Arnold Classic 2020 replay: Watch the Classic Physique finals showdown.
Friday night held the Classic Physique finals, the highlight of the first night in one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions of the year. A relatively new division only introduced in 2016, the Classic Physique division has been rising to success in the pro bodybuilding space and showcases some truly exciting match ups between hungry competitors looking to become champions. It’s quickly become the highlight event for the first night of the Arnold Classic. It even overtook the jettisoned Men’s 212 division – which no longer appears at the Arnold Classic competition.
This year’s Classic Physique competition at the Arnold Classic ended up being a three way battle between Terrence Ruffin, Alex Cambronero, and Steve Laureus. The prejudging showcased Cambronero tipping towards first place – but anything could happen between the prejudging and the finals. Steve Laureus was originally placed center in the top 3 callout, only to be moved out. Could he find a way to tighten up and get back in that center spot?
Ultimately, the finals went exactly as predicted from the results of the prejudging. Alex Cambronero received first followed by Terrence Ruffin in second and Steve Laureus in third. You can check out the full results here.
But if you were unable to watch the live stream of the event Friday night, the Arnold Sports Festival have the full finals night available to watch on replay. We’ve set it to start right where the action begins for the Classic Physique finals individual posing routines and comparisons – you can check it out right here.
The Classic Physique division was introduced into NPC and IFBB pro bodybuilding as a response to fan criticism that Men’s Open bodybuilding has moved too far past the look of the Golden Era “classic physique” body types. Rather than change the natural evolution of a top division like the Men’s Open, the NPC and IFBB decided to introduce the Classic Physique division – keeping both sides of the aisle happy.
Since the introduction, the Classic Physique division has risen in popularity with many believing it will become the second most popular Men’s division in the sport. Though some are worried that the physiques of the new division will slowly grow in the wrong direction.
Currently, there have been no repeat winners at the Arnold Classic 2020 Classic Physique. George Peterson won last year in 2019 and Breon Ansley won in 2018. This just shows the extreme level of competition in this growing division – and explains the early excitement from fans – there is no guaranteed winner with a reigning champion sweeping ever year.
Day 2 of the Arnold Classic 2020 brings even more excitement in the form of Men’s Open prejudging this afternoon and the finals later tonight. In the meantime, check out the incredible posing routines and comparison showdown in the Classic Physique replay above!
