The Arnold Sports Festival, a celebration of health and fitness, drew athletes and fans to Columbus, Ohio this weekend. The event, founded in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, honors his legacy as a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion with 19 bodybuilding titles overall.
Who Won the Arnold 2026?
Several categories saw new champions crowned at the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, as defending champions did not return to compete.
Arnold Classic (Men’s Open)
Winner: Chinedu Andrew Obiekea AKA Andrew Jacked
Bikini International
Winner: Aimee Delgado
Classic Physique
Winner: Wesley Vissers
Men’s Physique
Winner: Brandon Hendrickson
Pro Wheelchair
Winner: James Berger. Berger stated, “Don’t be a half-empty or a half-full kind of person. Be someone that’s happy to have a glass so you’re happy to fill others. We’re all family.”
Wellness International
Winner: Rayane Fogal. Eduarda Bezerra, who swept both the Arnold and Olympia competitions last year, did not compete in 2026.
Fitness International
Winner: Michelle Fredua-Mensah
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dexter “The Blade” Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jackson remarked that bodybuilding “brings people together…It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you look like, or what language you speak.” He also expressed gratitude to Arnold Schwarzenegger, stating, “Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger – to win it five times here in Columbus and nine times worldwide. I now stand here receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from you. It truly means the world to me.”
Arnold Strongman and Strongwoman
Mitchell Hooper won the Arnold Strongman Classic for the fourth year in a row, and Olga Liashchuk was crowned the Strongwoman Classic Champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arnold Sports Festival?
The Arnold Sports Festival is an annual multi-sport event consisting of professional bodybuilding, strongman, armlifting, fitness, figure, bikini and several others as a weekend expo. It was established in 1989 and is named after Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Who is Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a former bodybuilder who won 19 bodybuilding titles, including seven Mr. Olympia wins. He later became the governor of California.
What competitions were included in the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival?
The 2026 Arnold Sports Festival included competitions in Arnold Classic (Men’s Open), Bikini International, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Pro Wheelchair, Wellness International, Fitness International, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Strongwoman Classic.
As the Arnold Sports Festival continues to evolve, what new disciplines or formats might be incorporated to further broaden its appeal to athletes and fans?
