Pecini delivered a flawless performance. Her conditioning and stage presence gave her the win.

She beat two past Arnold Classic champions to secure victory. Angelica Teixeira placed second, while Janet Layug settled for third. With this win, Pecini added another major title to her résumé.

2020 Roster:

Elisa Pecini
Angelica Teixeira
Janet Layug

Jennifer Dorie (2021)

Jennifer Dorie’s rise in the Bikini division was fast and undeniable. By 2021, she had become one of the most exciting athletes to watch. Her breakthrough moment came at that year’s Arnold Classic.

The contest took place just two weeks before the Olympia. Dorie seized the opportunity, delivering back-to-back wins. She claimed both titles and established herself as the sport’s new dominant force.

Her combination of structure, conditioning, and stage presence set her apart. With those victories, she cemented herself as one of the greats in the division.

2021 Roster:

Jennifer Dorie
Elisa Pecini
Lauralie Chapados

Lauralie Chapados (2022-24)

Lauralie Chapados made history for Canada in 2022. She captured the Arnold Classic title, keeping the trophy north of the border. Her win was a turning point in her career.

She returned in 2023 and proved it was no fluke. Once again, she dominated the field and defended her title. Her precision, stage presence, and flawless posing made her unstoppable.

In 2024, she faced her toughest test yet. Aimee Delgado pushed her to the limit, forcing one of the closest decisions in contest history. Chapados won by a single point, securing her third Arnold title.

2022 Roster:

Lauralie Chapados
Maureen Blanquisco
Ashley Kaltwasser

2023 Roster:

Lauralie Chapados
Maureen Blanquisco
Jennifer Dorie

2024 Roster:

Lauralie Chapados
Aimee Delgado
Vania Auguste

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Overview

The Bikini International debuted in 2011 and quickly became one of the Arnold Classic weekend’s most prestigious events. In this article, we will cover All-Time Bikini International Arnold Classic Champions and their victories. Over the years, nine champions have claimed the title, with eight also winning the Bikini Olympia. Most recently, Lauralie Chapados dominated, winning three straight titles from 2022 to 2024. Later in 2024, she captured her first Olympia crown. Now, the stage is set for the 15th edition, taking place from February 28 to March 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. As anticipation builds, the contest’s rich history continues to shape the division’s future.

Featured Image – All-Time Bikini International Arnold Classic Champions – Credit: @lauraliechap, @Arnolsports (Instagram)