COLUMBUS, OHIO — In a night that will be remembered as a turning point for the sport, Nigerian powerhouse Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, better known to fans as Andrew Jacked, was crowned the champion of the 2026 Arnold Classic. The 38th annual event, held at the Battelle Grand in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, saw Jacked deliver a career-defining performance to claim the prestigious Men’s Open title and a historic $750,000 winner’s purse.
A Historic Payday The 2026 competition set a new benchmark for professional bodybuilding. By taking home $750,000, Andrew Jacked has earned the largest prize ever awarded in the history of the sport, surpassing even the current $600,000 prize for the Mr. Olympia title. This massive increase in the prize pool, championed by the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, reflects the surging global prestige of the Arnold Sports Festival and its commitment to rewarding elite athletes at the highest level.
The Path to Victory The road to the title was a fierce battle against a "loaded" lineup of the world’s best physiques. Jacked faced a intense challenge from former Arnold Classic champion Nick "The Mutant" Walker and former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan. While Walker brought a highly conditioned and "reformed" look following a year of self-coaching, and Choopan displayed his trademark density and "Persian Wolf" grit, it was Andrew Jacked’s combination of massive size, aesthetic symmetry, and "classic" flow that ultimately swayed the judges.
From the first callouts on Friday night, it was clear that Jacked had brought his most complete package yet. Standing at nearly 300 pounds, his wide back development and refined posing transitions proved to be the deciding factors. He was also honored with the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, adding another $10,000 to his total winnings for the night. Nick Walker secured the runner-up position and the $10,000 Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award, while Hadi Choopan finished in third place.
Top 5 Results: Men's Open Division | Rank | Athlete | Prize Money | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1st | Andrew Jacked (Nigeria) | $750,000 | | 2nd | Nick Walker (USA) | $250,000 | | 3rd | Hadi Choopan (Iran) | $150,000 | | 4th | Martin Fitzwater (USA) | $37,500 | | 5th | Brandon Curry (USA) | $20,000 |
The Road to Mr. Olympia With this victory, Andrew Jacked has firmly established himself as a primary contender to challenge for the 2026 Mr. Olympia title. His win is being celebrated across Nigeria and the global fitness community as a landmark moment for African athletes on the world stage. Having transitioned from a background as an engineer and military officer, Jacked’s ascent to the pinnacle of bodybuilding is being hailed as an inspiration to millions. He has already signaled his intent to continue his dominance at the upcoming Arnold Classic UK later this month.
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