“Wants to Give the Athletes as Much Money as Possible”: Arnold Classic Executive Director Shares Insights Amidst Huge $500,000 Decision

After presenting 2024’s Arnold Classic champion, Hadi Choopan $300,000, Arnold Schwarzenegger made a surprise announcement. The 76-year-old said that he no longer wanted to play by the rules and would raise the bar by offering $500,000 in 2025. The decision shook the bodybuilding world to the core as Schwarzenegger declared war on the Super Bowl of bodybuilding, the Mr. Olympia. Arnold Classic’s Executive Director, Brian Powers explained why Arnie exceeded the Olympia prize money by $100,000.

The man responsible for producing the Arnold Sports Festival each year sat for an interview with Nick’s Strength and Power. Powers praised how Mr. Olympia has helped the sport in recent years. He also explained Arnie’s intention behind pushing the Olympia after playing 2nd fiddle for decades. He said, “With Arnold, it’s a mix of passion and pragmatism.” The 7x Mr. Olympia is just as passionate about bodybuilding at 76 as he was at 26. “I think he just wants to give the athletes as much money as possible,” Powers said.

Prize money in bodybuilding has been less compared to many mainstream sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, etc. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger has always wanted athletes to earn more money for their relentless effort in the gym. Powers said that the former Mr. Universe is “constantly trying to find ways to elevate these athletes.” So Arnie thought, now was the time to raise the bar in bodybuilding as the Arnold Classic has continued to grow in popularity.

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The Golden Era legend barely earned anything from the sport during his prime. Schwarzenegger became the richest, and most famous bodybuilder through his investments, Hollywood, and political career. The Arnold Classic producers said that “raising the prize money has always been his (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s) goal.” By announcing that he would supersede the premier bodybuilding competition, Schwarzenegger wanted to force their hand into further raising the prize money. However, Brian Powers also gave credit to the Olympia.

Arnold Classic’s Brian Powers praised Jake Wood 

Amid speaking about the Arnold Classic Co-founder’s zeal to do more for bodybuilding, Brian Powers explained that Olympia Fitness’ owner Jake Wood has also done a lot. The Executive Director revealed that “Jake has made significant investments in women’s sports.” From bringing back Ms. Olympia to raising the prize money across categories, he has “done an enormous amount.”

The Olympia owner has put profits behind him to help athletes. Brian Powers also revealed that Jake Wood and Arnold Schwarzenegger have not compromised on the promised prize money. The Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia held up their standards even when they weren’t generating enough revenue. The Arnold Classic Executive Director thinks that Arnie is fostering healthy competition by raising the prize money to $500,000. Powers also said bodybuilding owes a lot to Schwarzenegger and Wood, despite them not taking the credit.

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