“Might Change Simply Because of Money”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Gives Brutal Take On Arnold Classic’s New $500,000 Prize Money Decision

Arnold Schwarzenegger sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community at this year’s Arnold Classic. The 76-year-old’s announcement that next year’s Arnold Classic winner would win $500,000 shook up the bodybuilding contest hierarchy. As the Arnold Sports festival superseding Joe Weider’s Mr. Olympia debate rages on, Flex Wheeler recently gave his take on the subject.

While appearing on the Olympia TV YouTube channel, the uncrowned Mr. Olympia explained why the Arnold Classic might emerge as the most prestigious show. Flex Wheeler didn’t mince his words when he said the ball is now in the Olympia court. While the contest Joe Weider started in 1965 is a “prestige show,” that alone might now be enough to hold on to the crown.

Bob Cicherillo argued that despite the increase in prize money the Arnold Classic offers, it’s still an Olympia qualifier. However, Flex Wheeler presented a counterargument. The Sultan of Symmetry said modern bodybuilders “care more about money.” While bodybuilders treat the Arnold as a warm-up before the Olympia, “might change simply because of the money.”

For now, the Olympia carries both the prestige as the show that came before the Arnold Classic. In fact, Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to fame after dominating the Olympia stage. Currently, the Olympia also holds the advantage in prize money. However, Flex Wheeler thinks Arnie’s star power and more prize money could shift the tide. 

Champions like Classic Physique Chris Bumstead and Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford do not compete in Ohio. However, there’s a “possibility,” that things might change. Flex Wheeler also explained that the Olympia doesn’t have to make changes this year. Yet, in 2025, the pressure will be on to offer more than the Arnold Classic’s $500,000 winning purse. Meanwhile, the Arnold Classic has always amazed to do more than Mr. Olympia.

Read More | History of the Arnold Classic and How Its Prize Money Evolved

The Arnold Classic’s clever workaround

Arnold Schwarzenegger said he won’t play by the rules of offering less prize money than the Olympia anymore. However, for decades, the Austrian Oak did follow the rule while simultaneously bypassing it. For years, the Arnold Classic winners didn’t just win money but also won an exclusive watch and the iconic SUV, the Hummer.

Jay Culter recently showed exactly what he won as a three-time Arnold Classic champion. The four-time Mr. Olympia showed off his 2003 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak T3 edition. The bodybuilder has two more such exclusive watches. He also won three yellow H2 Hummers. Flex Wheeler, as a four-time Arnold Classic winner, has even more.

The Arnold Classic already offers more prize money in divisions like Classic Physique. As experts and fans debate the exciting future of bodybuilding, Flex Wheeler thinks the Olympia needs to step up to keep its crown.

Read More | “It Comes Down to Resources”: Executive Director of Arnold Classic Addresses Demands of “Inclusion” by Female Bodybuilders Amidst $500,000 Decision