“Going to Make Incremental Improvements”: Arnold Classic’s Executive Director Reveals What Changes Fans Can Expect at Arnold Classic 2025

As the Arnold Classic vs. Mr. Olympia debate continues, fans have repeatedly said that the Arnold Classic has superior lighting compared to the Olympia. In fact, fans have praised the entire stage, including the backdrop and how much better bodybuilders look on the Arnold Classic stage. Arnold Sports Festival’s Executive Director Brian Powers recently revealed more good news for bodybuilding fans.

As the Executive Producer of the annual bodybuilding event, Brian Powers is in charge of production. While speaking to Nick Miller of Nick’s Strength and Power, the event organizer revealed what improvements fans could see in the 2025 edition. He also addressed the comparisons between the production of the Classic and the Super Bowl of bodybuilding and explained why anyone isn’t necessarily better.

“We’re always looking at what other live events are doing,” he said. Powers explained that analyzing other live events would help them make the Arnold Classic more exciting. However, even adding something minor to the event would mean “another workflow that impacts everything… So we are going to make incremental improvements,” said Powers.

Powers revealed that they’ll update the LED backdrops in 2025, further improving the viewing experience. While Brian Powers didn’t give updates to whether the live stream will yet again be free, “we’re looking at trying to make capacity bigger,” he said.  Brain also spoke about a dedicated app for iOS, Android, Roku, and other services.

Brian Powers said the app would make it easier for audiences to watch the live stream, and he wanted it this year. However, it won’t happen, and we might see an app in 2025.  On the other hand, the event producer didn’t say the Arnold Classic stage production was better than the Olympia. Instead, he explained how they were different.

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Olympia vs. Arnold Classic 

While many fans think the Ohio-based bodybuilding competition has a better production value, Powers had a different opinion. While he was proud of how fans liked the Arnold Classic’s stage, he also praised the Olympia stage. The Executive Director said that the Olympia and the Arnold Classic have developed different production styles.

“Technically speaking, the things that they (Mr. Olympia) do are very challenging to do,” said the experienced event producer. He also said while many fans want a less busy and flashy backdrop at the Olympia, their audience has grown to accept that setup. In fact, Brain Powers even said these might be the people who dislike how the Arnold Classic lighting and backdrop look.

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So the Executive Director said that while Arnold Classic will continue to make incremental improvements, Olympia might do the same. Powers doesn’t believe that the Super Bowl of bodybuilding will drastically change their production.