The reigning 2023 Mr. Olympia shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2024 Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Show.
Reigning Mr. Olympia champion, Derek Lunsford will not take the stage during the 2024 Arnold Classic taking place March 1-3, 2024 in Columbus, OH but recently shared his thoughts on how the Men’s Open division might play out. During a recent Instagram live, Lunsford shared his top three predictions for Columbus.
Lunsford pulled off an incredible victory during the 2021 Olympia when he defeated Shaun Clarida for the Men’s 212 title. Following the show, he put on an incredible amount of muscle and showed it off as a guest poser during the Pittsburgh Pro. It was clear that he would be unable to get back down to compete in 212 but that was the plan all along.
Lunsford received a special invitation for the 2022 Olympia and finished as the runner-up to Hadi Choopan in Men’s Open. This year, he turned in his second finish in the top two but jumped Choopan to win the title. He became the first competitor to win an Olympia title in two separate divisions.
Lunsford is familiar with many competitors in the loaded 2024 Arnold Classic lineup and has his own thoughts on how the event will play out.
Derek Lunsford Shares Arnold Classic Top Three
Derek Lunsford answered the question during a live on social media and led off with the two competitors who he defeated at the Olympia.
“Hadi, Samson, Rafael. Top three. Let’s go.”
- First Place – Hadi Choopan
- Second Place – Samson Dauda
- Third Place – Rafael Brandao
Many predictions are being made and the combination of Choopan and Dauda at the top is consistent. The battle for third place is one that has become interesting and Lunsford believes Brandao will emerge.
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Over the last month, there have been bodybuilders dropping out of the Arnold Classic due to issues with their visas. It began with Andrew Jacked withdrawing followed by Rubiel Mosquera. There were some concerns about Choopan being able to make it but those have been put to rest as he was in Texas on Sunday with his coach, Hany Rambod.
Samson Dauda is the reigning Arnold Classic champion, having defeated Nick Walker in 2023. He will look to make it two in a row and will have to do it against a loaded lineup.
Derek Lunsford will be a fan of the sport come the Arnold Classic but he will still focus on what needs to be done to retain his own title during the 2024 Olympia.
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