Lee Priest recently addressed who can win the 2026 Arnold Classic. Additionally, he warned there is no single obvious favorite. Moreover, he said at least four or five athletes could take the title if they hit their best. Finally, he named Martin Fitzwater among the contenders.

Meanwhile, Priest discussed several top names and the field’s depth. Next, he referenced Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, Hadi Choopan, and Martin Fitzwater. Furthermore, he stressed that the body does not always respond the same to every prep. Consequently, he believes unpredictability will dominate Columbus.

“I know Hadi sat out last year, but I wonder because Hadi probably sat out thinking all these guys competing, I’ll save myself for the Olympia, which he did and looked great. I wonder whether Hadi is going to be like fuck it, I’ll go do the Arnold as well.”

“If he can do it, like I said, Derek I’m sure can do it and he’s done it before. Samson can do it. They have proven they can do it but it’s like anything: your body has got a mind of its own. Even though we wish to come in shape, we can have the same, when you compete, you have that one diet, fuck this is the best I’ve ever looked. Then, the next contest, you’re like I’ll follow that same diet. You can do exactly the same thing, diet, training, and drugs, but you’re not going to look exactly the same.”

“If they all do it, can Derek win the Arnold? Probably. Could Samson come in and look his best and win it? Yes. Could Andrew Jacked? Yes. That’s what I like.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Derek Lunsford (@dereklunsford_)

Lee Priest Weighs In on the 2026 Arnold Classic Lineup and Says Even Martin Fitzwater Has What It Takes to Win

“There’s no clear winners anymore. There’s always … four to five guys, if they are at their best, can win it, if someone slips a bit.”

“Martin … he’s no slouch. He could win the Arnold Classic. You can’t count him out.”

In addition, Priest mentioned Hadi Choopan as a wildcard:

“I wonder whether Hadi … I’ll go do the Arnold as well.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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

Furthermore, Priest questioned whether Lunsford will risk going all in this year:

“If they all do it, can Derek win the Arnold? Probably. Could Samson … come in and look his best and win it? Yes. Could Andrew Jacked? Yes. That’s what I like.”

Furthermore, Priest noted how past winners returned strong and how that influences the betting on the event. Next, he pointed out that Lunsford redeemed himself last year with a come-from-behind win. Moreover, he mentioned Fitzwater’s momentum following a major 2025 victory. Consequently, Priest suggested the Classic could crown a fresh face.

“When he won the Arnold Classic, he had that mojo. Anyone who can reproduce that kind of peak deserves to be feared on the stage.”

Additionally, Priest raised the stakes by reminding listeners about the historic winner’s purse. Next, he said the $750,000 first-place prize will change how competitors approach their season. Furthermore, he echoed enthusiasm for an open, competitive event. Finally, he predicted a show full of surprises.

Quick Context & Notes

To begin, Priest spoke about the human factor in contest prep. Next, he emphasized that identical plans rarely produce identical results. Furthermore, he said this variability levels the playing field. Consequently, he views the 2026 Arnold as wide open.

Additionally, Priest praised Fitzwater’s trajectory. Next, he credited recent wins for raising Fitzwater’s profile. Finally, he urged Fitzwater and others to bring their absolute best on contest day.

Profile & Key Names Mentioned

Lee Priest painted the 2026 Arnold Classic as one of the most open and unpredictable editions in years. Additionally, he insisted there is no single clear favorite. Moreover, he named multiple athletes — including Martin Fitzwater — as legitimate threats. Finally, he urged each contender to show up at their absolute peak, because any slip could hand the title to someone else.