Check out the full viewing guide and schedule for the event!
The 2026 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic has become one of the headliners during the Arnold Sports Festival weekend. The legendary bodybuilder has built a festival that features one of the top bodybuilding shows of the year, along with strongman, powerlifting, weightlifting, and dozens of other strength and fitness sports under one roof.
If you plan on watching the Strongman & Strongwomen battle it out over the course of the weekend, we are going to share everything you need to know — including dates, scheduling information, streaming options, and tips for catching all the action live.
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What is the Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic?
The Arnold Strongman Classic was established in 2022 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Jim Lorimer and Terry Todd. It takes place annually in Columbus, OH and has turned into one of the biggest competitions of the year. The event has been won by nine different athletes, led by eight victories from Zydrunas Savickas. Mark Henry won the inaugural competition in 2002. The Arnold Strongwoman Classic was added in 2017.
2026 Arnold Sports Festival Dates
The 2026 Arnold Sports Festival is scheduled for March 5-8, 2026 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH.
The Strongman & Strongwoman Classic will begin on Friday, March 6 with the preliminary rounds before the finals on Saturday, March 7.
How to Watch the 2026 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic Online
If you cannot make it out to the festival in-person, Arnold Sports has you covered with plenty of coverage over the course of the weekend.
The Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic will be streamed live and for free on Rogue Fitness’ official website and YouTube channel.
2026 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic Schedule (Eastern Time)
The full schedule for the event has been shared:
Friday, March 6
- 11:05am: Strongwoman Rogue Elephant Bar Deadlift
- 12:30pm: Strongman Rogue Elephant Bar Deadlift
- 2:05pm: Strongwoman Monster Dumbbell Challenge
- 2:45pm: Strongman Cyr Bell Challenge
- 3:30pm: Strongwoman Stone to Shoulder
- 4:10pm: Strongman Stone to Shoulder
Saturday, March 7
- 11:00am: Strongwoman The Stone Drag
- 11:55am: Strongman The Stone Drag
- 12:50pm: Strongwoman American Oak
- 1:30pm: Strongman Austrian Oak
- 2:25pm: Strongwoman Ramp Rage
- 3:15pm: Strongman Ramp Rage
Strongman Lineup
- Austin Andrade
- Andrew Burton
- Tom Evans
- Lucas Hatton
- Mitchell Hooper
- Bryce Johnson
- Martins Licis
- Trey Mitchell
- Nick Guardione
Strongwoman Lineup
- Katie Blunden
- Inez Carrasquillo
- Angelica Jardine
- Olga Liashchuk
- Hannah Linzay
- Jennifer Lyle
- Jackie Osczevski
- Melissa Peacock
- Andrea Thompson
- Lucy Underwood
Attending the 2026 Arnold Classic in Person
If you prefer the live experience, tickets are available directly through the Arnold Sports Festival website.
Ticket options typically include:
- Expo-only passes
- Single-session bodybuilding tickets
- Full weekend passes
- VIP packages
The Greater Columbus Convention Center hosts the expo floor, while major finals events may take place in a connected arena space depending on the division.
Buying early is recommended, as Saturday night finals often sell out.
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
1. Know the Difference Between Prejudging and Finals
Prejudging is where most scoring happens. If you are serious about bodybuilding, watching prejudging gives you insight into how judges are evaluating conditioning, symmetry, and comparisons.
Finals include routines, confirmation rounds, and award presentations.
2. Plan Around Men’s Open Times
The Arnold Classic Men’s Open is the main attraction. If you only plan to watch one segment, make it:
- Friday night prejudging
- Saturday night finals
3. Account for Time Zones
All times are Eastern Time (ET). If you are watching from the West Coast or internationally, adjust accordingly.as one of the most important competitions of the season.
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