Iain Valliere, longtime IFBB Pro and respected voice in the bodybuilding world, has weighed in on the contenders for the 2026 Arnold Classic and shared his top three predictions. Known for his honest, no-nonsense assessments and years of stage experience, Valliere’s insights give fans a veteran’s perspective on who could rise in one of the sport’s most prestigious early-season events.

Next, the 2026 Arnold Classic lineup is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most competitive ever. With several proven champions returning and young challengers entering the fray, the Columbus stage 🇺🇸 will be packed with talent capable of delivering unforgettable showdowns.

Then, Valliere didn’t just list names — he explained his rationale. His picks reflect a mix of conditioning potential, overall muscle development, and the unique demands of Arnold Classic judging, which often favors dense structure and classic proportions.

Finally, with prize money and prestige both growing year after year, strong showings here don’t just define a season — they can reshape careers. Valliere’s selections highlight athletes he believes have what it takes to do exactly that.

Iain Valliere Reveals His Top 3 Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic

🏆 Iain Valliere Top 3 Predictions — 2026 Arnold Classic

Iain Valliere has weighed in on what could be one of the most competitive Arnold Classics in recent memory. As a former IFBB Pro and longtime observer of the Men’s Open division, Valliere offered a clear-eyed breakdown of who he believes will dominate the Columbus stage in 2026.

Next, rather than spreading his predictions thin, Valliere focused on three athletes he sees as the most complete, dangerous, and reliable when it comes to Arnold Classic judging. His picks reflect density, conditioning, and stage presence — qualities that historically decide this contest.

Then, Valliere placed particular emphasis on consistency. The Arnold Classic often rewards competitors who can repeatedly bring elite conditioning under pressure, not just those with raw size.

Finally, his list puts one former Olympia champion firmly at the center of the conversation, with two challengers positioned to capitalize if anything slips.

🥇🥈 Hadi Choopan 🇮🇷 — The Standard to Beat

Valliere made it clear that Hadi Choopan sits at the top of his predictions. Whether finishing first or second, Valliere sees Choopan as the benchmark everyone else must measure against.

Choopan’s calling cards remain his granite conditioning, muscle maturity, and relentless consistency. On the Arnold stage — where dense muscle and hardness are heavily rewarded — Valliere believes Choopan is almost always a threat to win.

“Hadi is just Hadi. When he shows up, he’s dialed in. You’re not beating him unless he’s off.”

Next, Valliere pointed out that Choopan’s ability to peak reliably separates him from most of the field. While others fluctuate show to show, Choopan rarely misses.

“You can pretty much lock him into that first or second spot if he’s healthy.”

 

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A post shared by Hadi Choopan | هادی چوپان (@hadi_choopan)

🥈 Andrew Jacked 🇳🇬 — The Size Wild Card

Valliere placed Andrew Jacked firmly in the top three, citing his massive frame and improving structure as reasons he could challenge Choopan under the right conditions.

Andrew Jacked brings a vastly different look to the stage. His height, width, and sweeping muscle bellies give him a silhouette that immediately commands attention. Valliere believes that if conditioning matches size, the gap narrows fast.

“Andrew’s structure is ridiculous. If he’s truly dialed in, he can absolutely push the top guys.”

Then, Valliere acknowledged that Andrew Jacked’s placings often depend on refinement. When detail and sharpness meet his size, he becomes extremely dangerous.

“The size is already there. It’s about polish.”

 

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A post shared by Chinedu Obiekea Andrew J (@andrewjacked)

🥉 Martin Fitzwater 🇺🇸 — The Quiet Climber

Valliere selected Martin Fitzwater as his third-place prediction, calling him one of the most improved and underrated physiques in the division.

Fitzwater’s steady progression, clean lines, and improving density have made him increasingly competitive against bigger names. Valliere views him as an athlete who continues to close the gap without unnecessary hype.

“Martin just keeps getting better. Every time you see him, something has improved.”

Next, Valliere highlighted Fitzwater’s balance. While he may not overpower opponents with sheer mass, his symmetry and conditioning keep him in every comparison.

“He doesn’t have glaring weaknesses, and that matters at the Arnold.”

 

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A post shared by Martin “The Martian” Fitzwater (@martfitzh2o)

Nick Walker’s Standpoint and 2026 Prep

Nick Walker — a former Arnold Classic champion and one of the biggest personalities in the sport — reaffirmed his commitment to bringing a truly elite package to Columbus. Walker has openly discussed re-focusing his training philosophy after reflecting on his previous Olympia performances.

Next, Walker explained that he’s shedding unnecessary changes and returning to what worked best for him in the past. His emphasis on fundamentals speaks to a recalibration rather than a complete overhaul.

“That’s all that needs to be said. I’m not going to talk my shit. I’m going to come in the way I know how to come in, and I’m just going to cause havoc like I always do.”

 

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A post shared by Nick “the Mutant” Walker (@nick_walker39)

Then, Walker elaborated on his confidence, not just in his size, but in how he plans to present that size conditioned and crisp onstage.

“I’m going to do exactly what I know works. I know what works. I’ve been down this road. Thing is, in my opinion… What works always works.”

Finally, Walker’s own attitude — equal parts fire and focus — echoes Valliere’s belief that the 2026 Arnold Classic could very well come down to who delivers the most complete and intentional peak.

Watch The Full Video At Iain Valliere Youtube Channel Below:

Overview

Iain Valliere 2026 Arnold Classic predictions center on reliability, density, and upward momentum. Hadi Choopan 🇮🇷remains the standard, capable of finishing first or second whenever he steps onstage. Andrew Jacked 🇳🇬 brings the size and structure to disrupt the order if conditioning aligns. Meanwhile, Martin Fitzwater 🇺🇸 continues his quiet rise, positioning himself as a serious podium threat. Together, these three represent the blend of dominance, potential, and progression that defines today’s Men’s Open landscape — and sets the stage for a compelling showdown in Columbus.

Featured Image – Iain Valliere Reveals His Top 3 Picks for the 2026 Arnold Classic but Nick Walker can Win –  Credit:@Nick_Walker39, @Hadi_choopan, @AndrewJacked, @Martfitzh2o (Instagram)