“He’s Trying to Surpass the Olympia”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Raising Arnold Classic Prize Money to $500,000 Leaves Bodybuilding World in a Frenzy

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a dominant figure in the bodybuilding industry, has shown his dominance once more through recent news that has made headlines. In an announcement at the Arnold Classic 2024, Arnie seemed to have engaged in a veiled challenge to the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB). 

The Governator has raised the prize pool for the 2025 Arnold Classic to 500,000 dollars for the open division winner. Arnie’s announcement comes after the last Mr. Olympia gave out 400,000 dollars as prize money to the winner of the open division. Schwarzenegger has highlighted the ever-evolving nature of the Arnold Classic again through his decision to increase the prize pool more than the most prize-giving competition, Mr. Olympia.

Earlier, when he faced backlash from the IFBB for giving out more money than the marquee competition, the GOAT had found a way of giving more prizes by giving non-cash prizes to the athletes, including a Hummer car and an Audemars Piguet watch.

This is not the first time that the Arnold Classic has seen an increase in prize money. The 2024 winner went home with 300,000 dollars, which was increased from 200,000 dollars in 2022. This is the third year that the Terminator has increased the prize pool.

Earlier, Arnold had settled on not giving more prize money than the Mr. Olmpiya competition owing to his agreement with the Weiders. According to Schwarzenegger Ben Weider had earlier told him, “You cannot offer more money than we’re offering for the Olympia.” While the prize money increase comes as a path-breaking decision, the bodybuilding community has shown their immense love and admiration for Arnie’s gesture.

Fans react positively to Arnold’s vision

One fan considered Arnie’s decision as a bold move, saying, “Massive! Arnold leading from the front!” Another, on the other hand, seemed to be eagerly waiting for IFBB’s response to this news, stating, “That’s sickkkk now we’re waiting for Mr.O response.”

One fitness enthusiast commented on the Terminator’s ever-giving nature to sports while criticizing the Olympia, saying,” Arnold is leading bodybuilding into a better place Olympia horrible lighting horribly organized and so many athletes to watch.”

Read More: History of the Arnold Classic and How It’s Prize Money Evolved

While there were many takers for the decision, a fan had their issues with the conduct of the Arnold Classic. “That’s great that there’s more money going to the winner, but what about the three categories that you so graciously terminated?” they wrote.

Hinting at how Arnie wants Arnold Classic to be better than the Mr. Olympia, an Instagram user wrote, ” hes trying to surpass the olympia, he wants the arnold to be the biggest show of the year.”

If the prize money change comes to fruition, among the major competitions, the Arnold Classic will have the biggest prize money for the winners, including the non-cash prizes. Will this reduce the dominance that the Mr. Olympia has had over the years? Let us know in the comment section.

Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Secret Deal With IFBB Regarding Lower Prize Money Than Mr. Olympia for Arnold Classic Events