Victorious Samson Dauda “Surprised” After Upsetting Nick Walker and Big Ramy to Lift His Maiden Arnold Classic Title

The results of the Men’s Open at the Arnold Classic 2023 are out. After two days of exciting on-stage posedown between some of the best bodybuilders in the world, Samson Dauda has claimed his first Arnold Classic title. After last night’s prejudging Nick Walker, Andrew Jacked, and Samson Dauda were in the mix for the top three. While many bodybuilding fans favored the 2022 Mr. Olympia bronze medalist to win another Arnold Classic title, Dauda was the one who was granted the wish.

Walker, Jacked, Dauda, and Ramy were part of the first callout in the finals. While Jacked started in the center, he and Nick Walker switched places and everyone knew it would be a two-way battle for the top spot.

Samson Dauda etches his name in bodybuilding history

After the final posedown, Bob Cicherillo stepped onto the stage and announced the results of the competition. After he announced Big Ramy’s name in fourth and Andrew Jacked in third, the audience waited with bated breath to learn who had won the show. Cicherillo built up the suspense as he paused for a while before announcing that former Arnold Classic Champion Nick Walker was the runner-up.

Samson Dauda, who came in sixth at his first Mr. Olympia contest in 2022, upset Walker to win the Arnold Classic 2023. After the massive victory, Arnold Schwarzenegger interviewed Dauda on stage. He asked how Dauda felt. Samson Dauda, who was visibly emotional, replied he felt “surprised.” Samson added, “You do everything. You hope you can win, but you never expect to win.”

Schwarzenegger also said that he had heard about the Dauda’s “severe” diet. “What are you gonna eat tonight?” asked Schwarzenegger. “Everything!” replied the newly-crowned Arnold Classic champion. Under the tutelage of Milos Sarcev, Dauda had been on a strict diet for six months.

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While Nick Walker, who was confident about winning the contest had to settle for second place, a few experts like Hany Ramrod saw the results coming before they unfolded.

Hany Rambod hit the bullseye with his predictions prior to the Arnold Classic contest

Renowned bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod appeared on the YouTube channel Nick’s Strength and Power. During the interview, the host and Hany Rambod shared their opinions on the Arnold Classic 2023 pre-judging. While host Nick Miller thought Walker would win, Rambod had a different opinion.

“It’s really close but my pick right now for winning the show is Samson after pre-judging,” Rambod said. Rambod is the coach of current Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, last year’s runner-up Derek Lunsford and four-time Classic Physique champ Chris Bumstead. While none of his athletes competed at the Arnold Classic 2023, Rambod now knows what to expect from Samson Dauda and Classic Physique winner Ramon Dino at the forthcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia later this year.

What did you think of the results? Do you feel the bodybuilder can also win the Mr. Olympia title? Let us know in the comments.