The Arnold Classic UK will begin on Friday.
The IFBB Pro League returns to Europe in a major way as the 2026 Arnold Classic UK prepares to take center stage in Birmingham from March 27–29. Featuring multiple IFBB Pro divisions including Men’s Open Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Fitness, Bikini, Wellness, and Wheelchair, the UK edition delivers a full weekend of elite-level competition and fan engagement.
Coming just weeks after the flagship Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, the UK event often benefits from athletes riding momentum from one of the sport’s biggest stages. That is certainly the case in 2026. Fresh off his massive victory in Ohio, Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, better known as Andrew Jacked, has already set his sights on capturing another Arnold title.
The Nigerian-born star stunned the bodybuilding world by defeating a stacked lineup to win the 2026 Arnold Classic and the record-setting $750,000 first place prize. Now he heads to Birmingham looking to extend that momentum and potentially secure another major victory within the same month.
However, the Men’s Open lineup in the UK is anything but easy. Rising contender Martin Fitzwater also enters the show with growing momentum following strong finishes at the Olympia level. With names like Hassan Mostafa and Akim Williams rounding out the lineup, the Men’s Open contest could easily turn into one of the most competitive battles of the spring bodybuilding season.
Outside of the Open division, fans can expect fireworks in Classic Physique as well. The category continues to grow in popularity and depth, with standout athletes such as Wesley Vissers, Mike Sommerfeld, and social media sensation Sam Sulek drawing massive attention. Each athlete brings a different interpretation of the “golden era” aesthetic that defines the division, setting up a compelling clash of styles and physiques.
2026 Arnold Classic UK Men’s Open Lineup
- Blessing Awodibu
- Brandon Curry
- Martin Fitzwater
- Mohamed Foda
- Abou Konate
- Patrick Moore
- Hassan Mostafa
- Andrew Jacked
- Akim Williams
Top Competitors to Watch
Brandon Curry
Brandon Curry brings one of the biggest physiques to this lineup, along with the most experience. He knows how to prepare for a show and always displays great stage presence. Curry has incredible size and shape to his physique. He will need to improve his condition from the Arnold in Columbus, which is possible given his experience going from one show to another. If he peaks at the right time, Curry can finish second in this lineup but it will be an entertaining battle.
Martin Fitzwater
There has been plenty of drama surrounding Martin Fitzwater since his fourth-place finish at the Arnold Classic a few weeks ago. That is now in the past and Fitzwater will be right back on the stage looking to show improvements in his physique. He has shown that he can compete with anyone in the world if he brings his best. Fitzwater has displayed a balanced physique with great size. He will be a contender for the title, but definitely a finish in the top two. This makes for a great battle with Brandon Curry.
Mohamed Foda
Mohamed Foda is coming off a victory at the 2026 Detroit Pro. He also competed at the Arnold in Columbus, where he finished seventh. He entered Detroit with better conditioning and has shown an ability to improve from show-to-show. That will be the goal once again here. Foda has improved his conditioning and this has led to a better overall physique. His ceiling feels like a spot in the top three but it seems like he is the clear No. 4 entering.
Andrew Jacked
Andrew Jacked enters this competition as the clear favorite. Jacked won the Arnold Classic over Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker earlier this month. He has quickly become one of the top bodybuilders in the world. Finishing third at the 2025 Olympia, Jacked showed that he can bring elite-level conditioning to the stage to go with his massive frame. This is a difficult combination to beat. Jacked has his eyes on an Olympia title this year and the Arnold Classic UK is the next hurdle to get through.
Dark Horses
There are some dark-horse competitors that can make their way into the top five, and potentially beyond with the right formula. Blessing Awodibu finished second to Foda at the Detroit Pro. He looked much improved compared to previous years. He needs to improve his muscle separation and waist, but if he finds that right conditioning, Awodibu could finish in the top five or even higher. Patrick Moore was fourth in Detroit. He lacks size compared to the rest of the lineup but attempts to make up for it with aesthetics and shape. Akim Williams is also a threat, but coming off an eighth-place finish at the Arnold, he has some ground to make up. He has great density and muscle mass but must bring better conditioning.
2026 Arnold Classic UK Full Rosters
Classic Physique
- Joaquim Camps Angel
- Jorge Herrera
- Paul Kanu
- Andrea Mammoli
- Angelo Rossi
- Mike Sommerfeld
- Sam Sulek
- Luis Roberto Valenzuela Ramos
- Wesley Vissers
Men’s Physique
- Joshua Atease
- Alessandro Cavagnola
- Vitor Chaves
- Riccardo Croci
- Andrei Deiu
- Paul Gustave
- Emanual Hunter
- Benquil Marigny
- Clarence Mcspadden
- Nam Tran Quang
- Tyler Smith
Fitness
- Abby Bolton
- Danielle Chikeles
- Anna Fomina
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Stephanie Jones
- Allison Kramer
- Michaela Pavleova
- Nikolett Szabo
- Jeanine Renee Taddeo
- Tamara Vahn
Bikini
- Nivea Campos
- Phoebe Hagan
- Da Hye Jeon
- Adrianna Kaczmarek
- Nittaya Kongthun
- Ashlyn Little
- Alice Marchisio
- Zsofia Molnar
- Sara Punzetti
- Lisa Reith
- Kerry Sexton
- Eujenia Shatova
- Savannah Watchman
- Tianna Weymouth
Wellness
- Wynter Addams
- Alexis Drury
- Rayane Fogal
- Kassandra Gillis
- Josy Alves Macedo
- Giselle Machado
- Juliana Mota
Pro Wheelchair
- Will Anthony
- James Berger
- Blake Colleton
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