Hadi Choopan Wins the 2024 Arnold Classic

Bodybuilding fans were abuzz about the comparison between 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2022 Mr. Olympia winner Hadi Choopan in the final callout of pre-judging for the 2024 edition of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH.

The 2024 Arnold Classic final occurred on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the Battelle Grand Ballroom in front of a sold-out crowd. The Men’s Open competitors were introduced and compared to confirm the judges’ decision. Choopan was awarded the title of 2024 Arnold Classic champion.

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2024 Arnold Classic Roster

Akim Williams

Antoine Vaillant

Justin Rodriguez

Rafael Brandao

Jon Delarosa

Samson Dauda

Hadi Choopan

James Hollingshead

Horse Marcello De Angelis

Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi

The callouts for the final featured the following athletes:

Callout One

Hadi Choopan

Samson Dauda

Callout Two

Antoine Vaillant

Jon Delarosa

Rafael Brandao

Akim Williams

James Hollingshead

Callout Three

Hadi Choopan

Samson Dauda

Rafael Brandao

Akim Williams

The two favorites kicked off the first callout in another head-to-head. The commentary team felt Choopan’s conditioning was the difference maker and predicted Choopan would take the title from the defending champion.

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Dauda and Choopan were called out again in a third callout with the other top contenders, Brandao and Williams, who filled out well overnight from pre-judging.

Before the final results were announced, Dauda was awarded the Ed Corney Best Poser award, and Choopan was awarded the Franco Columbu Most Muscular award.

2024 Arnold Classic Results

Hadi Choopan

Samson Dauda

Rafael Brandao

Jon Delarosa

James Hollingshead

Akim Williams

Choopan won $300,000 and was presented the trophy by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The champion will return at the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024. He will be considered the top contender to reigning Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford.