Former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan has officially begun preparations for the 2027 Arnold Classic, setting up a potential showdown with Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked.
Hadi Choopan is preparing for his return to the bodybuilding stage after visa issues prevented him from competing at the 2026 Mr. Olympia. The former Olympia champion is now targeting the 2027 Arnold Classic, scheduled for March 4-7 in Columbus, Ohio.
Choopan’s coach, Milos Sarcev, confirmed the news in an Instagram post on October 6, revealing that the Iranian bodybuilder has officially started preparing for the competition.
“@arnoldsports 2027 prep – officially started @hadi_choopan,” Sarcev wrote.
The announcement adds another major name to what is shaping up to be a loaded Men’s Open lineup. Reigning Mr. Olympia Nick Walker, former Olympia champion Samson Dauda, and defending Arnold Classic champion Andrew Jacked are also expected to compete.
For Choopan, the event represents an opportunity to return to the United States and compete against the sport’s biggest stars after a disappointing end to his 2026 Olympia campaign.
Hadi Choopan Eyes Arnold Classic Return After Missing 2026 Olympia
Choopan was among the most notable absences from the 2026 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. Despite months of preparation, visa complications prevented the former champion from traveling to the United States and taking the stage.
The setback was particularly frustrating considering Choopan had joined forces with Sarcev earlier in the year.
Following his third-place finish at the 2026 Arnold Classic behind Andrew Jacked and Nick Walker, Choopan began working with the veteran coach in hopes of bringing an improved package to the Olympia.
Sarcev had expressed confidence that the partnership could produce Choopan’s best look yet. However, those plans were derailed when the Iranian star was unable to secure the necessary travel clearance.
Choopan’s absence also left a major question unanswered. With Walker ultimately capturing his first Mr. Olympia title, fans never got to see how the new champion would stack up against one of the sport’s most consistently conditioned competitors.
Now, the 2027 Arnold Classic could provide that opportunity.
Choopan has already enjoyed considerable success at the event, winning the 2024 Arnold Classic after defeating Samson Dauda. He also captured the Mr. Olympia title in 2022, establishing himself among the elite competitors in Men’s Open bodybuilding.
2027 Arnold Classic Lineup Continues to Grow
The addition of Choopan makes the upcoming Arnold Classic even more intriguing.
Walker enters the competition following his career-defining victory at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, where he defeated Dauda to claim his first Sandow trophy.
Andrew Jacked will also be looking to defend his Arnold Classic title after winning the 2026 competition and collecting a massive $750,000 first-place prize.
Meanwhile, Dauda will have another opportunity to challenge Walker after their memorable Olympia showdown.
The anticipated field includes:
- Nick Walker, 2026 Mr. Olympia champion
- Andrew Jacked, 2026 Arnold Classic champion
- Samson Dauda, former Mr. Olympia champion
- Hadi Choopan, 2022 Mr. Olympia and 2024 Arnold Classic champion
One of the biggest storylines will be the battle between Walker and Choopan, two competitors known for bringing exceptional conditioning and muscular detail to the stage.
Choopan has previously demonstrated his ability to defeat some of the biggest names in the sport, including Walker, Dauda, and Derek Lunsford.
However, Walker’s recent Olympia victory has elevated expectations for the American bodybuilder, making a potential matchup with Choopan one of the most anticipated battles of the 2027 season.
For now, Choopan’s preparations are underway, although his ability to travel to the United States will remain an important factor following the visa problems that sidelined him from the Olympia.
If he makes it to Columbus, the 2027 Arnold Classic could feature one of the strongest Men’s Open lineups in recent memory.
Featured image embed via Instagram @hadi_choopan
