The 2024 Arnold Classic, which took place from February 29 through March 3, was a weekend packed with phenomenal talent. As the night wrapped up on day two, Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped a bombshell, announcing that the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open winner is set to receive $500,000, which is $100,000 more than what Mr. Olympia offers.
All seven divisions brought their best to the 2024 Arnold Classic stage. Among the highest moments, Wesley Vissers stunned the judges with a golden-era physique that was enough to defeat 2023 champion Ramon Rocha Queiroz. The most anticipated category of the night was Men’s Open where former champion Samson Dauda went head-to-head with 2022 Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan.
Both Dauda and Choopan put on an explosive display of raw muscle and hard work during numerous pose-offs. Ultimately, Choopan won with fullness and conditioning, cementing his status as an Arnold Classic titleholder. Now, Hadi Choopan is setting the standard for the upcoming Mr. Olympia taking place this October 10 through 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2025 Arnold Classic Will Award a Massive $500,000 Payday to Men’s Open Winner
Surprisingly, Choopan wasn’t the only name of the night to send shockwaves through the sport. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that next year he would be increasing the Open winner prize money from $300,000 to $500,000. This increase will surpass the current Mr. Olympia bounty set at $400,000.
“And I have more good news and that is, this year the winning prize is $300,000 dollars but next year, as you know the winning prize for the Olympia is $400,000 and I don’t feel obliged anymore for the rules so we are going to go up to $500,000 for next year for the Arnold Classic” Arnold Schwarzenegger announced.
The annual Arnold Classic, founded in 1989, remains the second-most celebrated bodybuilding event of the year. With Schwarzenegger’s name attached to the banner, it has quickly become one of the most entertaining and action-packed festivals available to fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts.
Given the significant increase in prize money for the Arnold Classic, fans and bodybuilders alike wonder if this will put pressure on the Mr. Olympia brand to pump up their take-home total. With the Arnold Classic prize money surpassing that of Mr. Olympia, perhaps this could mean Schwarzenegger is aiming to make his event the most important bodybuilding extravaganza of the IFBB Pro League calendar.
Looking ahead, many believe the 2025 Arnold Classic will be overflowing with top-tier talent, not only for a prestigious title but for the massive payday. Time will tell how the Open prize money affects competitor turnout for other contests, but it’s safe to say Schwarzenegger intends to make the Arnold Classic even bigger than before.
