The only show that can stand next to the SuperBowl of bodybuilding, the Mr. Olympia, is the Arnold Classic. The show has been making constant improvements each year, and 2024 was no different. The results of this year’s Arnold Classic did catch some off guard, with Hadi Choopan returning to victory in the open division and Wesley Vissers surprising many by winning the Classic Physique title. After giving fans a lot of thrills and chills, the event is now set to return again next year. 

The Arnold Sports Festival’s official Instagram page recently shared a reel showcasing some clips of the major events that took place on this year’s stage. With the reel, the Arnold Sports Festival began the official countdown for next year’s Arnold Classic, with much greater opportunities for the athletes and more intense competition for the fans. 

The Arnold Classic is scheduled from February 28 to March 2, 2025. The seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted that next year’s show will be much bigger than this year. He wrote, “We’re bringing the biggest names and brands in fitness to Columbus, Ohio.”

The tickets for the show will be available to buy within a few days. For returning VIPs who attended the show in 2024, pre-sale tickets will be available from June 6. “2024 VIPs & Ultimate Expo pass holders will receive a pre-sale link via email,” Arnold Sports festival’s post read. After the pre-sale, tickets will be available for new buyers.

You will be able to lay your hands on the remaining VIP tickets on June 13. For those looking for normal tickets, the sale will be live on June 20. “Be a part of the action and witness legends in the making. Mark your calendars now!” the caption added. The 2025 Arnold Classic is set to surpass the Olympia in terms of its prize pool. Schwarzenegger had announced this earlier.

Arnie increases the prize pool to $500,000

At the closing ceremony of the Arnold Classic 2024, the Austrian Oak made an announcement that shocked the entire bodybuilding community. He put up a straight challenge for the IFBB, increasing the prize pool to $500,000 for the 2025 Arnold Classic. On the other hand, the Mr. Olympia still gives only $400K to the open division champion.

This decision will make the Arnold Classic the most prize-giving championship, beating Olympia by $100K. Even when Arnie doled out lesser prize money for athletes at the Arnold’s, bodybuilders still received non-cash prizes, including a Hummer car and an Audemars Piguet watch. But now the Terminator, who has been trying to ensure the evolution of the bodybuilding industry, seems to be on the right track with the prize money jump.

As the tickets for the Arnold’s are set to be on sale soon, be sure to have your dates marked for the event. Who do you think will take the $500k home with them? Let us know in the comments.