The bikini competition at the 2023 Arnold Classic was highly competitive, with seven IFBB Pro League shows taking place. The defending champion, Lauralie Chapados, faced stiff competition from 2022 Olympia winner Maureen Blanquisco and 2021 Arnold and Olympia winner Jennifer Dorie. Additionally, seven of the nine competitors were looking for their first Arnold title, while Ashley Kaltwasser aimed to make history by becoming the first three-time winner.

The final scores were tight at the top, but former Olympia champion Janet Layug praised Chapados’ victory as well-deserved. On stage, Chapados was presented with the championship trophy by Schwarzenegger, marking the first award ceremony of the night. With her win, Chapados joined the elite group of multi-time winners of the competition, of which she is now the fourth.

The bikini individual routines were a highlight of the competition, with each of the top competitors bringing their best to the stage. Chapados started things off, followed by Blanquisco, who had a strong vocal fanbase supporting her. Kaltwasser, an Ohio native, had many friends and fans cheering for her. However, the loudest cheers were for Dorie, who aimed to reclaim the Bikini throne after losing it to Blanquisco at the 2022 Olympia.

In the final comparison round, head judge Sandy Williamson grouped the athletes into smaller groups for closer comparisons. The top four athletes, Blanquisco, Chapados, Dorie, and Kaltwasser, were put together and switched around by the judges. This group contained the most accomplished athletes in the competition.

At the end of the round, Blanquisco and Chapados were placed in the center, indicating that the battle for the title was between the current Olympia champion and the defending Bikini International champion.