Arnold Schwarzenegger Sets $500,000 First Prize for 2025 Arnold Classic

Arnold Schwarzenegger has unveiled a significant increase in the prize money for the 2025 Arnold Classic, following Hadi Choopan’s victory at the 2024 Arnold Classic.

The Arnold Classic, established in 1989, stands as one of the world’s most esteemed professional bodybuilding competitions, forming part of the Arnold Sports Festival named in honor of Schwarzenegger.

Widely regarded as the second most prestigious bodybuilding event after Mr. Olympia, the Arnold Classic witnessed former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan reclaim his position by securing the 2024 title and a $300,000 award.

Choopan’s triumph reaffirmed his status as a formidable competitor, possibly posing a challenge to reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford in the upcoming competition.

But Choopan’s win was not the biggest storyline heading out of the event as Arnold Schwarzenegger took to the mic and announced that they would increase the 2025 Arnold Classic prize money to $500,000. Schwarzenegger started by acknowledging Mr. Olympia for increasing the first prize and added:

 have more good news and that is, this year the winning prize is $300,000. 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 anymore for the rules so we are going to go up to $500,000 for next year for the Arnold Classic.

2024 Arnold Classic results

The 2024 Arnold Classic unfolded from March 1-3 in Columbus, Ohio, where competitors across seven divisions vied for victory at the premier pro show of the year.

Notably, the Classic Physique division featured an intense battle for the top spot.

While experts favored the defending champion Ramon Rocha Queiroz, Dutch bodybuilder Wesley Vissers achieved a historic upset by surpassing Queiroz (second place), fan favorite Urs Kalecinski (third place), and former AC champ Breon Ansley (fourth place).

Additionally, Lauralie Chapados clinched the Bikini title with exceptional posing, while Ariel Khadr and Francielle Mattos emerged victorious in the Fitness and Wellness divisions, respectively.

In the Wheelchair division, newcomer Rajesh John claimed victory, solidifying his standing as a formidable competitor.

Speculation is rife that the increased prize money could intensify the competition between the Arnold Classic and Olympia.

While winning the Mr. Olympia title is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding achievement, the allure of a potential half-million-dollar payout at the Arnold Classic may attract a greater number of elite bodybuilders.

There is even speculation that the 2025 Olympia prize money could surpass that of the Arnold Classic.

Beyond the competitive dynamic, the escalation in prize money is viewed positively within the bodybuilding community.

Source: fitnessvolt