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COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 07: Debbie Columbu, Maria Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brandon Curry present Mamdouh Big Ramy Elssbiay with a check for $10,000 and the Franco Columbu trophy for winning the inaugural Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award during the Arnold Classic as part of the Arnold Sports Festival on March 7, 2020, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire OTHER: MAR 07 Arnold Sports Festival Icon2003070043
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COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 07: Debbie Columbu, Maria Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brandon Curry present Mamdouh Big Ramy Elssbiay with a check for $10,000 and the Franco Columbu trophy for winning the inaugural Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award during the Arnold Classic as part of the Arnold Sports Festival on March 7, 2020, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire OTHER: MAR 07 Arnold Sports Festival Icon2003070043
Over the years, Arnold Classic has given us some of the most significant bodybuilders in history. Since 1989, the championship has yielded bodybuilders who stood the tests of time to become legends. Today, champions like Jay Cutler, Kai Greene, and more have set a blueprint for upcoming bodybuilders to shine. However, it begs the question – who outshined the rest, in terms of the number of titles?
Since the first Arnold Classic was held in the year 1989, many champions have emerged multiple times as winners. Some were reigning title holders, while others would come back with a bang and dominate the contest. But who among the extensive list of winners made it to the top, the most number of times? Let’s take a look!
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Who recorded the highest number of wins at the Arnold Classic?
The bodybuilding community saw a promising opportunity in form of the Arnold Classic championship. Many bodybuilders who couldn’t make it in Mr. Olympia treated it as a redemption to rise back. Now with popular names like Big Ramy, Nick Walker, and William Bonac appearing in this year’s championship, the stakes are high. But it would be remiss to not mention the previous reigning champions that made the mold for upcoming icons.
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Nick Walker is awarded his trophy for winning the Arnold Classic by Arnold Schwarzenegger And Shawn Ray on September 25, 2021, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Since its inception in 1989, the championship saw many bodybuilders who returned time and again, to reclaim their titles. These stars came in year after year and earned the winning prize due to their unique form and near-perfect definition. Some of them include Kai Greene and Jay Cutler, who won the title three times. Similarly, veteran bodybuilder Flex Wheeler, who will also receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement award this year, won the title four times.
Read More: How Is Arnold Classic Related to Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger?
However, there’s one bodybuilder who beat these champions to win the most titles. Dexter Jackson won his first title in 2005 and came back to conquer Arnold Classic multiple times. In total, the American bodybuilder won five titles before retiring. This year, the stakes have increased further since the winner grabs the biggest cash bag of all time.
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What does this year’s winner get?
The initial prize offer for the Arnold Classic titleholder was $200,000. However recently, both the Arnold Sports Festival committee and co-founder Arnold Schwarzenegger, made an exciting announcement. This year’s winner wins a bigger cash prize compared to last year’s offering.
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April 22, 2017 – Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil – LUKAS OSLADIL, from Czech Republic, 1st place in the Bodybuilding Pro Show contest, during the Arnold Classic South America event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this Saturday (22) Arnold Classic South America in Sao Paulo – ZUMAl146 78256908st Copyright: xPauloxLopesx
Arnold Schwarzenegger took to Instagram to announce, that the cash prize for the winner of the Arnold Classic has been increased. This year, the winner will take home a whopping $300,000, along with other rewards. Fans have their eyes on some of the champions who have previously won the titles, such as Nick Walker and William Bonac.
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Dive Deeper: From Samson Dauda to Shaun Clarida: Arnold Classic 2023 Roster Is Out
Who are you placing your bets on this year? Let us know in the comments down below!
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