The 2024 Arnold Classic, a pinnacle in the bodybuilding world, unfolded from February 29 to March 3, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Only did the event showcase awe-inspiring physiques and fierce competition, but it also distributed a staggering $850,000 in prize money across seven demanding divisions.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we delve into the financial rewards reaped by the athletes who graced the stage in Columbus, Ohio.
The Grand Stage and Unforeseen Triumphs
The narrative of the 2024 Arnold Classic was unpredictable, with the Men’s Open division stealing the spotlight.
Hadi Choopan, displaying one of his career-best physiques, emerged victorious, overcoming the formidable Samson Dauda, the reigning 2023 Arnold Classic titleholder.
Samson Dauda, with his imposing fullness and size, posed a significant challenge, but Hadi Choopan’s impeccable combination of size and conditioning secured him the lion’s share of the prize money—a life-changing $300,000.
Seven divisions took center stage, including Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Men’s Pro Wheelchair, Wellness, Bikini, and Fitness.
Each competitor entered the arena with the hopes of not only clinching victory but also establishing themselves as frontrunners for the impending Olympia competition.
Breaking Down the Winnings
Men’s Open Prize Money
The Men’s Open division witnessed an intense showdown in Columbus, Ohio, as Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda battled for the gold.
Hadi Choopan’s victory, securing him $300,000, positions him as a formidable contender for the upcoming Mr. Olympia against the reigning champion Derek Lunsford.
- Hadi Choopan: $300,000
- Samson Dauda: $120,000
- Rafael Brandao: $70,000
- Jonathan Delarosa: $37,000
- James Hollingshead: $20,000
- Akim Williams: $12,000
- Antoine Vaillant: $2,000
- Justin Rodriguez: $2,000
- Horse Marcello De Angelis: $2,000
- Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi: $2,000
Classic Physique Prize Money
The Classic Physique division witnessed a seismic upset as Wesley Vissers, with his golden era aesthetics, triumphed over the expected contenders.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Wesley Vissers‘ unique advantages on stage positioned him as a potential threat to the reigning five-time Classic Physique Olympia, Chris Bumstead, in the future. Wesley Vissers claimed $60,000 for his exceptional performance.
- Wesley Vissers: $60,000
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz: $30,000
- Urs Kalecinski: $20,000
- Breon Ansley: $7,000
- Michael Daboul: $4,000
- Damien Patrick: $2,000
Men’s Physique Prize Money
In the Men’s Physique category, competitors vied for the major bodybuilding title.
Diogo Montenegro, securing the biggest win of his career, left the event with $10,000 after defeating notable opponents like Vinicius Lima, Victor Chaves, and Kyron Holden.
- Diogo Montenegro: $10,000
- Vinicius Lima: $6,000
- Victor Chaves: $4,000
- Kyron Holden: $3,000
- Corey Morris: $1,500
- Emmanuel Hunter: $1,500
Fitness International Prize Money
The Fitness International division showcased not only impressive physiques but also mind-blowing individual posing routines.
Ariel Khadr, a three-time Fitness International champion, solidified her status with a Predator posing routine, earning her a $25,000 payday.
- Ariel Khadr: $25,000
- Jaclyn Baker: $13,000
- Jodi Boam: $8,000
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah: $5,000
- Aurika Tyrgale: $3,000
- Tamara Vahn: $2,000
Bikini International Prize Money
The Bikini division witnessed a historic battle between defending champion Lauralie Chapados and standout Aimee Delgado.
Chapados emerged victorious, securing her third Arnold Classic Bikini International title and a $10,000 cash prize.
- Lauralie Chapados: $10,000
- Aimee Delgado: $6,000
- Vania Auguste: $4,000
- Angelica Teixeira: $3,000
- Phoebe Hagan: $1,500
- Eli Fernandez: $1,500
Wellness International Prize Money
In the Wellness division, reigning three-time Wellness Olympia queen Francielle Mattos faced tough competition from Isabelle Nunes.
Mattos’ exceptional presentation and physique earned her the title and a $7,000 prize, while Nunes secured $4,000.
- Francielle Mattos: $7,000
- Isabelle Nunes: $4,000
- Sandra Acal: $3,000
- Bruna Seredich: $2,000
- Lili Dong: $1,000
- Anne-Marie Gobiel: $1,000
Men’s Pro Wheelchair Prize Money
The Men’s Pro Wheelchair division witnessed a major upset as Rejesh John outperformed the favorite Harold ‘King Kong’ Kelley. John’s victory earned him $4,000, while Gabriele Andriulli, with his impressive look, secured $1,500.
- Rajesh John: $4,000
- Gabriele Andriulli: $1,500
- Josue Fabiano
- Gaylon Grigsby
- Bradley Betts
- Leonard Harmon
2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Bodybuilding Prize Money
In an unexpected revelation, Arnold Schwarzenegger disclosed that the prize money for the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open winner would skyrocket to $500,000.
This significant increase in prize money adds an extra layer of allure to an already prestigious competition, leaving fans eager to witness one of the most competitive Open lineups in the history of the sport.
As the echoes of triumph and the clinking of prize money settle, the 2024 Arnold Classic stands not just as a showcase of extraordinary physiques but also as a testament to the financial rewards awaiting those who conquer the grand stage of bodybuilding.
With eyes already turning towards 2025, the anticipation builds for the next chapter in the storied legacy of the Arnold Classic.