Abhishek Manikandan is the Lead Editor of the bodybuilding division at EssentiallySports. A former combat sports athlete himself, Abhishek uses his knowledge of the sport and his Master’s in Journalism to ensure that every article produced by the division has gone through the necessary editorial checks. A former Reuters journalist, watching Arnold Schwarzenegger on the big screen is what made Abhishek venture into the sport of bodybuilding. 

While Arnie remains his favorite, he is often fascinated by legends like Ronnie Coleman and Flex Wheeler who have inspired millions to take up the sport and transform their lives. When not editing or working out, he spends his time immersed in the world of books and movies.

As the whole fitness world awaits Samson Dauda [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/samson-dauda/]‘s appearance at the Arnold Classic, the bodybuilding beast shared some news. Dauda has already reached the USA from the UK and he confessed to having a “Wake up call” in his latest YouTube video. The video focused on his stay in Ohio with the Arnold Classic just two days away. Samson Dauda has already been to America a couple of times, yet according to the bodybuilder, this was the first time he was experiencing a tornado warning. In the video, Dauda took to explaining how his morning unfolded, the day he was hit by the tornado warning. SAMSON DAUDA HAD TO RUN TO THE BASEMENT Dauda explained how he had to wake up early at 5 am because of sirens and warnings on both his phone and outside of his accommodation as a warning measure for Tornado. He stated, “We got woken up by a tornado warning today. And we all had to get our room and go down to the basement at 5:30 this morning. So yeah, it was crazy man all the sirens went out outside.” The bodybuilder further claimed how the USA gave him an appalling incident to remember which he would not have gotten in the UK. He stated, “This sh*t don’t happen in the UK, ever. So we came down and yeah man it was, it was crazy man. US you have some crazy stuff going on in your country, honestly.” Weeks before Arnold Classic’s commencement, the former Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler had made his predictions public. Cutler sure had his favorite between Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda. SAMSON DAUDA VS HADI CHOOPAN: WHO DID JAY CUTLER CHOOSE? In an episode of the CutlerCast, when Samson Dauda’s coach, Milos Sarcev had asked about Cutler’s opinion about who might win the Arnold Classic 2024, Jay Cutler pointed out how Samson Dauda might just own the show at this point. He also explained that if a comparison between Hadi Choopan and Dauda is made by making them stand side by side, then people can see a clear size variation. “Samson wins all day long. I mean, I feel because it’s proportion, shape, symmetry, you know, height,” Cutler added. READ MORE: Arnold Classic 2024: Milos Sarcev vs. Hany Rambod, Who Will Prove to Be the Better Coach? [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-arnold-classic-two-thousand-twenty-four-milos-sarcev-vs-hany-rambod-who-will-prove-to-be-the-better-coach/] Although Dauda had a rather unexpected experience only hours before his competition, it does not seem to have stirred his determination to win the show. As it’s only a matter of time before the Arnold Classic begins, do you think that Samson Dauda can retain his title this year? Let us know in the comments. READ MORE: “Game Over, That’s Insane”: Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan’s Fans Indulge in a Heated Debate Hours Ahead of Arnold Classic 2024 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-game-over-thats-insane-samson-dauda-and-hadi-choopans-fans-indulge-in-a-heated-debate-hours-ahead-of-arnold-classic-two-thousand-twenty-four/] 

As Arnold's Classic is knocking at the door, the most anticipated participant, Samson Dauda reveals a shocking incident.

Pritha Halder is a bodybuilding writer at EssentiallySports. Specializing in
covering the off-court life of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, she can
often be seen scrounging Kali Muscle’s Instagram feed to find the new fruitarian
diet the fitness influencer is on. Having completed her Bachelor's in English
Language and Literature from a multidisciplinary university, Pritha started her
career as a writer for a literary magazine, before delving into the world of
fitness. Her early interest in bodybuilding blossomed after reading an article
on 'The God of Aesthetics,' A.K.A., Frank Zane, whose dedication to providing
fitness tips even in his 80s fascinated her. In her free time, Pritha loves
binging on sports animes, Haikyuu being one of her favorites.

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“People Shrink With Age”: Despite Being 6’2, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Height Next
to 7X Mr. Olympia Becomes the Talk of the Bodybuilding World

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Muscle Receives Threads of Backlash for Newly Found Love for Fruits

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Arnold Classic 2024</strong></h2>
In 1989, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer started the Arnold Sports Festival. The festival is celebrating its 36th year in 2024. What started as a humble effort by seven-time Mr. Olympia and Hollywood action star Arnold Schwarzenegger and legendary promoter Jim Lorimer has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious bodybuilding and sporting events. Rivaling the Super Bowl of bodybuilding, the IFBB Mr. Olympia, in many aspects, the Arnold Classic 2024 promises to be the grandest edition of the over three-decade-old event.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The history of the Arnold Classic</strong></h2>
The Arnold Classic started after Arnie and Lorimer made good on their handshake agreement from 1970. In 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger told the Columbus Dispatch that he met Lorimer at the most important event of his life. <em>"It was the first bodybuilding show in which I defeated a very important competitor, Sergio Oliva, and I did it on neutral ground — Columbus,"</em> said Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger was so impressed that promised Lorimer to return to Columbus. After the pair teamed up to hold the Mr. Olympia at Columbus, Ohio between 1976 and 1986, they founded the Arnold Classic in 1989. Since then, Schwarzenegger and Lorimer continued to organize the Arnold Sports Festival and its crown jewel The Arnold Classic. Unfortunately Jim Lorimer, the attorney, FBI agent, Mayer of Worthington, Ohi, and legendary promoter passed away in 2022. The 36th Arnold Classic is the second edition of the contest without Lorimer.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>A look at past Arnold Classic champions</strong></h2>
While the 36th Arnold Classic champion is yet to be crowned. 35 years have produced multiple champions, including those who have also won the Mr. Olympia multiple times. Two-time Mr. Olympia runner-up Rich Gaspari holds the distinction of being the inaugural champion in 1989. Mike Ashley won in 1990, Shaw Ray won the title in 1991, and Vince Taylor in 1992.

However, Flex Wheeler started his reign in 1993. The Sultan of Symmetry won the title four times in 1993, 1997, 1998, and 2000. In between Flex Wheeler's reign, Kevin Levrone won the title in 1994 and 1996, Mike Francois won in 1995 and Nasser El Sonbaty won in 1999. Ronnie Coleman made history by becoming the first man to win the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic in the same season in 2001.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2357316 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Arnold-Classic-2023-1.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" />

Coleman's rival and four-time Mr. Oympia Jay Cutler won three Arnold Classic titles consecutively from 2002 to 2004. Then came Dexter Jackson, the man who holds the record for the most Arnold Classic wins. Between 2005 to 2015, The Blade won five times in 2005, 2006, 2008, 20013, and 2015. Victor Martinez won in 2007. Kai Green won in 2009 and 2010 and finally in 2016.

Branch Warren won in 2011 and 2012. German bodybuilder Dennis Wolf won in 2014 before the late Cedric McMillan won't in 2017. William Bonca won in 2018 and 2020, followed by only the third man to both the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry in 2019 and 2022. Nick Walker won in 2021, before becoming runner-up to defending champion Smason Samson Dauda.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>When is the Arnold Classic 2024 taking place?</strong></h2>
Samson 'The Nigerian Lion' Dauda will compete to earn his second consecutive Arnold Classic title on the 1st and 2nd of March 2024. The 2024 Arnold Sports Festival will start on 29th February 29th and end on 3rd March 2024. The Arnold Expo, which is part of the ASF will be held from 1st to 3rd March 2024. Historically the Arnold Classic has always been held between late February and the first week of March. The only time this didn't happen was in 2021 due to the coronavirus lockdown. In 2021 the second most prestigious bodybuilding event happened in September.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The venue of Arnold Classic 2024</strong></h2>
However, the venue of the Arnold Classic has always remained the same. The 2024 Arnold Classic will be held at Greater Columbus Convention Center, in Columbus, Ohio. Since Lorimer and Arnie shook hands to hold the event in Columbus, they have never changed venues. The massive Convention Center houses at least 900 booths during the Arnold Sports Festival and more athletes than the Olympics participate in the annual event in Ohio. Thanks to this long-standing tradition, the ASF even provides discounted hotel accommodation for those attending the show. Everyone attending the show will also have numerous ticket options.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>What is the ticket price for the Arnold Classic 2024?</strong> </span></h2>
There is a plethora of ticket categories for the 2024 Arnold Classic. The prices for tickets range between $20 to an eye-watering $799. $20 will get you the Thursday Admission (Weightlifting) ticket. With this pass event goers will only be able to attend the Weightlifting event on 29th February. Meanwhile, $799 will get you an access pass to everything the Arnold Sports Festival has to offer with the Platinum VIP ticket package.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1577445 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Arnold-Classic-2023.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="675" />

This tier also included the Ultimate Expo Pass which costs $159 when bought separately. However, the $799 ticket doesn't mention anything about the photo ops with the Arnold Classic special guests. Each photo-op session costs $50 and there is a sixth slot where two of the guests will team up and that pass costs $80. Hence one looking to attend every photo-op will have to dish out $330.

<em>"APPLICABLE SERVICE FEES WILL BE ADDED DURING PURCHASE,"</em> says the Arnold Classic website in all caps. However, anyone under 14 will get free entry to the Expo floor when accompanied by a parent.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The participants of Arnold Classic 2024 </strong></h2>
<div class="col-lg-5ths col-md-4 col-sm-6 col-12">
<div class="dropdown-header">Over 80 contestants across seven categories will participate in the Arnold Classic 2024.</div>
<strong>Men’s Bodybuilding:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Remeco Bose</li>
 	<li>Rafael Brandao</li>
 	<li>Hadi Choopan</li>
 	<li>Samson Dauda</li>
 	<li>Marcello De Angeles</li>
 	<li>Jonathan De La Rosa</li>
 	<li>James Hollingshead</li>
 	<li>Andrew Jacked</li>
 	<li>Rubiel Mosquera</li>
 	<li>Justin Rodriguez</li>
 	<li>Mohamed Shaaban</li>
 	<li>Antoine Valliant</li>
 	<li>Akim Williams</li>
</ul>
<strong>Arnold Classic Physique:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Breon Ansley</li>
 	<li>Eric Brown Jr.</li>
 	<li>Michael Daboul</li>
 	<li>Darren Farrell</li>
 	<li>Urs Kalecinski</li>
 	<li>Antoine Loth</li>
 	<li>Courage Opara</li>
 	<li>Damien Patrick</li>
 	<li>Ramon Rocha Queiroz</li>
 	<li>Emanuele Ricotti</li>
 	<li>Terrence Ruffin</li>
 	<li>Wesley Vissers</li>
</ul>
<strong>Men’s Physique:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Mahmood Al-Maghrabi</li>
 	<li>Vitor Chaves</li>
 	<li>Emmanuel Costa</li>
 	<li>Jeffrey Darko</li>
 	<li>Ismael Martinez Dominguez</li>
 	<li>Emanual Hunter</li>
 	<li>Jonas Jamena</li>
 	<li>Vinicius Mateus Vieira Lima</li>
 	<li>Diego Montenegro</li>
 	<li>Corey Morris</li>
 	<li>Andres Ramos</li>
 	<li>Emile Walker</li>
</ul>
<strong>Pro Wheelchair:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Gabriele Andriulli</li>
 	<li>Bradley Betts</li>
 	<li>Tyler Brey</li>
 	<li>Gaylon Grigsby</li>
 	<li>Josue Fabiano</li>
 	<li>Leonard Harmon</li>
 	<li>Rajesh John</li>
 	<li>Harold Kelley</li>
 	<li>Antoni Khadraoui</li>
 	<li>Chad McCrary</li>
</ul>
The 2024 Arnold Classic will also host contests in three Women's bodybuilding divisions.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1398371 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/harold-kelley-wins-inaugural-arnold-classic-pro-wheelchair-graphics-1.jpg" alt="" width="714" height="493" />

<strong>Bikini International;</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Rhoda Allie</li>
 	<li>Vania Auguste</li>
 	<li>Tamekia Carter</li>
 	<li>Lauralie Chapados</li>
 	<li>Aimee Delgado</li>
 	<li>Ivanna Escandar</li>
 	<li>Eli Fernandez</li>
 	<li>Phoebe Hagan</li>
 	<li>Ottavia Mazza</li>
 	<li>Elisa Pecini</li>
 	<li>Amanda Marques Pereira</li>
 	<li>Angelica Teixeira</li>
</ul>
<strong>Fitness International:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Jaclyn Baker</li>
 	<li>Jodi Boam</li>
 	<li>Abby Bolton</li>
 	<li>Tiffany Chandler</li>
 	<li>Danielle Chikeles</li>
 	<li>Ariel Khadr</li>
 	<li>Michelle Fredua-Mensah</li>
 	<li>Anna Fomina</li>
 	<li>Minna Pajulahti</li>
 	<li>Nikolett Szabo</li>
 	<li>Aurika Tyrgale</li>
 	<li>Tamara Vahn</li>
</ul>
<strong>Wellness International:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Sandra Colorado Acal</li>
 	<li>Amanda Burnett</li>
 	<li>Johanna Calcano</li>
 	<li>Lili Dong</li>
 	<li>Anne-Marie Gobiel</li>
 	<li>Andrea Hrenko</li>
 	<li>Hye Yoon Kim</li>
 	<li>Francielle Mattos</li>
 	<li>Isabelle Nunes</li>
 	<li>Tefani-Sam Rahzi</li>
 	<li>Bruna Seredich</li>
 	<li>Courtney Starr</li>
</ul>
All the bodybuilding contests will take place on the 1st and 2nd March 2024.

</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Arnold Classic 2024 schedule</strong> </span></h2>
Prejudging and Finals will be held on 1st March, between 12:30 pm - 9:30 pm (12:30 to 21:30) and 2nd March, between 11:00 am - to 10:00 pm (11:00 to 22:00).

<strong>1st March:</strong>

<strong> Prejudging</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Classic Physique - <em>12:30 pm-1:30 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Fitness International - <em>12:30 pm-1:30 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Wellness International - <em>12:30 pm-1:30 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Arnold Classic - <em>7:00 pm-9:30 pm</em></li>
</ul>
<strong>Finals</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Classic Physique - <em>7:00 pm-9:30 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Fitness International - <em>7:00 pm-9:30 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Wellness International - <em>7:00 pm-9:30 pm</em></li>
</ul>
<strong>2nd March:</strong>

<strong>Prejudging</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Arnold Men's Physique - <em>11:00 am-12:00 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Bikini International - <em>11:00 am-12:00 pm</em></li>
</ul>
<strong>Finals</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Arnold Men's Physique - <em>7:00 pm-10:00 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Bikini International - <em>7:00 pm-10:00 pm</em></li>
 	<li>Arnold Classic - <em>7:00 pm-10:00 pm</em></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>The special guests in 2024</strong> </span></h2>
This year's guest list will have familiar faces as well as a rising bodybuilding sensation. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself will be there for the Arnold Sunday Showcase on the final day from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. 5x Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, 2018 WSM winner Hafthor Bjornsson, and 21-year-old social media bodybuilding sensation Sam Sulek, will be present for photo-ops and autographs.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1425887 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Chris-Bumstead-1-1.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="810" />
<p class="text-truncate font-weight-600 mb-1">Other fitness and bodybuilding personalities such as Martyn Ford, Dan Green, UFC fighter Bo Nickal, Shawn Ray, Shaun Clarida, and others will be present on the Expo floor at the Animal Pak, Mutant Nutrition, Joko Fuel, and Pure Vita Labs booths. However, no Arnold Classic is complete without the <span style="font-weight: 400">Lifetime Achievement awards.</span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The history of the Lifetime Achievement awards</strong></h2>
Since the year 2000, The Arnold Classic has been honoring individuals who have made <em>"notable contributions to the fitness industry and offered a lifetime of service to the enhancement of sports performance and promotion." </em>This award has been Arnold Schwawrzengger's way of thanking bodybuilders, athletes, and personalities from other disciplines who have contributed to developing sports in one way or the other, consistently.

<strong>Past honorees include:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>2000: Joe Weider</li>
 	<li>2001: Reg Park</li>
 	<li>2002: Jim Lorimer</li>
 	<li>2003: Frank Zane</li>
 	<li>2004: Bill Pearl</li>
 	<li>2005: Jack LaLanne</li>
 	<li>2006: Lee Haney</li>
 	<li>2007: Cory Everson</li>
 	<li>2008: Ben Weider</li>
 	<li>2009: Franco Columbu</li>
 	<li>2010: Sylvester Stallone</li>
 	<li>2011: Lou Ferrigno</li>
 	<li>2012: Robert Kennedy</li>
 	<li>2013: Rich Gaspari</li>
 	<li>2014: John Balik</li>
 	<li>2015: Jim Manion</li>
 	<li>2016: Dr. Raphael Santonja</li>
 	<li>2017: Betty Weider</li>
 	<li>2018: Dr. Robert Goldman</li>
 	<li>2019: Drs. Terry &amp; Jan Todd</li>
 	<li>2020: Paul 'Triple H' Levesque</li>
 	<li>2021: Ronnie Coleman</li>
 	<li>2023: Kenneth 'Flex' Wheeler</li>
</ul>
We'll have to wait and watch to know who wins the prestigious award this year.

Arnold Classic 2024

As the Arnold Classic enters its 36th year, here's all you need to know about one of the most prestigious annual bodybuilding events.

Arnold Classic 2024 Lineup, Date, Time, Venue, Location- EssentiallySports

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“US You Have Some Crazy Stuff Going On”: Samson Dauda Makes Scary Confession Just Hours Ahead of Arnold Classic 2024

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