Andrew Jacked Makes History at the 2026 Arnold Classic
Columbus, OH – The 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open concluded this weekend with a stunning victory for Nigerian bodybuilder Andrew Jacked. The win, secured at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, marks a historic moment for African bodybuilding and solidifies Jacked’s place among the sport’s elite. He defeated a formidable lineup including former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan and a highly competitive Nick Walker.
Jacked’s triumph at the prestigious Arnold Classic – widely considered the second most important competition in professional bodybuilding after Mr. Olympia – comes with a record-breaking $750,000 prize, the largest payout in the history of the sport. Adding to his earnings, Jacked also received $10,000 for winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, bringing his total winnings to $760,000. The event drew significant attention from the bodybuilding world and across Africa, celebrating a landmark achievement.
Dominant Performance Secures Victory
From the moment he stepped on stage, Andrew Jacked impressed the judges with a combination of impressive mass, symmetry, and classic aesthetics. His wide back, balanced proportions, and razor-sharp conditioning were consistently highlighted throughout both the prejudging rounds and the finals. The 38-year-old, originally Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, currently resides in the United Arab Emirates, having transitioned to professional bodybuilding after a background in kickboxing and engineering.
The competition was fierce. Nick Walker, the 2021 Arnold Classic champion, pushed Jacked to his limit, ultimately finishing in second place after a closely contested final posedown. Hadi Choopan, a former Mr. Olympia champion, secured third place, demonstrating the high caliber of athletes competing at this year’s event.
Walker Accepts Second Place with Grace
Despite falling short of the top spot, Nick Walker displayed remarkable sportsmanship. He acknowledged Jacked’s performance, calling it a “win in itself” and praising Jacked as “one of the best guys in the industry.” Walker’s comments, reported by Fitness Volt, underscore the respect and camaraderie within the professional bodybuilding community. Source
For many fans, the posedown between Jacked and Walker was the highlight of the competition. The intensity and artistry on display showcased the dedication and athleticism required to excel in this demanding sport. The final decision, however, clearly favored Jacked’s overall presentation and conditioning.
A Historic Win for African Bodybuilding
Andrew Jacked’s victory carries significant historical weight. He becomes only the second Nigerian and the third African athlete to win the Arnold Classic, a competition traditionally dominated by athletes from the United States and Europe. This win is expected to inspire a new generation of bodybuilders across the African continent. The Arnold Classic has long been a proving ground for aspiring champions, and Jacked’s success demonstrates that geographical boundaries are no longer a barrier to achieving greatness in the sport.
The final results of the 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open were as follows:
- 1st Place: Andrew Jacked
- 2nd Place: Nick Walker
- 3rd Place: Hadi Choopan
- 4th Place: Martin Fitzwater
- 5th Place: Brandon Curry
- 6th Place: Rafael Brandao
- 7th Place: Mohamed Foda
Beyond the Podium: Additional Awards and Recognition
In addition to the overall championship, several other prestigious awards were presented. Nick Walker earned $10,000 for winning the Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award, recognizing his impressive physique and muscular development. The Ed Corney Best Poser Award, which Jacked also secured, is highly valued within the bodybuilding community for its emphasis on stage presence and artistry. Source
The competition wasn’t without its moments of debate. Some observers, as noted in a YouTube analysis of the finals, questioned the judging, suggesting Nick Walker may have been “robbed” of the victory. Source However, the official results stand, and Jacked’s performance was ultimately deemed superior by the panel of judges.
What’s Next for Andrew Jacked?
With the Arnold Classic title secured, Andrew Jacked will undoubtedly set his sights on the Mr. Olympia competition later this year. His recent performances – a bronze medal at the 2025 Mr. Olympia and now a dominant win at the Arnold Classic – position him as a serious contender for the sport’s ultimate prize. The bodybuilding world will be watching closely to see if Jacked can continue his momentum and claim the coveted Mr. Olympia title.
Fans can follow Andrew Jacked’s progress and upcoming competitions through his social media channels and the official IFBB Pro League website. The next major event on the professional bodybuilding calendar is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, offering fans another opportunity to witness the incredible athleticism and dedication of these elite athletes.
The 2026 Arnold Classic has undoubtedly raised the bar for competitive bodybuilding, and Andrew Jacked’s historic victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the sport’s history.
