The 2023 Mr. Olympia event ended and the bodybuilding champions for the year were crowned. While the Classic Physique saw its maestro receive a fifth Sandow trophy, the Men’s Open and Men’s Physique categories now have a new champion. Derek Lunsford defeated Hadi Choopan in the Open division, and Ryan Terry replaced Erin Banks in Men’s Physique.

Hours after the new champions were declared, the 2022 Mr. Olympia Erin Banks released a statement, much to the disappointment of the bodybuilding fans.

Erin Banks will not compete at The Arnold Classic, 2024

After the year ends with Mr. Olympia, the bodybuilding community waits for the prestigious event, the Arnold Classic, to unfold every following year. So, bodybuilders who have lost their titles will train for the 2024 Arnold Classic, but Erin Banks declared that he will not compete in the coming event.

However, fans can take a breath of relief as the bodybuilding icon is not quitting the competitive arena after losing to Ryan Terry but wants to take time out to bring a better version of himself to 2024 Mr. Olympia.

B&T’s Instagram channel shared the sad update from the bodybuilding icon and quoted Bank’s words in the caption, “I will not be attending the 2024 @arnoldsports Arnold Classic.”

Nonetheless, Erin Banks’s unwavering love for bodybuilding is displayed when he took to his Instagram after the defeat and declared, “Back in that MODE!!!” But there is a catch, as fans most probably wouldn’t see Banks competing for almost a year as he stated, “See yall next season, not the regular season! At the Super Bowl!” in the post.

But fans will be sad to not witness Banks perform at the prestigious Arnold Classic, which is the most popular bodybuilding show after Mr. Olympia.

Why is the Arnold Classic one of the most sought-after shows?

While many believe that the Olympics is the biggest event for multi-sports, it is the Arnold Sports Festival that takes the honor. Started as the only bodybuilding show by the 7x Mr. Olympia champion Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer in 1989, the event expanded to many sports, including strength sports, and is now known as the Arnold Sports Festival.

Arnold Classic is the bodybuilding event in the festival, which offers the opportunity for new faces in the arena to compete. Nick Walker, who was placed third in Mr. Olympia 2023, is an Arnold Classic winner in 2021. Samson Dauda, the Arnold Classic champion this year, was placed third in Mr. Olympia 2023.

Erin Banks was also a winner of the show in the Men’s Physique division this year. It reflects how placing top in the Arnold Classic will help bodybuilders earn a name and affect their Mr. Olympia journey.

Read More | Bodybuilder Samson Dauda Reveals How Far He Has Come to Become the Top Contender for Mr. Olympia 2023: “Last Year No One Would Have Expected This”

The spectacular 2023 Mr. Olympia unfolded in Orlando, and bodybuilders will now train for the next major event, Arnold Classic 2024. While the results of the recent event disappointed many, there is hope for better performance in the upcoming festival.

Bodybuilding fans can be even more excited, as Arnold Schwarzenegger made the live stream for Arnold Classic free for the coming year. Are you thrilled? Let us know in the comments below.