• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
News

Steve Kuclo Reacts to Third Place at the Arnold Classic: “I Felt I Was Either Going To Be 1 or 2”

by Jonathan Salmon Published on Sep 30, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Steve Kuclo gives his insights on coming in third place at the 2021 Arnold Classic.

Well it appears that Steve Kuclo was a bit taken aback by his third place showing at the Arnold Classic. One of the top bodybuilders in the world, Kuclo impressed at the show.

With a well muscled, well conditioned physique, Steve Kuclo cut a rather impressive figure on stage. He looked like he was carved out of granite. Despite that fact, Kuclo was unable to topple both Nick Walker and Iain Valliere who took first and second respectfully.

2021 Arnold Classic Prejudging complete… amazing top 5 callouts with @nick_walker39 & I battling it out for 1 & 2.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Steve Kuclo (@stevekuclo)

Steve Kuclo was no doubt a truly impressive competitor that night. In fact it wouldn’t be surprising if there were those who thought he deserved to win the whole show. But it appears that the one most surprised by his third place showing is Kuclo himself.

Kuclo Reacts

Taking to Instagram to share his feelings on his performance, Steve Kuclo revealed that he thought he deserved to take first or second place at the show. See his full reaction below.

2021 Arnold Classic – 3rd place

It’s always an honor to take the stage at the @arnoldsports with the best in the world to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in bodybuilding.

First I want to congratulate @nick_walker39 for showing up and making everyone a believer. Nick is an absolute freak and it was an honor to battle it out for the title.

Getting 3rd place was a shock as after prejudging I felt I was either going to be 1 or 2… but I tip my hat to Nick & Ian. This is a huge year for both of them!

The rest of the field @akim_bkbeast_williams @sergioolivajr @justindifbb all brought stellar packages that could win any show.

I want to thank my family and all the fans who supported me at this show and have over the last 15+ years competing.

We will come back with a vengeance and continue to do the work and fight to the top!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Steve Kuclo (@stevekuclo)

While he may have expected to do better, Steve Kuclo appears to be taking the whole thing well. After all, coming in third place out of all those talented competitors shows that Kuclo has plenty left in the tank. With some fine tuning it’s possible that he could easily win and major show and qualify for the 2022 Olympia.

What did you think of Steve Kuclo and his performance at the 2021 Arnold Classic?

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

About Jonathan Salmon

Managing editor of Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. He has been writing about bodybuilding, combat sports, and strength sports for over 8 years. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility