The 2025 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding division delivered an unforgettable night of competition on March 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
With some of the biggest names in bodybuilding stepping onto the stage, the event was filled with high stakes, intense rivalries, and jaw-dropping physiques.
After a grueling battle, Derek Lunsford claimed his first Arnold Classic title, overcoming Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked in one of the most highly anticipated showdowns of the year.
A Fierce Three-Way Battle for the Title
Heading into the event, the 2023 Arnold Classic champion and reigning Mr. Olympia, Samson Dauda, was the favorite to win.
However, Derek Lunsford and Andrew Jacked made sure he didn’t have an easy path to victory.
During prejudging, it was clear that this was a three-man war. Samson Dauda, known for his incredible fullness and shape, stepped on stage with a bigger and denser look than he had at the Olympia.
His aggressive posing and powerful side shots made him a dominant force.
Meanwhile, Andrew Jacked showcased his aesthetic and towering frame, which always makes him a contender.
His conditioning was among the best of the night, and his muscle separation had significantly improved since his last outing.
However, it was Derek Lunsford who stole the show. Coming off a third-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford entered his first-ever Arnold Classic with something to prove.
Working under the guidance of Chris Aceto, he enhanced his leg size, brought better muscle separation, and packed on size without sacrificing conditioning.
His arms appeared significantly larger, and his overall balance and proportion gave him the edge he needed.
2025 Arnold Classic Open Bodybuilding Results
1️⃣ Winner — Derek Lunsford 🏆 ($500,000)
2️⃣ Second Place — Samson Dauda
3️⃣ Third Place — Andrew Jacked
4️⃣ Fourth Place — Brandon Curry
5️⃣ Fifth Place — William Bonac
6️⃣ Sixth Place — Akim Williams
7️⃣ Seventh Place — Shaun Clarida
8️⃣ Eighth Place — James Hollingshead
9️⃣ Ninth Place — Carlos Thomas Jr.
🔟 Tenth Place — Patrick Moore
Lunsford’s Victory & The Road Ahead
For Samson Dauda, competing at the Arnold Classic just months after defending his Mr. Olympia title was a massive gamble.
Although he didn’t secure the win, his confidence and presence were undeniable.
Andrew Jacked, on the other hand, continues to improve with each competition. While he may not have walked away with the Arnold Classic crown, his top-tier genetics and improving conditioning suggest that he’s inching closer to a major title soon.
But the night belonged to Derek Lunsford. With his first Arnold Classic win, he not only secured $500,000 in prize money but also cemented himself as a top contender for the 2025 Mr. Olympia title.
After losing the Olympia crown in 2024, this victory sends a strong message: Derek Lunsford is returning for the Sandow trophy.
As the bodybuilding season progresses, fans are already speculating: Will Derek Lunsford reclaim his Olympia title? With his latest performance, it’s clear that the battle for the Sandow just got a lot more interesting.