Since its debut in 2015, the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique contest has served as a key stage for top athletes, with six winners claiming victory. Throughout the years, each champion has left their mark on the competition. Among them, three have gone on to secure the coveted Olympia title, further solidifying their legacy.
Looking ahead, the 2025 edition will be held from Feb. 28 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. This annual event remains a hallmark of bodybuilding excellence, attracting elite competitors from around the world. As the contest draws near, fans and athletes alike are eager to see who will rise to the top next.
Before the new champion is crowned, it’s important to reflect on the history of the competition. The champions of the past have left an indelible mark on this contest, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Winners
Since 2015, the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique division has crowned champions. Every year, elite competitors battle for the prestigious title. Over time, the event has become a proving ground for the division’s top athletes.
From Sadik Hadzovic’s historic victory to Diogo Montenegro’s breakthrough win, each champion has left an impact. In particular, Andre Ferguson and Erin Banks have dominated with multiple titles. Meanwhile, athletes like Ryan Terry and Brandon Hendrickson have used their Arnold victories to propel themselves to Olympia gold.
Looking ahead, the event will celebrate its 10th edition in 2025. As the division continues to grow, new champions will rise to the occasion. Without a doubt, each year brings fresh talent eager to etch their names into history.
- Sadik Hadzovic (2015)
- Brandon Hendrickson (2016)
- Ryan Terry (2017)
- Andre Ferguson (2018 – 2020)
- Erin Banks (2022 – 2023)
- Diogo Montenegro (2024)
Sadik Hadzovic (2015)
In 2015, the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique division made its debut. That year, Sadik Hadzovic made history as its first-ever champion. Thanks to his balanced proportions, sharp conditioning, and commanding stage presence, he secured the top spot.
Throughout the competition, Jason Poston pushed him to his limits. However, Poston ultimately settled for second place. At the same time, Anton Antinov delivered a strong showing and locked in third. Meanwhile, 2013 Men’s Physique Olympia champion Mark Anthony finished in fifth.
Following his win, Hadzovic cemented his place in history. Even though he never reclaimed the title, his impact on the division remains undeniable. More importantly, he will always be remembered as the division’s first Arnold Classic winner.
- Sadik Hadzovic
- Jason Poston
- Anton Antinov
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Brandon Hendrickson (2016)
In 2016, Brandon Hendrickson entered the Arnold Classic as a rising star. At the time, many believed he had potential, but few expected him to win. Nevertheless, he defied expectations and walked away with the title.
During the competition, George Brown delivered a strong performance. However, he couldn’t surpass Hendrickson and finished second. At the same time, Jason Poston once again proved his consistency by taking third. In the end, Hendrickson’s victory signaled the arrival of a new force in the division.
Two years later, he reached another career milestone. In 2018, he won the Olympia, making him the first competitor to hold both titles. To this day, he remains a dominant presence in the sport with three Olympia wins.
- Brandon Hendrickson
- George Brown
- Jason Poston
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Andre Ferguson (2018-2020)
By 2018, Andre Ferguson had already made a name for himself. That year, he stepped on the Arnold Classic stage with one goal—to win. Once he secured the title, he refused to let it go.
Over the next two years, Ferguson remained dominant. In both 2018 and 2019, Raymont Edmonds challenged him but fell short, finishing second each time. Then, in 2020, Ferguson faced another tough lineup. Nevertheless, he once again emerged victorious. However, that win came just as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the competition schedule.
To this day, Ferguson remains the only three-time Arnold Classic Men’s Physique champion. Thanks to his reign, he set a high bar for future competitors. So far, few have matched his level of dominance.
2018
- Andre Ferguson
- Raymont Edmonds
- Brandon Hendrickson
2019
- Andre Ferguson
- Raymont Edmonds
- Kyron Holden
2020
- Andre Ferguson
- Brandon Hendrickson
- Steven Cao
Erin Banks (2022-2023)
After a one-year hiatus, the Men’s Physique contest returned to the Arnold Classic in 2022. That year, Erin Banks wasted no time making his mark. With his dominant performance, he walked away with his first Arnold Classic title.
Later that season, he accomplished something no other competitor had done before. At the Olympia, he secured another victory, becoming the first athlete to hold both titles in the same year. The next season, he successfully defended his Arnold Classic crown. However, his reign at the Olympia ended later that year when Ryan Terry took the title.
Despite that setback, Banks remains one of the most accomplished athletes in the division. Without a doubt, his back-to-back Arnold victories put him in elite company. So far, few have matched his level of success.
2022
- Erin Banks
- Emanuel Hunter
- Diogo Montenegro
2023
- Erin Banks
- Diogo Montenegro
- Emanuel Hunter
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