Samson Dauda emerges victorious in the 2023 Arnold Classic Men’s Open competition
Many spectators and judges agreed that Samson Dauda’s flow was unbeatable during his performance in Columbus, OH at the 2023 Arnold Classic Men’s Open
On March 3, 2023, after prejudging, the top contenders for the victory in the 2023 Arnold Classic Men’s Open were Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, and Andrew Jacked, as assessed by the judges. However, the final decision had not yet been confirmed. The finals took place on March 4, 2023, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with Arnold Schwarzenegger in attendance.
In the first callout, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay joined Walker, Jacked, and Dauda on stage. After a brief break, they returned for an additional round of comparisons. The overall results are listed below:
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Results of Men’s Open Category at 2023 Arnold Classic Competition
- Samson Dauda
- Nick Walker
- Andrew Jacked
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
- Shaun Clarida
- Akim Williams
- William Bonac
- Justin Rodriguez
- Kamal Elgargni
- Patrick Moore
The crispness of Walker’s skin and the chiseling of his legs seemed to be the difference-maker against everyone but Dauda.
Dauda received $300,000 as well as the Arnold Classic trophy from the promoter himself. Schwarzenegger applauded Dauda while the champion hoisted the trophy high to end the night.
The audience was highly engaged and vocal in their support of their favorite bodybuilders as they performed their individual routines. Andrew Jacked was the first of the favorites to take the stage, showcasing his improved back poses while displaying his impressive size and detail in the front poses. He concluded his routine with a split and a front double biceps flex, which was well received by the crowd.
Following Jacked was Samson Dauda,
who was determined to improve upon his fourth-place finish in the 2022 contest. Dauda performed a slow routine set to classical music, in contrast to 2021 winner Nick Walker’s more upbeat song choice. Despite the difference in music styles, Dauda delivered a captivating routine that showcased his impeccable form and impressive muscularity.
Nick Walker’s routine demonstrated his continued growth and improvement in balance and posing. He performed long lateral lunges that emphasized the quality of conditioning in his quads, showcasing his remarkable flexibility and muscular control. His outstanding physique impressed the audience, clearly showing that his hard work and dedication had paid off.
Awards presentation
Flex Wheeler, a four-time Arnold Classic champion, received the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award at the show. Schwarzenegger and Wheeler shared a moment onstage, followed by a speech from Wheeler. The event organizers then introduced the audience to former champions of the Arnold Classic, covering its 35-year history.
William Bonac, a two-time winner of the Arnold Classic, and Dexter Jackson Walker were among the champions introduced to the crowd. These champions, along with the rest of the field, returned to the stage for final comparisons. In the first callout, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay joined Walker, Jacked, and Dauda onstage.
Dauda and Jacked stayed in the center of the callout for poses, joined by Walker and Big Ramy. In the final callout, these four men returned to the stage, with Walker positioned next to Dauda in the middle.
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With the $300,000 first-place prize at stake, each contestant put forth their best effort in the poses. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger provided commentary for the crowd during the comparison and posedown.
The night wrapped up with the presentation of the 35th Arnold Classic trophy, officially crowning the new champion. Because Brandon Curry, the 2022 winner, opted out of the lineup, it became certain that a new champion would emerge.
Two awards were presented before announcing the champion. Jacked earned the Best Poser award for his exceptional posing skills, winning a $10,000 prize. Walker received the Most Muscular award, also earning him a $10,000 bonus.
Courtesy of Image @ ArnoldSports (Instagram)