Top 5 at Arnold Classic 2026?

[hydroshake]

Hey guys,

Do people here follow pro bodybuilding closely? I want to post more for discussion but won't bother if people don't really care. I grew tired of trying to post in the bodybuilding sub on Reddit. People don't know how to have an open discussion without name calling and absolutes. The mods were also taking down posts with a lot of comments leading up to the Olympia. Not even sure what the rules on that sub are anymore.

Early lineup for the Arnold has been released. What's your breakdown?




My list:
1. Andrew
2. Hadi
3. Martin
4. Nick
5. Brandon
6. Rafael
7. Tonio
8. Akim
9. Hassan
10. Anthony
11. Mohamed

So many storylines already for this show.

I've always liked Andrew but was super hard on him because he was never able to come in really good shape. Unfortunately Hadi is only getting worse and Andrew has finally shown he can get in condition. I believe Andrew can pull out the win here. The Arnold judging has been known to favor more aesthetic physiques if it's a close call.

This is a defining moment for Nick. If he doesn't do well AND look great, he's going to lose nearly all the hype for the next Olympia. Big gamble with the self coaching.

Excited to see Brandon continue his resurgence. His showing at the Olympia was insanely good.

Rafael's return could be a big one. He could be as high as 4th. His 2024 Olympia condition with just a few more pounds of muscle will be very dangerous.

Anthony Williams is a new pro with wild shape. Backside is a little weak compared to the front but he's got a lot of potential.

 

[accidentaljedi173]

You think Andrew beats hadi? I agree with the list but I would switch hadi and Andrew

 

[hydroshake]

You think Andrew beats hadi? I agree with the list but I would switch hadi and Andrew

I think he has the ability this time around especially with the momentum he has. Hadi had Hany only focused on him for the 25 Olympia yet it still wasn't one of his best looks. It's sad to say but I think Hadi's best days are behind him. The leg imbalance last year wasn't too bad but this year was pretty noticeable.

Although, if I had to bet a lot of money, I'd probably go with Hadi. Andrew's side shots are honestly still pretty bad. I'm also not one of those guys that think tall guys should always win.

Maybe just wishful thinking because I think Andrew has the potential to bring a physique that will be talked about for the next decade.

Do you think there's a chance for Andrew? The scorecards had Andrew a solid 3rd at the Olympia so it seems the judges might think there's a good gap between him and Hadi.

 

[OogieBoogie]

I follow bodybuilding very closely and I compete in the NPC, so I’ll be happy to join your topics.

Although Andrew is on the rise and Hadi is on the fall I still think this is Hadi’s show to win. Give Andrew 1 or 2 more years and he will fill the gaps in his physique. There is always that chance that Andrew gets a little better and Hadi gets a little worse and Andrew is able to pull off the win, but I dont think this show. So I’ll have 1 Hadi and 2 Andrew.

Now for 3 and 4 I’m also going to swap your picks. I think Nick is the more muscular bodybuilder but Martin has a better structure. I personally choose mass over aesthetics, so I’ll have 3 Nick and 4 Martin.

The rest of your picks are spot on. I would just rearrange your top 4. But thats how close the competition is, even the 4th place guy could be 1st.

 

[accidentaljedi173]

I think he has the ability this time around especially with the momentum he has. Hadi had Hany only focused on him for the 25 Olympia yet it still wasn't one of his best looks. It's sad to say but I think Hadi's best days are behind him. The leg imbalance last year wasn't too bad but this year was pretty noticeable.

Although, if I had to bet a lot of money, I'd probably go with Hadi. Andrew's side shots are honestly still pretty bad. I'm also not one of those guys that think tall guys should always win.

Maybe just wishful thinking because I think Andrew has the potential to bring a physique that will be talked about for the next decade.

Do you think there's a chance for Andrew? The scorecards had Andrew a solid 3rd at the Olympia so it seems the judges might think there's a good gap between him and Hadi.

There's a chance Andrew takes it. But, he's inconsistent. His Olympia package was a first for him

 

[hydroshake]

Although Andrew is on the rise and Hadi is on the fall I still think this is Hadi’s show to win. Give Andrew 1 or 2 more years and he will fill the gaps in his physique. There is always that chance that Andrew gets a little better and Hadi gets a little worse and Andrew is able to pull off the win, but I dont think this show. So I’ll have 1 Hadi and 2 Andrew.

Yeah you're probably right there. It's not enough time from the Olympia to March for Andrew to make the improvements to fill in the gaps. Maybe they made a mistake for their peak at the Olympia that Hany will correct at this Arnold.

Now for 3 and 4 I’m also going to swap your picks. I think Nick is the more muscular bodybuilder but Martin has a better structure. I personally choose mass over aesthetics, so I’ll have 3 Nick and 4 Martin.

Nick and Martin can flip flop for sure. Martin's last 2 showings were incredible and I thought he should've beat Samson at the Olympia as well. I do think Pittsburgh Nick would've beaten those versions of Martin though. Like you said, Nick could even possibly win. It's not out of the question at all.

 

[hydroshake]

There's a chance Andrew takes it. But, he's inconsistent. His Olympia package was a first for him

Accurate. I was just so happy to see him finally nail it that I forgot about some of his guest-posing level conditioning at multiple shows. His posing still needs some work too.

 

[accidentaljedi173]

Accurate. I was just so happy to see him finally nail it that I forgot about some of his guest-posing level conditioning at multiple shows. His posing still needs some work too.

Plus, everyone forgets Andrew is in his 40's. He might have shown us his best for all we know.

 

[OogieBoogie]

Plus, everyone forgets Andrew is in his 40's. He might have shown us his best for all we know.

I dont think so, hes been getting better and better. Plus he started later than most of them. Shawn Rhoden won the Olympia at 43. Maybe in 3 more years he will hit his true peak. Only time will tell.

 

[accidentaljedi173]

I dont think so, hes been getting better and better. Plus he started later than most of them. Shawn Rhoden won the Olympia at 43. Maybe in 3 more years he will hit his true peak. Only time will tell.

Fair enough, either way hopefully he stays consistent and doesn't come in like he's guest posing.

 

[OogieBoogie]

Fair enough, either way hopefully he stays consistent and doesn't come in like he's guest posing.

That was pretty funny when he was walking around the stage and Steve had to tell him to stop. He was in the zone, his eyes were wide open.