Shawn Ray, Bob Cicherillo Break Down 2025 Arnold Classic and the ‘Make-It-or-Break-It’ Contenders
There are less than two weeks to go until the 2025 Arnold Classic and the stakes are sky-high with $500,000 up for grabs. Industry experts Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo are previewing the massive event, scheduled for February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
“We have Samson, Derek, Andrew Jacked, Curry, Bonac, and Clarida in some order. It doesn’t get funky until you get to about six, seven, eight, then there’s a few names that can make it or break it in there,” shared Cicherillo.
[RELATED: Derek Lunsford’s Quad Workout 5 Weeks From the 2025 Arnold Classic]
Samson Dauda previously won the Arnold Classic in 2023 but was unable to mount a successful title defense when he fell short of Hadi Choopan last season. Months later, he exacted revenge against ‘The Persian Wolf,’ becoming the 19th athlete to hold Mr. Olympia gold.
Dauda stands tall as the favorite heading into this prestigious event. However, to become a two-time AC titleholder, he’ll have to get through Derek Lunsford, who possesses one of the most defined backs in the IFBB Pro League. In addition, three-time Texas Pro champion Andrew Jacked has plans to spoil the party with his all-time best look.
“It’s Samson’s show to lose. Andrew Jacked has a lot to prove if he’s going to do anything. He’s got to do it now against Derek and put Derek in third,” states Ray.
Shawn Ray, Bob Cicherillo AssessThe 2025 Arnold Classic Lineup, Will There Be Any Surprises?
In a recent episode of ‘The Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast,’ Ray and Cicherillo discussed what lies ahead for the top contenders heading to Columbus. Ray asserts that former two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida could pull off some big upsets en route to claiming a top-four position.
“I want to see Shaun Clarida battling it out for a top-four spot. I think he can do that,” Ray explained. “I don’t say that lightly but if I’m Shaun Clarida, I’m licking my chops.”
“He has an opportunity right now to take out two former champions and fight it out in there with Andrew Jacked, along with Derek. I think that would be huge for Shaun. He’s carrying the flag for the little guys.”
Ray also believes this contest will be a ‘make-it-or-break-it’ moment for William Bonac and Brandon Curry – two contenders who have won this show in the past.
“We’re going to find out whether this is the swan song for Bonac and Brandon Curry. This is make-it-or-break-it for both of those guys… They are aging out, and I say that respectfully. They both won the Arnold Classic. I think William Bonac won it twice if I’m not mistaken.”
A Closer Look at Andrew Jacked vs Derek Lunsford
According to Ray, Jacked could easily find himself ahead of Lunsford, although he shared reservations about the Arnold Classic lighting.
“100 percent [Jacked can beat Lunsford]. I don’t think the lighting in Columbus is anywhere close to the lighting in Texas. That’s not going to favor Andrew, he’s darker-skinned. But I think it won’t favor any of the guys.”
If judges choose to compare the taller competitors alongside each other, Ray implied that Lunsford could drop placings, just as he did on the Olympia stage.
“He’s impressive [Andrew Jacked]. I don’t take him lightly. We know that Derek is a former Olympia winner but Derek — he has a lot to prove here... If Andrew gets a snippet of Derek and winds up standing next to Samson as the last two guys standing…Derek is going to have a long road to the Olympia.”
With Lunsford now guided by bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto, many believe he could showcase undeniable improvements on stage. Dauda is also reaching uncharted territory with a dominant combination of size and condition. The stakes have never been higher, and Ray and Cicherillo are bracing for a showdown worthy of the sport’s biggest names.
“I think it’s going to be tough for all of them,” Ray emphasizes.
Photo Credit: YouTube: Voice of Bodybuilding Instagram @gilcoproductions
