THE ARNOLD CLASSIC took place this weekend, and saw a whole host of bodybuilders and strength athletes descend on Columbus, Ohio to take part in the physique and strongman contests.
Mitchell Hooper emerged victorious in the Arnold Strongman Classic competition for the second year running. The Canadian strongman, who still currently holds the title of World’s Strongest Man after his win in April 2023, made his way to the top spot on the leaderboard after edging out his competitiors in the penultimate event, the Apollon Wheels.
Second place on the podium went to Polish strongman Mateusz Kieliszkowski, while Scottish strongman and former WSM winner Tom Stoltman secured the number three spot. Icelandic strongman and powerlifter Hafthor Bjornsson, a.k.a. The Mountain, who recently returned to strength sports after his retirement and pivot to boxing in 2020, came fourth, and “American Nightmare” Bobby Thompson came fifth.
The sixth through tenth places in the final rankings were taken by WSM alum Oleksii Novikov, Evan Singleton, former Strongman Classic and WSM winner Martins Licis, Thomas Evans, and Oskar Ziółkowski.
In the Arnold Classic’s bodybuilding competition, Iranian contender Hadi Choopan won first place, closely followed by Samson Dauda. The Men’s Physique title went to Diogo Montenegro.
Event founder Arnold Schwarzenegger has been outspoken in his wish to make the world of fitness more accessible and inclusive to all, and the Arnold Classic features a Pro Wheelchair category to celebrate the prowess and performance of disabled athletes. This year, Indian bodybuilder Rajesh John won the prize.
Philip Ellis
Philip Ellis is News Editor at Men’s Health, covering fitness, pop culture, sex and relationships, and LGBTQ+ issues. His work has appeared in GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller and MTV, and he is the author of Love & Other Scams.
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