The Arnold Classic has introduced some of the most prominent figures in the annals of professional bodybuilding. Beginning with the inaugural victor Rich Gaspari in 1989, up to the reigning champion Samson Dauda in 2023, this competition boasts a storied past that we’ll delve into here. Explore the list of Arnold Classic champions below.
Named after the iconic bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold Classic ranks as the second most significant event in bodybuilding, following Olympia. Each year, the top and most impressive bodybuilders from across the globe converge in Columbus, Ohio, vying for the honor of clinching the Arnold Schwarzenegger trophy.
In this article, we’re going to review all the individuals who have had the distinction of winning the Arnold Classic.
Arnold Classic Winners List: From 1989 to 2023:
Established through a collaboration between Arnold Schwarzenegger and promoter Jim Lorimer after Schwarzenegger’s competitive career ended, the Arnold Classic began as a bodybuilding contest and has now transformed into a weekend-long multi-sport extravaganza known as the Arnold Sports Festival (ASF).
First inaugurated in 1989, it is now an annual event organized by the IFBB Pro League in Columbus, Ohio. Every year, Arnold Schwarzenegger presents the trophy modeled after him to the winner of the bodybuilding contest, who not only wins a substantial cash prize but also secures automatic qualification to Olympia.
Now let’s proceed to learn about all the victors of the Arnold Classic.
Rich Gaspari (1989):
Rich Gaspari, known as one of the fiercest competitors of his time, is most renowned for being the inaugural Arnold Classic winner. The first edition of the event was a great success, broadcast on NBC with Schwarzenegger himself providing commentary.
Mike Ashley (1990):
The 1990 Arnold Classic saw Mike Ashley initially as the runner-up. However, after a drug test disqualified the announced winner Shawn Ray, Ashley was declared the champion. As a result, every other competitor also advanced a position.
Shawn Ray (1991):
A year later, Shawn Ray came back to win the title fair and square, reaffirming his status as the rightful Arnold Classic champion.
Vince Taylor (1992):
Vince Taylor, one of the most aesthetically pleasing bodybuilders of his time, won the prestigious Arnold Classic in 1992. He also secured the Iron Man Pro title a week before the event and shortly after, claimed victory in the Pittsburgh Pro, though he placed sixth in the 1992 Mr. Olympia.
Flex Wheeler (1993, 1997, 1998, 2000):
Flex Wheeler clinched the Arnold Classic title in his debut professional year, also winning the 1993 Iron Man Pro. Wheeler went on to claim the Arnold Classic title three more times, achieving victory in every contest he entered in 1997. His symmetry and posing are hailed as some of the finest in the sport’s history.
Kevin Levrone (1994, 1996):
Kevin Levrone’s victory at the 1994 Arnold Classic came as a surprise to many, given the competition’s heavyweight contenders. Nonetheless, he had an outstanding season, winning four shows in total. Levrone went on to win the Arnold Classic again in 1996.
Mike Francois (1995):
Mike Francois achieved a milestone by becoming the first local athlete to win the Arnold Classic, despite the event being held annually in Columbus, Ohio. His surprising victory over Flex Wheeler remains a memorable moment in bodybuilding history.
Nasser El Sonbaty (1999):
Egyptian bodybuilder Nasser El Sonbaty finished second twice at the Arnold Classic before eventually capturing the coveted title in 1999. However,
That was his sole triumph of the season and the ultimate conquest of his career.
Ronnie Coleman (2001):
Ronnie Coleman is regarded as one of the finest bodybuilders of the contemporary era. He became the only reigning Mr. Olympia to also claim the Arnold Classic title in 2001.
Jay Cutler (2002, 2003, 2004):
After securing the second position to Ronnie Coleman in 2001, Jay Cutler went on a winning spree at the Arnold Classic for three successive years from 2002 to 2004, becoming the only man to accomplish this feat in the history of the competition.
Dexter Jackson (2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015):
Dexter Jackson holds the record for the most Arnold Classic titles. He first clinched victory in 2005 and defended his title the following year. Jackson recaptured the title in 2008, waited another five years for his next win in 2013, and secured it once more in 2015, surpassing Wheeler’s record.
Victor Martinez (2007):
Victor Martinez stunned everyone by winning the 2007 Arnold Classic, halting Dexter Jackson’s attempt to win three straight titles and tie Cutler’s record.
Kai Greene (2009, 2010, 2016):
Kai Greene is another individual with multiple Arnold Classic victories. He secured his first title in 2009 after recovering from a leg injury, defended it in 2010, and claimed it once again in 2016 after a hiatus from the Olympia the previous year.
Branch Warren (2011, 2012):
Branch Warren emerged victorious at his first Arnold Classic in 2011 after finishing third for two consecutive years. He had to sit out the Olympia due to a quadriceps injury but made a triumphant return at the 2012 Arnold Classic, successfully defending his title and inspiring fans.
Dennis Wolf (2014):
Dennis Wolf, previously dubbed the ‘best to never win a big show,’ secured the 2014 Arnold Classic. This monumental victory came in his eighth year as a professional bodybuilder.
Cedric McMillan (2017):
The late Cedric McMillan achieved one of the most unforgettable victories at the Arnold Classic in recent history. Tragically, he passed away in 2022 following a heart attack at 44 years old.
William Bonac (2018, 2020):
William Bonac won the Arnold Classic in 2018 on his first try. He clinched the title again in 2020, defeating prominent competitors like Dexter Jackson and Big Ramy.
Brandon Curry (2019, 2022):
Brandon Curry clinched the 2019 Arnold Classic after placing fifth in the 2018 Olympia. He defeated Bonac for the title and later beat him again to win the Mr. Olympia crown. Curry returned to the 2022 Arnold Classic and triumphed, once more besting Bonac.
Nick Walker (2021):
Following his victory at the New York Pro, Nick Walker captured the 2021 Arnold Classic title, earning “The Mutant” a reputation as a rising star in bodybuilding.
at Mr. Olympia that year, and then secured a spot in the top three the following year.
Samson Dauda (2023):
Samson Dauda is the reigning Arnold Classic champion after clinching the title in 2023. He’ll be competing at the 2024 Arnold Classic against notable competitors like 2022 Olympia champion Hadi Choopan, Arnold Amateur victor Remeco Bose, and many others. This year promises to be challenging for Dauda.
Arnold Classic Winners & Runner-Ups List by Year:
Below is the compilation of all Arnold Classic champions, runner-ups, and third-place finishers from 1989 to 2023:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Second Runner-Up |
| 1989 | Rich Gaspari | Robby Robinson | Gary Strydom |
| 1990 | Mike Ashley | Mike Christian | Andreas Munzer |
| 1991 | Shawn Ray | Renel Janvier | Vince Taylor |
| 1992 | Vince Taylor | Mohammad Benaziza | Sonny Schmidt |
| 1993 | Flex Wheeler | Lee Labrada | Vince Taylor |
| 1994 | Kevin Levrone | Vince Taylor | Porter Cottrell |
| 1995 | Michael Francois | Flex Wheeler | Charles Clairmonte |
| 1996 | Kevin Levrone | Flex Wheeler | Paul Dillett |
| 1997 | Flex Wheeler | Nasser El Sonbaty | Mike Francois |
| 1998 | Flex Wheeler | Nasser El Sonbaty | Vince Taylor |
| 1999 | Nasser El Sonbaty | Kevin Levrone | Chris Cormier |
| 2000 | Flex Wheeler | Chris Cormier | Kevin Levrone |
| 2001 | Ronnie Coleman | Chris Cormier | Dennis James |
| 2002 | Jay Cutler | Chris Cormier | Dexter Jackson |
| 2003 | Jay Cutler | Chris Cormier | Markus Ruhl |
| 2004 | Jay Cutler | Chris Cormier | Dexter Jackson |
| 2005 | Dexter Jackson | Chris Cormier | Gustavo Badell |
| 2006 | Dexter Jackson | Branch Warren | Victor Martinez |
| 2007 | Victor Martinez | Dexter Jackson | Toney Freeman |
| 2008 | Dexter Jackson | Phil Heath | Kai Greene |
| 2009 | Kai Greene | Victor Martinez | Branch Warren |
| 2010 | Kai Greene | Phil Heath | Branch Warren |
| 2011 | Branch Warren | Dennis Wolf | Victor Martinez |
| 2012 | Branch Warren | Dennis Wolf | Evan Centopani |
| 2013 | Dexter Jackson | Ben Pakulski | Toney Freeman |
| 2014 | Dennis Wolf | Shawn Rhoden | Cedric McMillan |
| 2015 | Dexter Jackson | Branch Warren | Justin Compton |
| 2016 | Kai Greene | Cedric McMillan | Josh Lenartowicz |
| 2017 | Cedric McMillan | Dallas McCarver | Maxx Charles |
| 2018 | William Bonac | Dexter Jackson | Cedric McMillan |
| 2019 | Brandon Curry | William Bonac | Luke Sandoe |
| 2020 | William Bonac | Dexter Jackson | Mamdouh Elssbiay |
| 2021 | Nick Walker | Iain Valliere | Steve Kuclo |
| 2022 | Brandon Curry | William Bonac | Steve Kuclo |
| 2023 | Samson Dauda | Nick Walker | Andrew Jacked |
Final Thoughts:
These are all the Arnold Classic winners to date. A new name will soon be added to this list as twelve athletes compete for the esteemed belt, cash prizes totaling $300,000, and direct qualification to the 2024 Olympia on March 1 and 2 in Columbus, Ohio. It will be intriguing to see who emerges victorious this year.
Who are you cheering for? Will Samson Dauda retain his crown, or will Hadi Choopan claim another distinction in his storied career? Whatever the outcome, we’ll keep you informed. Stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Arnold Classic winners:
Who has won the most Arnold Classic?:
Dexter Jackson holds the record for the most Arnold Classic victories. He triumphed in the prestigious competition in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2015. Renowned bodybuilder Flex Wheeler is second, having won the coveted trophy four times: in 1993, 1997, 1998, and 2000.
Who is the first winner of the Arnold Classic?:
Rich Gaspari was the inaugural Arnold Classic champion, claiming the title in the debut event in 1989. Robby Robinson was the first runner-up, while Gary Strydom placed third.
Who is the winner of the Arnold Classic 2023?:
Samson Dauda won the Arnold Classic 2023. He bested Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked in the finals to secure the prestigious trophy, with the latter two placing second and third respectively.
Who is the unluckiest bodybuilder at the Arnold Classic?:
Chris Cormier is regarded as the unluckiest bodybuilder at the Arnold Classic, having placed second for an unprecedented six consecutive years from 2000 to 2005, and third in 1999. Cormier is widely known as one of the greatest bodybuilders never to have won Mr. Olympia or the Arnold Classic.