All-Time Winners of the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair

From the beginning, the Arnold Classic has been a premier bodybuilding event. Originally launched in 1989, it featured only the Men’s Open division. Over time, it expanded, adding multiple categories, including Men’s Wheelchair in 2016. Notably, the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair has seen three Winners, with Rajesh John now leading the division.

Over the years, Nick Scott pushed for the division’s growth. As chairman of Wheelchair Bodybuilding, he made it a key part of the Arnold Expo. Furthermore, throughout its history, only three men have won the title, with Harold Kelley as the most dominant champion.

Looking ahead, the 2025 edition is set for March 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Lastly, with Rajesh John now holding the title, the division has become more competitive than ever.

All-Time Winners of the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair Contest

The evolution of this contest is below, with the history of all three champions included:

Harold Kelley (2016-20, 2023)
Gabriele Andriulli (2022)
Rajesh John (2024)

For nearly a decade, the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair has showcased the best wheelchair bodybuilders in the world. At first, one man dominated the division. Then, a rivalry emerged. Now, a new champion has shaken things up.

At the start, Harold Kelley controlled the stage. He won five straight titles before the contest took a break in 2021. When it returned, Gabriele Andriulli ended his streak in 2022. But Kelley came back strong in 2023, proving he was still the man to beat.

In 2024, everything changed. Rajesh John, a relative unknown, pulled off a stunning upset. He took the title over Andriulli and Josue Fabiano, while Kelley fell to fourth. With a new champion on top, the division’s future looks more unpredictable than ever.

Harold Kelley (2016–2020, 2023)

From the very first event, Kelley set the standard. He won the inaugural Arnold Pro Wheelchair title in 2016 and never looked back. Year after year, he returned stronger, taking five straight victories. No one could touch him.

By 2021, the competition had evolved. The pandemic forced a break in the contest, but when it returned, Kelley was no longer untouchable. Andriulli finally beat him in 2022, ending his reign. For the first time in nearly a decade, Kelley had to fight from behind.

In 2023, he did just that. He reclaimed the Arnold title, proving his greatness once again. However, his fourth-placefinish in 2024 raised doubts. If he wants to stay in the title picture, he must bounce back in 2025.

Competition Results

2016

Harold Kelley
Ludovic Marchand
Gabriele Andriulli

2017

Harold Kelley
Gabriele Andriulli
Daniel Minster

2018

Harold Kelley
Reggie Bennett
Gabriele Andriulli

2019

Harold Kelley
Kris Dim
Anand Arnold

2020

Harold Kelley
Antoni Khadroui
Bradley Betts

2023

Harold Kelley
Tory Jones
Bradley Betts

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Gabriele Andriulli (2022)

For years, Andriulli chased Kelley. Furthermore, he placed in the top three multiple times but could never take the top spot. Finally, in 2022, he broke through. Lastly, he defeated Kelley and became the second man to ever win the title.

At that moment, the division had a new rivalry. Andriulli’s victory wasn’t just a one-time upset—it proved Kelley could be beaten. However, the win put him in the history books, but he couldn’t hold onto the title for long.

By 2023, Kelley took back his crown. Andriulli finished second, showing that he was still a top contender. However, 2024brought another twist. Furthermore, he placed second again, this time behind an unexpected winner.

Competition Results

2022

Gabriele Andriulli
Harold Kelley
Bradley Betts

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Rajesh John (2024)

Before 2024, few people knew Rajesh John’s name. Furthermore, he wasn’t a favorite. Moreover, he wasn’t a past champion. Also, he wasn’t even a major contender. However, but on Arnold Classic weekend, he changed all of that.

Against all odds, John won the biggest contest of his career. Furthermore, he outperformed former champions Andriulli and Kelley, proving he belonged at the top. Moreover, his victory wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement.

Now, the spotlight is on him. Can he defend his title in 2025? Or will one of the former champions take it back? One thing is certain: The division is no longer a two-man race.

Competition Results

2024

Rajesh John
Gabriele Andriulli
Josue Fabiano

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Overview

The Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair, part of the Arnold Expo since 2016, has seen three Winners: Harold Kelley, Gabriele Andriulli, and Rajesh John. Initially dominated by Kelley, who won five consecutive titles, the competition shifted when Andriulli claimed victory in 2022. However, Kelley regained the title in 2023. In 2024, Rajesh Johnstunned everyone by defeating both Andriulli and Kelley, marking a new era for the division. As the 2025 event approaches, the future remains unpredictable, with John now at the forefront.

Featured Image – All-Time Winners of the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair – Credit: @arnoldsports (Instagram)