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Arnold Classic 2026 Lineup Announced: The Biggest Show in Bodybuilding

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 16:10 GMT by KTTV

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Arnold Classic 2026 Lineup Announced – A Preview of the Biggest Show in Bodybuilding

The Arnold Sports Festival (ASF) has officially released the full roster for the 2026 Arnold Classic, the marquee event that draws the world’s top professional bodybuilders, fitness athletes, and health‑and‑wellness competitors each year. FoxLA’s report pulls together the details released by the ASF’s official press release, a PDF of the complete lineup available on the festival’s website, and the event’s promotional materials. Here’s a thorough rundown of what to expect, the categories, the athletes, and why this lineup matters.

1. Event Overview

• Dates & Venue: The 2026 Arnold Classic will take place from March 17–20 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the larger Arnold Sports Festival that typically runs from March 17–26.
• Scale: The festival has grown to be the world’s largest multisport event that features bodybuilding, powerlifting, figure, fitness, and a host of other health‑focused competitions. The 2026 Classic alone will host more than 140 competitors across 15 distinct categories, a new record for the event.
• Promotion: ASF’s official website (arnoldsportsfestival.com) features an interactive schedule, a PDF of the full competitor list, and live streams for the major contests. FoxLA’s piece highlights that the PDF can be downloaded for fans who want to follow their favorite athletes through the day.

2. Competition Categories

The 2026 lineup showcases both traditional and newly introduced categories that reflect the evolving landscape of physique sports:

The addition of Women’s Classic Physique, Women’s Physique, Men’s Physique, and Men’s Figure underscores ASF’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female and male athletes who fit beyond the traditional bodybuilding mold.

3. Highlight Athletes

Men’s Bodybuilding

• Brian Shaw (Oklahoma) – A four‑time champion, Shaw’s return is a huge draw for the classic “Bodybuilding” title.
• Greg Gaines (California) – The 2024 champion, known for his massive size and sculpted symmetry.
• Brandon Curry (California) – The “Curry” franchise and his signature “Brandon’s Biceps” remain fan favorites.
• Jesse Benitez (Illinois) – A rising star who has consistently placed in the top 3 over the past three years.

Classic Physique

• Chris Bumstead (Canada) – The reigning Classic champion, celebrated for his meticulous symmetry and posing routine.
• Jonathon Young (Florida) – The 2024 runner‑up who has been steadily climbing the podium.
• Dustin Givens (California) – Known for his “Givens’ Greatness” title in the Classic category.

Men’s 212

• Nicolas Delarive (France) – A seasoned competitor who’s shown exceptional conditioning in the 212 weight class.
• Michael D’Angelo (USA) – A newcomer who made a splash with his rapid increase in muscle mass.

Women’s Figure & Fitness

• Rhett McKay (Alabama) – The 2025 Figure champion, famous for her balanced look and posing precision.
• Tina Kincaid (Arizona) – The 2024 Fitness champion with a high‑energy routine that has set a new standard.

Women’s Bikini & Physique

• Sasha DeSoto (Texas) – A top contender in Bikini, known for her “Sasha Glow.”
• Emily “Em” Martinez (Colorado) – The 2026 newcomer in Women’s Physique who has already garnered buzz for her lean muscle definition.

4. Local Oregon Angle

FoxLA, being a Portland‑area station, highlighted a few local athletes who have secured spots in the Classic:

• Kris Thompson (Portland) – Competing in the Men’s Physique division, Thompson has built a reputation in the Pacific Northwest circuit.
• Mia Lee (Oregon State University) – Competing in Women’s Fitness, Lee has been praised for her “Lee Routine” which blends gymnastics and choreography.
• Jordan Ramirez (Eugene) – A Men’s 212 contender who is already gaining attention for his muscular conditioning.

FoxLA’s article also includes a brief interview with Oregon-based coach Lydia K. (not a public figure) who provides insights into how local training facilities are preparing athletes for the global stage.

5. Context and Significance

The Arnold Classic is often described as “the Oscars of bodybuilding.” It is the event where athletes can:

• Earn Prestige: Winning or placing in any category can launch a professional career, open sponsorships, and lead to appearance fees at other festivals worldwide.
• Influence the Sport: Competitors set new standards for posing, nutrition, and training, which ripple throughout the bodybuilding community.
• Engage Fans: The Classic’s fan‑favorite awards (e.g., “Most Popular” or “Fan Favorite”) are determined by online votes, giving viewers a voice in the outcome.

The 2026 lineup’s expansion into new categories signals ASF’s response to the growing diversity of fitness enthusiasts and the changing demands of audiences who are increasingly interested in less extreme, but still impressive, physiques. The inclusion of a Men’s Figure division, for example, acknowledges that many male athletes prefer a leaner, less bulky aesthetic.

The event’s promotional materials also spotlight the “Arnold Fitness Academy” and “Health & Wellness Expo,” reinforcing the festival’s brand as a comprehensive health hub rather than just a bodybuilding competition.

6. How to Follow the 2026 Arnold Classic

• Official ASF Website: The full competitor PDF, schedules, and live streaming links are available at arnoldsportsfestival.com. FoxLA’s report notes that the PDF is updated every week as new athletes confirm participation.
• Social Media: ASF’s official Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages post daily highlights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and competitor interviews. Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #ArnoldClassic2026.
• Local Coverage: FoxLA will continue to provide live coverage from the venue, with a rotating cast of reporters who will interview athletes and offer on‑the‑ground commentary.

7. Bottom Line

The 2026 Arnold Classic lineup is a rich tapestry of seasoned champions and fresh faces, representing a wide spectrum of physique sports. With the addition of new categories like Women’s Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, and Men’s Figure, the festival is poised to attract a broader audience and keep the sport evolving. For local Oregon fans, the presence of athletes like Kris Thompson, Mia Lee, and Jordan Ramirez offers a tangible connection to the global stage.

Whether you’re a lifelong bodybuilding aficionado or a newcomer looking to understand what makes the Arnold Classic a cultural touchstone, the 2026 lineup is sure to deliver a spectacle of strength, artistry, and sheer human potential. Stay tuned, mark your calendars for March 17–20, and get ready for the most anticipated fitness showdown of the decade.