“Getting the Recognition He Deserves”: Bodybuilding Community Rallies Behind Wesley Vissers’ Arnold Classic Victory

Dutch bodybuilding sensation Wesley Vissers has pulled off a massive upset on the Arnold Classic stage. While most people counted him to place among the top five at Ohio, few expected him to become Arnold Classic Physique champion. However, the Dutch Oak defied all expectations and defeated not only last year’s runner-up but also the defending champion.

The Classic Physique competitor had always shown promise. However, the Dutchman finished in seventh place at the 2023 Mr. Olympia and focused on improving his physique for the Arnold Classic. While every competitor improved their physique, the Dutch Oak improved in every aspect, from muscle mass to conditioning and even posing. But how did things unfold on stage?

Wesley Vissers shocks the Classic Physique division

Before the Arnold Classic started, everyone made predictions on who would become the Arnold Classic Physique champion. While the Classic Physique roster was stacked, after last year’s Olympia, everyone expected bodybuilders like Ramon Dino, Urs Kalecinski, and Breon Ansley to finish on top. But followed at the event was Vissers’ upset, with Dino and Urs finishing at second and third spot, respectively. On the other hand, Ansley had to be satisfied with a fourth-place finish.

At the Classic Physique Olympia, no one except Ramon Dino matched up to reigning champion Chris Bumstead. While everyone thought Ramon Dino would defend his title, fans became skeptical during the pre-judging phase and many even said the Brazilian’s conditioning looked worse than the Olympia.

However, commentator and bodybuilding veteran Denis James said Vissers looked more impressive than Dino even during pre-judging. Things didn’t change in the finals as Welsey Vissers came out on top in the head-to-pose down against Ramon Dino. Still, the announcement that Vissers had won came as a surprise to bodybuilding fans, albeit a good one.

Read more | “Urs Is Really Small”: Fans Give Harsh Verdict on Urs Kalecinski as Wesley Vissers Emerges as New Fan Favorite at Arnold Classic

Most bodybuilding fans agreed with the results

Fans cheered for the underdog who beat the odds to etch his name in history. “He’s gotta be the happiest dude on earth right now after the disrespect he’s faced with placings in the past,” wrote one fan. “Wesley getting the recognition he deserves!” cheered another fan hinting at how Vissers had this honor coming for some time. “So happy for him. He’s been overlooked on the big stages. He finally put it all together,” commented a third fan.

However, a few didn’t agree with the 2024 Arnold Classic Physique results. “Dude looked insane! Well deserved…..still won’t come close to CBum tho!” said a fan of the five-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia, explaining how despite the win, Vissers had a long way to go before he could give some competition to CBum. “Ramon was robbed. Very close battle…” wrote one fan who thought Ramon Dino had a better back and quads compared to Wesley Vissers.

Read more | “Remind Me of Lou”: Hailed as Modern Arnold, Wesley Vissers Reminds Arnold Schwarzenegger of On-Stage Rival Lou Ferrigno

While every bodybuilding fan might not agree with the results, Wesley Vissers inspired many fans with his incredible journey to the top of the Classic Physique division. What are your thoughts on the results? Let us know in the comments below.