Samson Dauda confirms that he will compete in the 2025 Arnold Classic for the $500,000 prize
Samson Dauda, the newly crowned 2024 Mr. Olympia, is proving he’s not content with just sitting atop the bodybuilding world. Fresh off his decisive victory at the 2024 Mr. Olympia on October 12, Dauda has already set his sights on his next challenge: the prestigious Arnold Classic, where he’ll be competing for a $500,000 prize in the Men’s Open division.
While many newly minted Mr. Olympia champions take a step back after their win, focusing on an extended off-season to prepare for the next year’s competition, Samson Dauda has different plans. The bodybuilding community is buzzing about his decision to keep competing, marking a departure from the more cautious approach favored by many champions.
Staying Active: Dauda’s Bold Strategy
“I’m not going to be a one-show guy,” Dauda asserted just a day after securing the Mr. Olympia title. “I’m never going to disappear the whole year … as for the Arnold Classic, you’d best believe I’m going to be on that stage.”
His commitment to remaining active throughout the year is a significant shift from the typical strategy seen among past Mr. Olympia winners. The victory at the Olympia not only comes with a $600,000 prize and the iconic Sandow trophy but also a significant advantage—winners are automatically qualified for the next year’s competition. This has led many to take a more relaxed approach to competition schedules, focusing solely on defending their title at the next Olympia.
However, Dauda’s refusal to take a back seat is a refreshing contrast to the norm, a stance that has already energized fans and sparked excitement in the bodybuilding scene.
Breaking the Mold: Dauda vs. Tradition
Most champions, including Samson Dauda’s predecessor Derek Lunsford, use their Olympia win as a ticket to a longer off-season, which helps them recover from the grueling contest prep cycle. This approach has been successfully adopted by notable figures like Chris Bumstead, the six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. Since 2019, Bumstead competed exclusively at the Olympia, using the extra time to refine his physique and dominate his division year after year.
Derek Lunsford, who took the Mr. Olympia title in 2023, opted not to compete in other shows following his win. This allowed him to focus entirely on the Olympia, but he ultimately lost the title to Dauda in 2024, which brought his strategy into question. The path of competing only once a year might work for some, but it’s not a guaranteed advantage, as Lunsford’s experience illustrates.
Samson Dauda, on the other hand, aims to maintain a consistent presence on the stage, reminiscent of past legends like Ronnie Coleman, who competed multiple times in a single year during his reign as an eight-time Mr. Olympia. Coleman even made a memorable appearance at the Arnold Classic in 2001, just months after securing his 2000 Olympia victory. Dauda’s decision to follow a similar path could inject new life into the competitive landscape.
A Welcome Boost for Bodybuilding Fans
Samson Dauda’s eagerness to stay in the game is a bright spot for fans, especially given the recent wave of retirements and unexpected withdrawals that have reshaped the competitive scene. In the lead-up to the 2024 Olympia, the sport saw several high-profile exits:
- Nick Walker, a crowd favorite, withdrew from the Olympia for the second year in a row, leaving fans disappointed.
- Cydney Gillon, an eight-time Figure Olympia champion, announced her retirement, closing a dominant chapter in the sport.
- Erin Banks, the 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia winner, also seems to have stepped away from the stage.
- Chris Bumstead, arguably one of the most recognizable faces in bodybuilding, revealed that the 2024 Olympia would be his last competitive showing.
Against this backdrop, Samson Dauda’s decision to compete in the 2024 Arnold Classic brings a sense of continuity and excitement for fans who are eager to see more of him. His commitment to the stage helps fill the void left by departing stars and ensures that the spotlight remains on the sport’s premier events.
Chasing History: The Arnold-Olympia Double
For Samson Dauda, the decision to take part in the Arnold Classic is about more than just maintaining visibility—it’s about building a legacy. He’s looking to keep the Arnold Classic title “in the family,” after winning the event in 2023 before finishing third at that year’s Olympia. Hadi Choopan reclaimed the Arnold Classic title in 2024, but Dauda’s resurgence at the Olympia and subsequent commitment to the Arnold Classic make for a compelling storyline heading into the next competition season.
The double victory—winning both the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic—is a rare feat in the bodybuilding world, but it’s not unprecedented. If successful, Dauda would join an elite club of bodybuilders who managed to dominate both stages within a single competitive year.
During the post-Olympia press conference, Dauda also welcomed his fellow Olympia competitors to step onto the Arnold Classic stage for a rematch. When asked specifically about how he can now say he’s beaten Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, he “welcome them guys to jump in with me and come meet me at the Arnold stage and let’s do this again.”
What This Means for Dauda’s Rivals
Samson Dauda’s announcement has put pressure on his competitors, many of whom might have expected him to focus exclusively on his Olympia defense. By choosing to remain active throughout the year, Dauda is sending a clear message: he’s not resting on his laurels. This move could force other top competitors to rethink their own strategies, potentially making the upcoming Arnold Classic one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
With the lure of a $500,000 prize at the Arnold Classic and Dauda’s drive to make history, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in 2024. Fans can expect to see Dauda’s signature blend of mass, symmetry, and charisma as he aims to maintain his dominance on the bodybuilding circuit.
Wrap Up
Samson Dauda’s decision to compete at the Arnold Classic after winning the Mr. Olympia is a breath of fresh air for bodybuilding enthusiasts. His commitment to competing year-round, rather than taking a backseat, is a bold move that not only challenges the norm but also keeps fans engaged and excited for the future. With the 2024 Arnold Classic approaching, all eyes are on Dauda to see if he can continue his winning ways and secure yet another major title.
You can also watch a highlight reel of the all-winners post-Olympia press conference below:
