Shawn Ray, a seasoned figure in bodybuilding since the 1990s, observes the sport’s evolution. Recently, in a YouTube video, Ray analyzed the prize money increase to $500k – set for the 2025 Arnold Classic and defended the pay structure of the Mr. Olympia.
After Hadi Choopan secured the 2024 Arnold Classic title, Arnold Schwarzenegger took the stage. He declared a remarkable $500,000 raise for the Open winner prize money at the 2025 event, up $200,000 from the previous year.
Debates arise, with Flex Wheeler suggesting the increased Open prize money might overshadow the Mr. Olympia. Fans speculate on the competitive landscape’s potential changes. Men’s Open standout Nick Walker, recovering from a 2023 injury, expresses interest in the next Arnold Classic.
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Ray, renowned for his consistency and completeness in the 1990s, closely examines Schwarzenegger’s decision. Additionally, he advocates for the Mr. Olympia’s pay structure, emphasizing its 11 divisions compared to the Arnold Classic’s seven.
Shawn Ray Criticizes 2025 Arnold Classic’s $500K Open Prize, Highlights Mr. Olympia’s Focus on, ‘Everybody Gets More Money’
Ray suggests that the Mr. Olympia contest need not hastily match the financial escalation seen in the Arnold Classic’s decision to raise the Open prize money.
“They don’t have to do anything right now, listen, that’s just someone throwing it out there right? Until that show actually happens… Olympia has been bringing up its prize money every single year. There’s only one reason why the sport of bodybuilding got better when I was bodybuilding in the ’90s, that was because someone else like Vince McMann came in raised the stakes and then Joe Weider had to go to the next level and continue to make Olympia the premiere event.”
Ray highlights the difference between Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic. Athletes must qualify for Olympia, while Schwarzenegger personally selects participants for the Arnold Classic.
“We’re talking about one division that’s going to get an extra $200,000, you gotta remember, the Olympia has 11 divisions!
You got to qualify to go to the Olympia, you can’t be invited. They hand-select who they want at the show. I think there were eight or nine athletes in the Pro Men’s show in England. At the Arnold Classic in Ohio, I think you had seven or eight guys. “
Ray argues that comparing the shows is unjustifiable. Olympia boasts 11 Pro divisions, with athletes flown in and provided accommodation.
“They don’t stack up brick by brick. These are two different shows. The Arnold has over 20,000 athletes from fencing to strongman to painting to ballroom dancing and of course, they have bodybuilding but let’s be honest, the Olympia is about the competition.”
“There are 11 Pro divisions. These guys are being flown in, they are all being put up, they are there for multiple days, they got the prize money and the prestige. The Arnold is everything as it relates to inclusivity, it’s about time they are giving away this kind of money for first place. The question is: are they going to do the same for Bikini? Are they going to do the same for Fitness?
While he acknowledges Schwarzenegger’s choice to increase prize money, Ray maintains that the Mr. Olympia remains the premier bodybuilding event.
“So, Arnold is putting his money where his passion is and that’s in Men’s Bodybuilding but it really is a winner-take-all show. It’s $500,000 for the winner not $500,000 for fifth place. As it relates to the Olympia platform, that is a Fitness, Bodybuilding, Bikini weekend that the premiere athletes are competing. Arnold’s is a festival. Arnold’s is a festival,” said Shawn Ray.
Ray doesn’t anticipate the need for Mr. Olympia to raise funds in 2024. However, he assures fans that they will “answer that call” when the time is right.
“It’s great they threw more money at the Arnold. I think the Olympia, which has been doing every single year adding more and more prize money and prestige, will answer that call.
They don’t have to do it in 2024. I have always argued for more prize money, not for first place but for last place. The more money our last place guy the better off our athletes are.”
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He also criticized the Arnold Classic’s ‘winner-take-all’ format, advocating for equal distribution of prize money among all divisions.
“I don’t like a winner-take-all. I think these athletes are having the opportunity to make careers out of themselves because there’s more money trickling down. I would have loved to see that extra $200,000 go from the bottom up not from the top down. The Olympia will answer the call in due time.”
Ray emphasized that Mr. Olympia will “respond in kind” and is currently “in the process” of ensuring that every athlete receives increased compensation.
“Mr. Olympia will respond in kind because they are in the process of making sure everybody gets more money,” adds Ray. “That’s the good thing about the Olympia.”
Shawn Ray isn’t the sole IFBB Pro to dissect the $500,000 prize increase. Former four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler also weighed in, justifying the bump by highlighting the immense popularity of the Open class within the IFBB Pro League.
While the Mr. Olympia organization has yet to comment on additional prize money, Ray anticipates a potential increase in the future. Regardless of their decision, he asserts that the Mr. Olympia will retain its position as the premier bodybuilding event.
For more insights, check out the full video from the Muscle Discord channel:
Overview
In a recent YouTube video, Shawn Ray discussed the 2025 Arnold Classic’s prize money increase and defended the Mr. Olympia’s pay structure. After Hadi Choopan’s victory in 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $500,000 boost for the 2025 Open winner prize money. Ray emphasized the differences between Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic, criticizing the latter’s ‘winner-take-all’ format and advocating for equal distribution of prize money. He anticipates a potential increase in Mr. Olympia’s prize money. Former Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler supported the prize hike, citing the popularity of the Open class. Despite no comment from Mr. Olympia, Ray asserted its premier status in the bodybuilding world.
Featured Image @Shawn Ray Talks 2025 Arnold Clasic Prize Money, @shawnrayifbbpro, @schwarzenegger (Instagram)
For comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analyses, and complete Arnold Classic results, visit our Arnold Classic coverage hub at Colosseumstrength.com.
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