Classic Physique remains one of the top divisions at the 2025 Arnold Classic!
With the 2025 Arnold Classic just around the corner – fans are excited for the true kick-off of the bodybuilding season. While the Men’s Open division is certainly the highlight of the weekend, Classic Physique will be also be quite the show – especially with Chris Bumstead retired and fully out of the picture. This will be the eighth time that the Classic Physique division will take the Arnold Classic stage and there is a chance that it is the most exciting show yet.
The 2025 Arnold Classic will take place on Feb. 28-March 2 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Classic Physique prejudging and finals will be taking place on Friday with a group of 12 bodybuilders taking the stage to compete for the title. This competition is invite-only as athletes must apply for entry.
Generation Iron will be on the ground floor providing full coverage of the event, including breakdowns of prejudging and finals, for each division. Keep reading for our official preview of the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Classic Physique event – including athlete highlights, what to expect, and who is in contention for the grand prize.
2025 Arnold Classic: Classic Physique Roster
- Osmar Alanis
- Adejoh Franklin Audu
- Jihoon Bang
- Michael Daboul
- Logan Franklin
- Lucas Funk
- Matthew Greggo
- Junior Javorski
- Mike Sommerfeld
- Wesley Vissers
- Jeremiah Willies
- Gabriel Zancanelli
Past Champions
Wesley Vissers returns as the reigning champion after becoming the sixth bodybuilder to win the title since the competition began at the Arnold Classic in 2018. Breon Ansley was the first champion while Terrence Ruffin remains the only Classic Physique competitor to win the title multiple times.
- 2018: Breon Ansley
- 2019: George Peterson
- 2020: Alex Cambronero
- 2021: Terrence Ruffin
- 2022: Terrence Ruffin
- 2023: Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- 2024: Wesley Vissers
Top Contenders
Michael Daboul
Michael Daboul finished seventh at the 2024 Olympia after finishing in the top five at the Arnold last year. He has a chance to creep into the top three this year by bringing his very best to the stage. Daboul is a former champion of the Arnold Classic UK and has racked up multiple victories over the course of his career.
Logan Franklin
Logan Franklin is considered one of the dark-horse competitors heading into the event, along with Matthew Greggo and Junior Javorski. Franklin has experience at many top shows in bodybuilding, including the Olympia and New York Pro. He has appeared at the Arnold Classic three times, including a top-three finish in 2021.
Mike Sommerfeld
Mike Sommerfeld might be viewed as the favorite in Columbus after finishing as the runner-up to Chris Bumstead at the Olympia. Bumstead announced his retirement from bodybuilding and this puts Sommerfeld in position to take over the top spot. First, he is looking to improve upon his performance further and win his first Arnold Classic title.
Wesley Vissers
Wesley Vissers put his name on the map fully by taking down Ramon Dino and winning the Arnold Classic title last year. He is the only former champion that is scheduled to appear in Columbus. Vissers is looking to improve off an eighth-place finish at the 2024 Olympia. He is looking to show off improvements made in his conditioning as he fights for a second straight title.
How to Watch the 2025 Arnold Classic
The prejudging portion of the show on each day will take place on the Arnold Expo Stage before the finals are moved to the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Columbus Convention Center.
If you wish to attend the event, tickets can be purchased here. VIP, Ultimate Expo, and three-day passes must be purchased in advance. There will also be tickets available at the door as supplies last.
If you wish to watch from home, the action will be available with free livestream, which you can register for on the Arnold website. Once you sign up, you will be able to watch the 2025 Arnold Classic, Arnold Strongman Classic, Arnold Amateur, and MORE.
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